Starfinder: Afterlight Q&A – Exploring the Challenges of cRPGs Post-Baldur’s Gate 3

Exploring Starfinder: Afterlight with Epictellers Entertainment

Emerging from the vibrant gaming scene of Barcelona, the independent studio Epictellers Entertainment has caught the industry’s attention with their upcoming cRPG, Starfinder: Afterlight. Adapted from Paizo’s renowned science fantasy tabletop franchise, this game has swiftly garnered interest on Kickstarter, meeting its funding goal within days. With €530K raised and multiple stretch goals unlocked, the campaign has 16 days left to gain further support.

Meet the Minds Behind Starfinder: Afterlight

Intrigued by this project, I had the pleasure of interviewing co-founders Ricard Pillosu and Albert Jane Goset to delve deeper into their vision and the Kickstarter campaign.

About Epictellers Entertainment

Ricard Pillosu: Albert and I established the studio in 2023, drawing experience from AAA companies. Our aim is to carve out a unique niche in the cRPG genre, which we believe has not received adequate attention despite the success of titles like Baldur’s Gate 3. Operating independently without a publisher, we are excited to explore our creative vision.

Transition from AAA to Indie Development

When questioned about their experience with cRPGs, Ricard mentioned that while they haven’t developed this genre before, their passion for tabletop RPGs and years of work in large studios equipped them with the necessary skills. They yearn to create a game that resonates with their love for narrative-driven, character-centric gameplay.

Impact of Recent Industry Milestones

Addressing the industry’s reception post-Baldur’s Gate 3, Ricard noted that while expectations for quality have risen, it has simultaneously ignited interest in the cRPG genre as a whole. Their aim is to deliver quality on par with established games in the AA category, like Owlcat’s Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader. He sees value in a big title like Baldur’s Gate 3 driving attention towards other cRPGs.

Building a Community

Albert Jane Goset: Surprisingly, we launched our Discord alongside the Kickstarter campaign. Our initial announcement at GenCon, coinciding with Paizo’s release of the second edition of Starfinder, catalyzed interest among potential backers. Subsequently, we utilized various platforms, including interviews with major publications, to build momentum for our funding effort.

Kicking Off the Kickstarter Journey

Regarding feelings of apprehension before launching their Kickstarter, Albert confessed that such nerves are typical for any developer. However, they viewed Kickstarter as a crucial means to foster community engagement and enhance their game through additional features like voice acting.

Partnership with Paizo

Ricard Pillosu: We always sought an IP that felt fresh and distinctive, leading us to Paizo. Our initial interaction was positive, and they were open to collaboration. Choosing to work on Starfinder was exhilarating, and with its second edition launch aligning with our project, everything fell into place.

Science Fantasy: An Underserved Genre?

While most cRPGs lean towards fantasy narratives, Ricard believes that Starfinder’s combination of magic and space exploration offers a unique twist, appealing to both fantasy and sci-fi enthusiasts.

Comedy in Game Design

Starfinder: Afterlight aims to strike a balance between epic adventure and humor, a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. Ricard likens its comedic elements to those found in Guardians of the Galaxy, ensuring it maintains an entertaining, adventurous spirit.

Branching Narratives and Player Choice

Regarding the game’s narrative structure, Ricard emphasized their commitment to establishing meaningful choices within the player experience. With a variety of pathways and character interactions, they are focused on crafting personalized journeys for each player.

Content and Playtime Expectations

Starfinder: Afterlight is estimated to offer a 40-60 hour campaign, though options for exploration and character development may expand this significantly. Players can expect to navigate a world filled with rich content and diverse quests.

Environmental Interactions

While they may not match the sheer variety of Divinity Original Sin 2, the game will feature numerous interactive mechanics and tactical elements essential for a science fantasy setting.

Modding Capabilities: Towards a Flexible Future

Ricard expressed hopes for robust modding tools post-launch. By using Godot for development, they aim to facilitate community-driven expansions and content creation, allowing players to shape their gaming experiences.

Romance Mechanics in Starfinder

Romance options will be included as optional content, contributing depth to character relationships based on player choices throughout their journey. Ricard emphasized creating complex and diverse romantic interactions to enhance emotional engagement.

The Role of AI in Game Development

Ricard expressed skepticism towards AI in creative endeavors, insisting that the fun of game development lies in human imagination and creativity rather than automated processes.

Final Thoughts on Stretch Goals

Albert Jane Goset: We have set a limit on our stretch goals to avoid project bloating, ensuring that additional features enhance rather than detract from the core experience. We aim to deliver a complete experience at launch, with future updates expanding upon the game.

As Starfinder: Afterlight’s development unfolds, the commitment from Epictellers Entertainment to maintain a clear vision stands out, making it an exciting title to watch in the cRPG landscape.

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