Have questions about what the partnership between Versus Evil and Obsidian on Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is all about? Read on…..
What does this partnership mean?
This is similar to other publishing partnerships in the gaming industry: Versus Evil is taking the lead on marketing and distribution of Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, while working very closely with Obsidian’s internal development, marketing, and PR teams. Versus Evil can devote its considerable resources to expanding the reach that Deadfire can attain, while Obsidian continues to focus on making the best possible game.
Why Versus Evil?
Versus Evil is a small, dynamic, and incredibly passionate publisher that typically works with independent development teams. As such, their philosophy is grounded in transparency, support and developer ownership of how the brand is represented across all marketing and distribution channels. Obsidian’s approach and vision for Deadfire lines up perfectly with Versus Evil’s, so both sides will be working to achieve the same goals.
I donated money so Obsidian could take on this project solo, why take on a partner?
Obsidian is 100% handling the development of Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire. Versus Evil’s involvement is only in the publishing, marketing, and distribution areas. Deadfire will still reflect the unique vision and passion of Obsidian and its developers, who will work closely with Versus Evil to ensure that their game reaches the largest possible audience so that more fans can experience it.
Does Obsidian still own the IP for Pillars of Eternity?
Yes.
Will Versus Evil be handling any parts of development of Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire?
Obsidian is still fully in charge of development and will continue to be so all the way through launch and beyond.
With Versus Evil on board, is more money being given to the project?
The development of Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is still being funded internally by Obsidian and through the generous support of our crowdfunding backers. The scope hasn’t changed, with Obsidian still 100% in charge of development and every penny raised by the backers going toward development. The partnership with Versus Evil adds support and funds on the marketing and distribution side of the equation.
I’m supposed to receive a backer reward, has anything changed?
Nothing has changed on this front. If you were promised an item, whether it be digital or physical, rest assured that you will still receive it. If you have a participatory aspect to your reward (for example, if you get to name a pet), don’t forget to submit your preferences to Obsidian before the deadline. For more information on how to do this, please visit https://eternity.obsidian.net/news/pillars-of-eternity-ii-deadfire-update-25—manage-your-pledge-on-the-backer-portal.
Versus Evil will be helping with distribution of some of the physical items, so that backers get their rewards quicker.
When will Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire be released?
As communicated previously, we are expecting to launch the game early in 2018 on PC, Mac, and Linux platforms and the publishing partnership has not changed this projected launch date.
Is this the precursor to a merger between Obsidian and Versus Evil?
No, Versus Evil and Obsidian are working together on this project only. There are no plans for any larger relationship at this time.
