This is how we want to do this!

The first Pillars of Eternity was a tribute to Inifnity Engine-era cRPGs like Baldur’s Gate, Icewind Dale, and Planescape: Torment, and with good reason, because Obsidian Entertainment in no insignificant part is composed of people who worked in the industry’s legend, Black Isle Studios. Although set in a new universe and divorced from the Dungeons & Dragons rules, the influences and affection were clear.

Which makes a recent announcement by Obsidian even better. In a brilliant move Josh Sawyer’s team has secured the cast of Critical Role to provide their voices for characters in Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire.

Critical Role is long-running weekly stream, where “a bunch of nerdy ass voice actors play Dungeons & Dragons”. CR has done a lot to popularise tabletop RPGs, and its cast has impressive portfolios. It’s a perfect fit for the game owing a lot to D&D. The DM Matthew Mercer himself returns in Deadfire as the protagonist’s companions Eder and Aloth, and some other members of the cast also had minor roles in the first game.

 

Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire releases on May 8th, after being delayed a month for polishing reasons.