Baldur’s Gate 3 took the gaming world by storm in 2023, surprising many with its widespread success. While the CRPG genre has always had a dedicated following, it was not considered a mainstream staple. However, the release of Baldur’s Gate 3 by Larian Studios elevated the genre to unprecedented heights.
In the wake of this success, many expected a surge of CRPGs to flood the market, with studios eager to replicate the formula. Surprisingly, this hasn’t been the case. According to Epictellers Entertainment, a new independent studio, the complexity of creating CRPGs poses a significant challenge. Yet, this ambitious team is undeterred, having recently announced their project, Starfinder: Afterlight.
A New Challenger in the CRPG Arena
I recently attended a virtual preview for Starfinder: Afterlight, an upcoming CRPG inspired by titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, Guardians of the Galaxy, Pathfinder, and Divinity Original Sin II. Albert Jane and Ricard Pillosu, co-founders of Epictellers Entertainment, shared their passion for tabletop RPGs, where they first encountered the Starfinder IP. Starfinder, a sci-fi fantasy TRPG from Paizo, debuted in 2017, and the game aims to adapt this experience into a new digital format.
The game promises a unique narrative, with players tasked with preventing a catastrophic event known as the ‘afterlight’ from engulfing the galaxy in darkness. The mission involves tracking down the missing Captain Khali, voiced by Carolina Ravassa, who holds crucial information to avert this disaster.
Building a Compelling Universe
As an independent venture, Starfinder: Afterlight has launched a Kickstarter campaign, indicating that the game is still in its early development stages. The preview showcased a glimpse of what players can expect, including a branching narrative designed to offer 40 to 60 hours of gameplay. Players will engage in turn-based combat and develop relationships with various companions.
The game boasts an impressive voice cast, featuring Fred Tatasciore as Kole, Inel Tomlinson as Tycho, Melissa Medina as Lu-323, and James Alexander as Sterling. Under the direction of Neil Newbon, known for his work on Baldur’s Gate 3, the team aims to deliver a high-quality audio experience. Although Newbon is not currently voicing a character, he is involved in overseeing voice recording sessions, ensuring the cast performs at their best.
The Role of Companions
Companions in Starfinder: Afterlight are integral to the player’s journey. They can be romanced or upset, and their loyalty is not guaranteed if they are displeased with the player’s actions. The game is designed to allow players to proceed without companions, though most are likely to recruit them for a richer experience.
Looking to the Future
Currently, Starfinder: Afterlight is a single-player experience being developed using the Godot Engine. The team is targeting an early access release in 2026, with a full launch planned for 2027. However, these dates are subject to change as development progresses.
While Kickstarter projects can be risky, often leaving backers with unfulfilled promises, Epictellers Entertainment appears committed to involving the community in their development process. The Kickstarter campaign is not only a means of securing additional funding but also a way to ensure that the community’s voice is central to the game’s evolution.
“Starfinder: Afterlight has incredibly solid foundations,” said Albert Jane, co-founder of Epictellers Entertainment.
With its strong foundations and ambitious vision, Starfinder: Afterlight is a title worth watching. Interested gamers can support the project through its Kickstarter campaign, as it aims to bring a fresh perspective to the CRPG genre.
The game is set to launch on PC, with early access anticipated in 2026. As development continues, fans of the genre will be eager to see how this new contender measures up to its inspirations.
