The road to creating The Outer Worlds 2 has been anything but smooth, especially during the tumultuous times brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. In a recent hour-long interview with Limit Break Network, Feargus Urquhart, the studio head at Obsidian, shed light on the struggles the team faced. There were discussions within the team about redirecting resources from The Outer Worlds 2 to other projects like Avowed due to the uncertainties caused by the pandemic. This decision-making process was further complicated by the fact that Grounded, another game by Obsidian, was yet to launch in Early Access during these crucial conversations.
Urquhart candidly admitted that Obsidian faced significant challenges during the initial phase of the pandemic. With the acquisition by Microsoft in 2018 and the subsequent need to navigate the intricacies of being acquired, coupled with the impact of Covid-19, the team found itself in a tricky situation. The pressure to deliver on multiple fronts, from finishing up The Outer Worlds to moving Avowed forward, posed a daunting task for the developers. The future of The Outer Worlds 2 hung in the balance as internal discussions revolved around the possibility of halting its development altogether to focus solely on Avowed.
Despite the numerous obstacles and uncertainties, Obsidian ultimately decided to press on with the development of The Outer Worlds 2. Urquhart emphasized the team’s commitment to seeing through all their projects, even if it meant facing delays along the way. The recent pushback of Avowed’s release to 2025 indicates a strategic move to ensure a smooth rollout and avoid competing with other titles on Microsoft’s Game Pass service. This decision reflects Obsidian’s dedication to delivering quality games while acknowledging the challenges that come with managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Urquhart’s reflections on the development process offer valuable insights into the intricacies of navigating the complexities of game development. By prioritizing collaboration with third-party tools like Unreal Engine and leveraging their existing resources, Obsidian aims to lay a solid foundation for future projects. The lessons learned from projects like Grounded and Avowed will inform the development of The Outer Worlds 2 and pave the way for a new generation of games from the studio.
As the development journey of The Outer Worlds 2 unfolds, fans and critics alike are eager to see how the sequel will address the shortcomings of its predecessor. While some were critical of the first game’s reliance on familiar RPG tropes and its self-indulgent satirical tone, there is hope that The Outer Worlds 2 will take more significant risks and push the boundaries of the genre. With promising updates on the progress of Avowed and the potential for future sequels to beloved titles like Fallout: New Vegas, Obsidian’s lineup of games is poised to make a significant impact in the gaming industry.
The trials and triumphs faced by Obsidian in bringing The Outer Worlds 2 to life underscore the complexities of game development in a rapidly evolving landscape. While challenges will inevitably arise, the team’s unwavering dedication and strategic decision-making point towards a bright future filled with innovative and engaging gaming experiences. As fans await the release of The Outer Worlds 2 and other upcoming projects, the journey towards creating these immersive worlds stands as a testament to the creative vision and resilience of the developers behind them.
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