Abstract
Problem: How should RPGs handle pacifist playstyles, and how much development time does supporting them actually cost?
Approach: Tim Cain draws on his experience designing Fallout, The Outer Worlds, and other RPGs to explain how pacifism emerged as a design feature and how it can be systematically supported.
Findings: Pacifist playthroughs require little to no extra development time if planned from the start. The key is ensuring main story quests always offer fight, sneak, or talk paths — and that at least one non-violent option exists for every critical-path quest.
Key insight: Pacifism is just one example of player-driven character expression. The real reward in RPGs isn't XP or quest completion counts — it's how much fun you're having and how memorable your character becomes.
References
- Tim Cain. YouTube video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5-TCLLR2kQ