Can Xbox Game Studios replace Bethesda and Bioware as the RPG kings?

Who'd have thought that one day, Microsoft might be a leading RPG mega-publisher?

[ziggurcat]

BioWare, and Bethesda aren't nearly as good as they used to be, so there's a good chance they would.

[mikeslemonade]

They already are. Outerworlds is better than Mass Effect and Fallout.

[Atticus_finch]

That's not saying very much though...

[LordoftheCritics]

Definitely not better than Mass Effect. No rpg is.

[SyntheticForm]

I don't think it's necessarily better than Fallout 3.

I think Obsidian has a real shot at becoming the 'true' Fallout developer and Microsoft the true publisher by making better Fallout type games.

It could happen - we'll have to see. Hopefully Microsoft supports the hell out of Obsidian, and doesn't encourage monetization in their games. If Microsoft just backs them and lets them do their thing, Obsidian can do great things.

[mikeslemonade]

@ atticus those games are top 5 in the wrpg genre. How is that not saying much.

Mass Effecf 2 is overrated and then the series became a shooter.

[titans9999]

Dude, Outerworlds is no way better than Fallout!

[LOGICWINS]

"Definitely not better than Mass Effect. No rpg is."

🤔

[KyRo]

Fallout is single handily the most overrated game series of all time. The concept is great but the gameplay, the animations, the graphics, the glitches, the performance on console was non excusable even last generation. The two Fallout games of this gen were bad as well. Its just a shame it took up until this generation to open their eyes.

[mikeslemonade]

Agreed Fallout 3 is one of the most overrated games ever. A bunch of repetitive missions in a generic sandbox world. With mediocre graphics.

[Atticus_finch]

@Mike Because those 2 developers are at their lowest point they've ever been. Almost any RPG is going to be better than Fallout76 or ME Andromeda.

[mikeslemonade]

Yea but I’m implying Outerworlds is better than prime Mass Effect and Fallout.

[tontontam0]

"Definitely not better than Mass Effect. No rpg is."

I know people hates bioware and bethesda now, but saying that the outerworlds is better than the first 3 mass effect and skyrim or even fallout 3 is pure fanboyism.

[OneLove]

Ya it Is better than fallout and mass effect, but not skyrim.

[rainslacker]

I never realized they obtained king like status. Maybe knight status. Bioware maybe more than Bethesda, but they've been on the down slope.

And maybe XGS can replace them, but I doubt it. MS is going to be more service oriented going forward, and chances are, their game designs are going to center around such things. Obsidian is a good studio. Obviously Outer Worlds is doing well. But, while a solid studio, they aren't on the same level as what Bioware was once capable of, nor are they anywhere close to the level of recognition that Bethesda has achieved with their RPG's.

[SyntheticForm]

Lol @ your metrics. Knights?

If you're not aware of the adoration for Bethesda's pre-Fallout 4 games, I honestly don't know where you've been all these years.

[rainslacker]

I'm aware of what bethesda has released through the years. Their competition pre-fallout was generally always better than they were.

I only use Knights, because the author gave them royalty status through some divine providence which hasn't existed in years.

[Atom666]

I think the point of the article is to highlight that all of those RPGs will be under one umbrella - not that any of these seperate studios top Bethesda/Bioware on their own.

If you had told me two years ago that MS had a chance to be one of the most prolific rpg publishers next gen, I'd have laughed at you.

Just in defense of Obsidian, they not only made the best modern Fallout, they also now have a Fallout-killer under their belts. Still the best comedic game in Stick of Truth, too (one of the best licensed games as well)

As the article mentions, games like PoE, Wasteland, and Bards Tale are perfect for game pass. Not sure where the "services" concern comes from all the time. If anything, you'd think people would say that about Bethesda.

The typical inxile and Obsidian game will likely never get the mass appeal of a blockbuster, but they're very well situated to grow their niche by lowering the cost of entry through gp. If MS was interested in just pumping out GaaS, they probably should not have bought studios that never made GaaS games...

Also they mention Playground, which I suppose has potential to deliver that big-budget RPG.

I'm excited for the diversity we can see developing and the emphasis on RPGs especially from MS here. They still need a couple of those heavy-narrative 3rd person action games. As it is, I can't complain about their known focuses so far.

[Fist4achin]

The irony is xbox made moves to broaden themselves by making all these recent developer acquisitions. They are definitely putting more attention on genres different from their usual money makers which were online MP games. To hail them as king of rpgs is strange because their track record hasnt been established and it is way too early to tell. Not only that, there are so many subgenres in rpgs, i.e. arpgs, turn based, stategy rpgs, rts rpgs,...

Not even knight status for me. Maybe squire to hopefully move up the ranks.

[Obscure_Observer]

@rainslacker

"MS is going to be more service oriented going forward, and chances are, their game designs are going to center around such things."

I like you to be more specific on what you´re talking about, like; how exactly you know that Age of Empires, Flight Simulator 2020, The Insight Project, The New RPG from Playground, The new IP from The Initiative, The new RPG/IP (already in development) from Obsidian and RARE´s new IP to cite a few, is gonna be service oriented?

"Obsidian is a good studio. Obviously Outer Worlds is doing well. But, while a solid studio, they aren't on the same level as what Bioware was once capable of, nor are they anywhere close to the level of recognition that Bethesda has achieved with their RPG's."

Now they gonna have all the real AAA treatmment they deserve! They will not be restricted by time, money, resources, technology or manpower.

[rainslacker]

@Atom

That's a fair point. Taken all together, then yeah, they could be pretty high up there when it comes to RPG output.

@Fist

Yeah, I agree. They are broadening their scope, which is good and what most people say they should. I was speaking more about the immediate future, and this notion that the media has to attribute success to something that hasn't happened yet.

@Obscure

Do I need to be more specific? MS has said they want to move more towards GaaS, and that entails breaking games up into a service model. While that can work for RPG's, it tends to dilute the way they're released into something more akin to a bunch of DLC packs around a base game. Sorry, but MS hasn't proven itself yet to do something different, and i don't really care to get into a discussion about how they are definitely doing one thing or another based on assumption on both sides. MS said what they wanted, and there are only so many paths that can take. One of those paths isn't releasing games with the scope of Bioware and Bethesda(actual RPG's they're pretty good at) games, and then having DLC every once in a while. Service models require some sort of service, and it's not overly common that people stay engaged with games for the long term for the heck of it. Even with all these people saying they put in 200 hours to Skyrim, that is not the norm.

"Now they gonna have all the real AAA treatmment they deserve! They will not be restricted by time, money, resources, technology or manpower."

I hope your right. Their higher profile games are usually pretty good. Even their mid-tier, or slightly above mid-tier games are usually pretty good.

[Obscure_Observer]

@rainslacker

"Do I need to be more specific? MS has said they want to move more towards GaaS, and that entails breaking games up into a service model. While that can work for RPG's, it tends to dilute the way they're released into something more akin to a bunch of DLC packs around a base game."

Oh, come on now. Since when to release DLC around the base game has become a bad thing?

[rainslacker]

It's not a bad thing. So long as the base game is solid and what most would consider complete.

[Atom666]

I don't know, but I'm very excited for Wasteland 3, and OW has been a great surprise.

With Obsidian and inXile both hiring for new IPs, I'm certainly more interested in XGS future rpg offerings more so than Bioware. I still have hope for Bethesda, but it's waning.

[timotim]

Yes, Obsidian...yes, InXile...but also Playground...their RPG is going to have a lot of eyes on it.

[Atom666]

That worries me a bit, but I'm impressed by them. They seem very confident and eager to take that next step in their growth.

[timotim]

Worries how?

[Atom666]

A lot of pressure and scrutiny on that title. People will have a lot of expectations on a new team like that. If they're making Fable, it's even more pressure.

I think they're up for the challenge, though.

[timotim]

I see. And somewhat agree. I have complete faith in Playground. They are certainly the kings now of racers in terms of quality and depth...I think they can do the same for RPGs.

[Kashima]

RPG kings..do you mean Square enix and Atlus?

[1-pwnsause-1]

"RPG kings..do you mean Square enix and Atlus?"

i wouldnt put square in that category...THey lost that privlege a while ago, they have a lot to prove with the FFVII remake.

[Segata]

Square has not made a great FF in a while but SE puts out DQ which are still amazing and XI is one of the if not the best in the series.

[King_Noctis]

Those are JRPG bro. They are talking about western RPG in this context.

[Segata]

It just says RPGs

[Ausbo]

Western real-time combat RPGs are what we are talking about here. While persona may be great, it’s a niche title without the pedigree that studios like bioware, obsidian, and bethesda have

[Juusterey]

no
it says rpg's
not just western

[Atticus_finch]

I think he meant the RPG kings Fromsoftware.

[MadLad]

The Souls games are difficult action titles with classes. They aren't RPGs, outside of the most basic explanation of what an RPG can be.

[Atticus_finch]

I can describe any RPG in the way you just did. A bunch of words to say nothing.

[MadLad]

You can't, actually. That's literally the only statement to be made with identifying the Souls genre as an RPG.
There is virtually no player agency within the game. No way to take your player's build and affect the story or the world. Those are quite literally staples of what makes a Western rpg a Western RPG.

You entirely missed the point. Souls is no more an RPG than freaking GTA:Sanandreas. Less so, in many respects.

[Atticus_finch]

Except, you can affect the story in souls games. But I'm sure you'll find a way to say it doesn't count.
Souls games are RPGs just as much a any "Western" RPG. One being from Japan doesn't change that.

[MadLad]

JRPGs aren't what those of the West are speaking of when they say "RPG".

Your typical JRPG almost never takes into consideration character development, nor player agency, on how you interact with other characters or the world itself. When someone speaks on the likes of Obsidian, Bioware, or Bethesda, the entire game design philosophy does not go hand-in-hand with that of the companies you mentioned. JRPGs are not Western RPGs.

[Christopher]

Neither of those have been RPG kings in a while. If XGS via Obsidian and inXile join the likes of CDPR, From Software, Level-5, I would be ecstatic. I've already been a huge fan of both teams and can't wait to see what they do next generation with more funding/support.

[Akira2020]

Right now, a calculator can beat Bethesda and Bioware as king.

[1-pwnsause-1]

They can...... They have a studio that can make some great experiences....thats why they better not blow it...give them the creative freedom. Hell, maybe give them the keys to make a new fable game too, that would be very interesting

[PhoenixUp]

Since when were Bethesda and Bioware kings of the genre? They made some great RPGs, but they weren’t the undisputed champions of the genre

[rainslacker]

Maybe bioware with Mass Effect and Dragon Age. They were pinnacles of the WRPG genre for a while, although I found them to be lacking in a lot of RPG elements as the series went on. Bethesda...Elder Scrolls maybe if you look at it historically, but Oblivion and after had no player agency. It's not really playing a role if the player has no place in the story. Just a bunch of RPG elements thrown in for game play purposes. Fallout was never a good RPG, more a adventure shooter with some RPG mechanics.

[King_Noctis]

The Elder Scroll says hello.

Although that was a long while back.

[King_Noctis]

@Gahl

I can’t catch what you are saying. Are you saying that The Elder Scroll is not an rpg series?

[Thundercat77]

Non of them are "Kings".

[xX-oldboy-Xx]

Now we have mega publisher - gotta love ms and their hyperbolic terminology. Give it a rest you pack of morons.

[Poopmist]

You mean Larian and CD Project Red right? Bioware was only king like a decade ago

[Fluxour]

Does CD Projekt just not exist anymore or something?

[TheColbertinator]

Unusual to see people ignoring them with their next mega launch of Cyberpunk 2077.

[MadLad]

I think it's mostly because they hit the mark with Witcher 2 and 3; that being only of not even a decade and of one series.
They are definitely kings of the genre, alongside Larian and Obsidian, but they still need to prove they aren't just the guys who made good Witcher games.

[OneLove]

Only thing they have put out that became mainstream is the witcher. Cant call them kings of any genre yet.

[CaptainObvious878]

That would require MS to have a genuine passion for the industry, so no.

[King_Noctis]

So why did they purchase Obsidian again?

[Atticus_finch]

Same reason EA buys studios, I assume.

[King_Noctis]

Has EA bought any new studios recently? Am I missing something?

[Father__Merrin]

obsidian has all of a sudden recieved god status purely because they have been bought by microsoft

[SyntheticForm]

Oh yeah, PURELY.

It has nothing at all to do with the fact that The Outer Worlds is well received and being enjoyed by many. Also, where's this "god status" you speak of? Nobody has said Obsidian were gods, much less because they've been bought by Microsoft.

The question is, can Obsidian nudge out Bethesda as the better developer of Fallout type games? Where you're getting this "god" nonsense I don't know.

[Atticus_finch]

Yea pretty much.

[NeoGamer232]

I disagree. I have like Obsidian long before MS bought them. Really since Fallout New Vegas, South Park Stick of Truth, Dungeon Seige III, and now Outer Worlds.

I don't think it makes them kings, but they are for sure a major RPG player. And they have been independently funded to build for other people until now.

[Ausbo]

Obsidian, inExile and playground games rebooting fable with incredible talent. I’d say they are in better shape than bethesda and BioWare

[FanboysKiller]

Dragon age isn't dead yet , Bethesda is a big publisher ,criticizing one franchise like fallout won't affect the whole company and there is still a chance for the next fallout to redeem all the previous issues with 76.

[Juusterey]

Dragon age is with Bioware
it's dead, or worse

[KwietStorm_BLM]

You don't infinitely hold onto the title of king just because you made some good games at some point in your portfolio. Bethesda has been pissing in their bed without caring to clean it up for years, and what even is Bioware anymore?

[Chopstickjoystiq]

Xbox Game Studios has ONE hit RPG and this is the article we get? We need to see consistency before we say dumb stuff like this.

[timotim]

I dont care about labels..."RPG Kings" means nothing to me. What I know is that Microsoft has some of the best RPG talent in the industry right now that bring some pretty big IPs with them with them along with having some pretty big ones of their own...they have the ability to do some great things in the future and hope that Microsoft supports them and the studios are passionate about what they work on.

[rob-GP]

"Who'd have thought that one day, Microsoft might be a leading RPG mega-publisher?" - Private Division is the publisher. All MS did was swoop in and buy the developers when they were pretty much feature-complete with the game and just fixing the bugs and implementing final touches.

Oh wait, Windows Central... That's why it's worded like that...

[MadLad]

Damn it.

Devs like Obsidian, Larian, and even tiny studios like Spiders, and InXile have been making better RPGs than said companies for a while now.

Where the hell have you been?

[Prince-Ali]

im sooo confused!! Does CD Project Red make office supplies nowadays or something!?

[sprinterboy]

Wouldn't be hard, just release a polished, finished game

[Segata]

"RPG kings" They never were and no. WRPG not even that, because of CD Projekt Red. Japan has Square,Falcom,Monolith,Atlus and more that are great.

[AK91]

No but they can replace them as the king of Microtransactions

[porkChop]

In terms of Western RPGs? Yeah, they can. And that sounds crazy. But Xbox has picked up some truly incredible talent in the RPG department. Obsidian and inXile are top notch though, there's no denying that.

[Ristul]

Its a genre I hope Sony doesnt leave Microsoft to dominate, even more so now that bethesda is on a downward spiral.

[NukeDaHippies]

Well, Microsoft has yet to ACTUALLY do anything yet. First party Microsoft have not worked out in the past.

[Tedakin]

Who knows. I mean Obsidian who MS now owns put out a beloved game. Bethesda and Bioware really had a terrible year.... So who knows?!

[BenRC01]

Bioware exist in name only as do a lot of these long standing developers. People leave, start new companies or they get eaten and ruined by massive publishers.
Bioware hasn't had its key players for years, it's simply a branch of ea churning out crap with random leads in place.
Do more research before writing garbage like this.

[Inzo]

LOL! I think you forgetting about a little studio called CDPR and every other Japanese developer. Look, Outerworld is good, very good. Is it a game changer? Not even close.

[jznrpg]

Hahahhahahaha

[BrettAwesome]

Nope of those are rpg kings though

[JunMei]

Ummmm.... Square-Enix?

[Takwin]

Coming from a PlayStation, PC, and Switch guy - YES THEY CAN. I recently got XBOX Game Pass for PC for 3 years (with the $1 trick, so it's $181 for three years), and I am so impressed with the quality and quantity of games on PC Game Pass.

And The Outer Worlds is right up there with Mass Effect 1 and 2, Dragon Age 3 (which is I still think is the best of the DA series despite its flaws), and even the lauded KOTOR series.

The Outer Worlds takes me back to a time and a type of game I have adored and want more of.

[Miacosa]

No, let's not get hyperbolic.

[frostypants]

Why? Because they bought a studio that made a solid Fallout knockoff that isn't quite as good as Fallout (before being bought)?

[Juusterey]

Bethesda and Bioware haven't even been in the running as "rpg kings" in years
betheda's last one was fallout new vegas or skyrim (can't remember which)