The announcement of the satirical space RPG sequel, The Outer Worlds 2, back in 2021 was met with much excitement from fans. However, since then, there has been a noticeable lack of updates on the game’s progress. Developers Obsidian have been focusing their efforts on other projects such as Avowed and Grounded. The studio head, Feargus Urquhart, revealed that during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were discussions about reallocating resources from Outer Worlds 2 to Avowed due to the challenges faced by the studio.
Urquhart opened up about the difficulties Obsidian faced during the pandemic, stating that the studio had a tough time trying to balance multiple projects while adapting to remote work environments. There were talks of halting the development of Outer Worlds 2 entirely and shifting the team’s focus to Avowed. The uncertainty surrounding the future of Grounded, which was still in Early Access at the time, added another layer of complexity to the decision-making process.
Despite the obstacles they encountered, Obsidian ultimately decided to persevere with the development of Outer Worlds 2. They acknowledged that timelines might need to be adjusted, but they remained committed to delivering quality games. With the successful releases of Grounded and Pentiment, and the promising outlook for Avowed and Outer Worlds 2, Obsidian believes they are building a solid foundation for future projects.
Urquhart also discussed the importance of leveraging third-party tools like Unreal Engine to streamline development processes. By utilizing established technologies, Obsidian aims to focus more on creative aspects rather than reinventing the wheel with custom tools. This shift in approach could potentially result in more innovative and engaging gameplay experiences for their upcoming titles.
While some players may have had mixed feelings about the first Outer Worlds game, there is a sense of hope and anticipation for its sequel. With the studio addressing feedback and aiming to take more risks with the sequel, there’s a chance for The Outer Worlds 2 to shine and captivate both old and new fans alike. Similarly, the progress on Avowed may surprise skeptics, showcasing Obsidian’s ability to deliver compelling and memorable gaming experiences.
The development journey of The Outer Worlds 2 has been filled with challenges and tough decisions. Still, Obsidian’s dedication to their projects and willingness to adapt to changing circumstances bode well for the future of their games. As they continue to refine their processes and leverage their expertise, players can look forward to immersive and engaging experiences in the world of The Outer Worlds and beyond.
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