Overview
- Drew Karpyshyn, narrative director and former Mass Effect writer, says romances must be earned and can be affected or closed off by player choices and companion dynamics.
- Side quests are being built to connect with core themes and companions so players pursue them for narrative interest rather than just rewards.
- The studio highlights a 'time dilation' mechanic intended to unlock new possibilities for story and relationships.
- Archetype says it is managing scope to avoid bloat, noting it cannot add everything without risking a game that runs for 'thousands of hours.'
- Developers cite intense pressure from a clear appetite for large RPGs, with release timing currently reported for 2027.