Morality in Games Part 2

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Cap'n CJ posted about this not too long ago here, and now Creative Director Chris Avellone has posted a follow up to his initial ideas.

What do you personally consider to be a typically good character?
A good character is one who places others before himself, and is willing to let his character suffer physically, financially, and materially in order to help someone else. They sacrifice, in the recognition that the act of sacrifice is the reward in itself. Sometimes I fear that games undermine the power of these acts by always consistently rewarding good players and punishing evil ones, which ends up making the choice a false one.

What do you personally consider to be a typically evil character?
An evil character puts their self before all others, and lets others die or suffer if there is something to gain by it. They are the ones who kill anyone who blocks their progress, steal from others, lie to gain trust, and do anything to get ahead.

Is it your opinion that the antagonist in a game needs to have a certain type of morality in order for the game to be successful?
No, but I think any antagonist with a philosophical or moral outlook is considered a deeper character and tends to engender more respect from players. Heroes, in my opinion, are only as strong as their adversaries, and that extends to moral and ethical conflicts as well.

You can read the rest of his blog here on the Obsidian Studios website.