Classic RPGs have never truly disappeared, but the success of Baldur’s Gate 3 has sparked renewed interest in old-school, fantasy-themed role-playing games. Against this backdrop, Ossian Studios has announced Pathfinder: The Dragon’s Demand, a turn-based RPG adaptation based on the second edition of Pathfinder. Targeted for release in 2025, this game aims to carve out its niche in the crowded market. While it doesn’t aspire to match the grand ambitions of Larian’s epic, the developers openly admit to borrowing inspiration, noting that “not everyone has 100 hours to invest in a game.”

Alan Miranda, founder of Ossian Studios, explained in an interview with PC Gamer that shorter RPGs are designed to cater to adult gamers who often lack the time for lengthy adventures. “For some players, a 20- or 30-hour RPG is much more appealing,” Miranda explained, emphasizing the studio’s goal of delivering a memorable experience without overwhelming players with time demands.

Pathfinder: The Dragon’s Demand Introduces a Level Cap

In line with this philosophy, Pathfinder: The Dragon’s Demand will adopt a level cap similar to that seen in Baldur’s Gate 3. While the latter’s campaign mode can take over 60 hours to complete, according to How Long to Beat, Ossian aims to balance depth and simplicity by capping the maximum level. Luke Scull, the lead designer, highlighted that Baldur’s Gate 3 demonstrated how limiting character levels can still result in a rich gaming experience. This approach will be central to the new Pathfinder RPG, which prioritizes streamlined progression while maintaining strategic depth.

The modular structure of the project also reflects the limitations and strengths of the indie development team. Unlike larger studios like Owlcat, which often build expansive campaigns by combining multiple modules, Ossian is focusing on a single, smaller module to ensure the game is both manageable and meets their quality standards. This decision enables the studio to maximize its resources effectively.

Though Pathfinder: The Dragon’s Demand does not yet have a release date, enthusiasm for the project is clear. Its Kickstarter campaign successfully hit its funding goal in late October, solidifying community trust in the studio. With its focus on accessibility and a balanced length, Ossian Studios aims to attract both veteran and new players seeking a focused and approachable RPG experience.

Source: 3djuegose