For years, BioWare was synonymous with rich, story-driven role-playing games (RPGs). However, recent criticisms and shifting industry dynamics have seen the studio struggle to maintain its once-unassailable position in the gaming world. The decline in BioWare's influence opens the field to a new wave of developers eager to capture the hearts of RPG fans. A few studios, in particular, are emerging as standard-bearers for this beloved genre.
Larian Studios
Larian Studios, makers of the critically acclaimed Baldur's Gate 3, have shown a keen understanding of what makes RPGs engaging. The studio's catalog, featuring the Divinity: Original Sin series, reveals their commitment to deep storytelling, strategic gameplay, and player agency. In their quest to create innovative RPGs, they are free from the constraints of publishers or external intellectual property holders. This autonomy allows them to take creative risks and maintain a focus on narrative depth and complex characters. Larian's head, Swen Vincke, confirmed that the studio is currently developing two unannounced projects, which are not sequels to Baldur's Gate 3, promising a fresh and exciting future for the studio.
Obsidian Entertainment
Obsidian Entertainment continues to flourish under the auspices of a larger publisher, crafting RPGs that blend narrative complexity and character development. The Outer Worlds 2 is next on their agenda, but beyond that, titles like Avowed, which some describe as akin to Skyrim, reflect their knack for creating immersive worlds. Obsidian's internal culture encourages the promotion of writers into key narrative roles, demonstrating a firm commitment to storytelling. However, with the departure of Avowed's game director, the studio's ability to navigate such changes will be tested.
Owlcat Games
The transformation of Owlcat Games from a studio known for top-down party RPGs into one tackling a cinematic sci-fi RPG with The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is noteworthy. Known for their attention to setting and character interaction, Owlcat is ambitious in its attempt to blend complex narratives with action gameplay. The decision to focus on companion relationships that grow and change over time echoes a trademark feature of BioWare's classic titles. With a backdrop rich in political intrigue, The Expanse offers Owlcat ample opportunity to shine.
Harebrained
Since leaving Paradox Interactive and rebranding itself, Harebrained has embarked on its new project Graft, an isometric body-horror RPG. The game is set on a space station, where players must scavenge parts to rebuild their characters, forming fragile alliances and navigating companion relationships. These elements are familiar to fans of BioWare's narrative-first approach, and they illustrate Harebrained's intention to expand on established conventions of storytelling and party dynamics.
Meanwhile, studios such as CD Projekt Red, Warhorse Studios, Spiders, Tactical Adventures, and InXile offer meaningful contributions to the RPG landscape but veer away from BioWare’s tradition of party and story-first designs. Despite their individual strengths, they are not currently considered heirs to BioWare’s specific legacy. As BioWare's once-dominant style becomes less central, these studios' willingness to adopt and evolve its principles keeps the tradition alive for another gaming generation.
Update: 18 Sep 2025
