The announcement of The Outer Worlds 2 back in 2021 was met with excitement, but since then, the project seems to have been overshadowed by other developments at Obsidian. The focus has been on Avowed and Grounded, leaving fans wondering about the progress of the much-anticipated sequel. According to Feargus Urquhart, the studio head at Obsidian, there were discussions during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic about halting the development of The Outer Worlds 2 and diverting the team’s efforts to Avowed.
The challenges faced by the studio during the pandemic lockdowns were significant, with multiple projects vying for attention. The acquisition of Obsidian in 2018 added another layer of complexity to the situation. The pressure to deliver on existing commitments, such as finishing The Outer Worlds and its DLC, while also moving Avowed and Grounded forward, created a strain on the development team. The decision to stay the course and continue working on The Outer Worlds 2 despite the obstacles demonstrates the studio’s dedication to their projects.
Despite the difficulties faced by Obsidian, there seems to be a sense of cohesion within the team working on The Outer Worlds 2. The continuity of key team members from the first game to the sequel indicates a strong foundation of talent and experience. The studio’s approach to managing creative input and resources between different projects, such as Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2, shows a commitment to maintaining focus and quality in each endeavor.
Urquhart’s comments about the importance of collaboration and utilizing third-party tools like Unreal Engine highlight the studio’s strategy for developing their games efficiently and effectively. The decision to leverage existing technology rather than reinventing the wheel speaks to Obsidian’s desire to streamline their development process and maximize their output.
Looking ahead, the prospects for The Outer Worlds 2 and other upcoming projects from Obsidian appear promising. Despite the challenges and uncertainties faced during the pandemic, the studio has managed to push through and deliver successful titles like Grounded and Pentiment. The decision to forge ahead with their ambitious plans for the future indicates a level of resilience and determination within the studio.
As a critic, my initial impressions of The Outer Worlds were lukewarm, finding the satirical elements to be excessive and the RPG design lacking in innovation. However, I am hopeful that The Outer Worlds 2 will address these shortcomings and take more risks to create a truly memorable experience. Similarly, my thoughts on Avowed have been mixed, but I am intrigued by the potential for the game to surprise and impress upon release.
The journey of The Outer Worlds 2 through the challenges of development demonstrates the dedication and vision of the team at Obsidian. As they navigate the complexities of creating multiple projects simultaneously, the studio’s commitment to quality and innovation shines through. With promising titles on the horizon, fans can look forward to a new era of gaming from Obsidian.
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