Republic Games: Chris Avellone (KOTOR, Fallout) Makes His Big Comeback with an Ambitious New RPG 2025

Introduction

Chris Avellone, a name that resonates with RPG fans across the globe, is officially back in the game. Known for his narrative work on Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II (KOTOR II), Fallout: New Vegas, and Planescape: Torment, Avellone is now collaborating with Republic Games, a new game development studio, to work on what’s being called an ambitious and narrative-heavy RPG.

This marks not only a career resurgence but also a significant moment for storytelling in video games.

Who Is Chris Avellone?

Chris Avellone is widely considered one of the most influential narrative designers in the video game industry. His work includes:

• Planescape: Torment (1999) – A cult-classic CRPG focused on existential storytelling.
• Star Wars: KOTOR II – Known for its dark moral dilemmas and grey characters.
• Fallout: New Vegas – A fan-favorite Fallout title praised for its factions and dialogue.

After years of absence from major projects due to legal and professional disputes, Avellone is now returning to the spotlight, this time with Republic Games, a promising newcomer aiming to reshape narrative RPGs.

What Is Republic Games?

Republic Games is a new independent game studio aiming to make waves in the RPG genre. Founded by veterans and passionate storytellers, the studio seeks to combine deep lore, player agency, and moral complexity—all hallmarks of Avellone’s past work.

According to early developer statements, Republic Games’ first project will:

• Be a single-player narrative RPG
• Feature branching storylines and multiple endings
• Offer reactive world-building, where the player’s choices change the environment and characters
• Have AAA-level production values with an indie soul

Chris Avellone’s Role in the New Project

Chris is leading the narrative direction and world-building. His responsibilities include:

• Designing the main storyline and side quests
• Creating morally complex characters
• Overseeing dialogue writing and branching conversation paths
• Contributing to the lore and mythology of the game’s world

This collaboration is also being seen as a “redemption arc” for Avellone, who has promised transparency and stronger values going forward.

What Makes This RPG Different?

Several aspects make this project stand out from typical modern RPGs:

When Is the Game Coming Out?

While an official release date has not been revealed, Republic Games has hinted that a teaser trailer and early alpha footage will be shared by Q1 2026, with a Kickstarter campaign possibly launching before the end of 2025.

Why RPG Fans Should Be Excited

For fans of narrative-driven RPGs, this project is a dream come true. Avellone’s involvement means:

• Meaningful choices and branching dialogue
• Rich character development
• Immersive lore and world-building

If you loved games like Mass Effect, Pillars of Eternity, or Divinity: Original Sin 2, keep your eye on this title.

FAQs

1. Is Republic Games funded by a major publisher?

No. Republic Games is currently an independent studio. However, they may seek community crowdfunding or limited partnerships in the future to maintain creative control.

2. Will this new RPG be available on consoles like PlayStation 5 or Xbox?

The team has expressed interest in a multi-platform release, with PC as the lead platform. PS5 and Xbox Series X ports are planned, depending on development milestones and funding.

3. Will this RPG have voice acting?

Yes. Republic Games has confirmed full voice acting for main characters and partial VO for side NPCs to enhance immersion.

4. Is Chris Avellone involved in gameplay mechanics or only story?

While Avellone’s primary focus is the story, he is also consulting on gameplay systems to ensure mechanics support narrative depth—especially around player choice and consequence.

5. Will the RPG use Unreal Engine 5?

Yes, Republic Games is developing the game using Unreal Engine 5, offering high-fidelity graphics, fluid animations, and dynamic lighting.

6. Is this game inspired by any existing universe?

No. This is an original IP, meaning it is not tied to Star Wars, Fallout, or any other pre-existing universe. The world is being built from scratch by Avellone and the Republic Games lore team.

7. Can we expect mod support?

Mod support is highly likely, especially for the PC version, though tools will be released post-launch if stretch goals are met.

Conclusion

Chris Avellone’s return through Republic Games signals a revival of deep, choice-driven RPGs. With a talented team, powerful engine, and one of the best storytellers in gaming history leading the narrative, this project is poised to become a must-play RPG of the next generation.

Whether you’re a hardcore CRPG veteran or new to narrative-driven games, this upcoming title from Republic Games might just become the next classic.