The announcement of The Outer Worlds 2 back in 2021 generated a lot of excitement among fans of the original game. However, since then, there has been a noticeable lack of updates regarding the sequel. Developers Obsidian focused their efforts on other projects like Avowed and Grounded, which left early access in September 2022. Studio head Feargus Urquhart revealed in an hour-long interview with Limit Break Network that there were discussions about suspending work on Outer Worlds 2 and redirecting the team to Avowed during the early stages of the Covid pandemic. The challenges of managing multiple projects and transitioning to remote work during lockdowns presented significant obstacles for the development team.
Despite the initial hurdles, Urquhart expressed confidence in the progress of Outer Worlds 2. He highlighted the continuity of key team members from the first game, such as the lead programmer, creative director, game director, and head of gameplay and content. This continuity allowed for a sense of familiarity and alignment in the development process. Obsidian established a system to manage creative input and allocate resources effectively between Avowed and Outer Worlds 2. The studio emphasized the importance of retaining talent and facilitating collaboration across projects.
During the peak of the pandemic, Obsidian faced tough decisions about the allocation of resources and the timeline for various projects. There were discussions about potentially halting work on Outer Worlds 2 to focus entirely on Avowed. The uncertainty surrounding the release dates and the shifting priorities caused internal challenges within the development team. However, Obsidian ultimately decided to persevere and maintain their commitment to delivering quality games, even if it meant facing delays. The studio acknowledged the impact of external factors like the acquisition by Microsoft and the evolving landscape of the gaming industry.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, studios like Obsidian are constantly adapting to new technologies and market trends. The utilization of third-party tools like Unreal Engine became a crucial part of their development process. By leveraging existing resources and expertise, Obsidian aimed to streamline their workflow and enhance the overall quality of their games. The experiences gained from projects like Grounded, Pentiment, and Avowed served as valuable learning opportunities for the team working on Outer Worlds 2. Through iterative improvements and feedback, the studio positioned themselves to deliver the next generation of gaming experiences.
The development journey of The Outer Worlds 2 underscores the challenges and complexities of creating a successful sequel in the gaming industry. While the first game received mixed reviews, there is hope that the sequel will address some of the shortcomings and take more risks to innovate within the RPG genre. With an experienced team and a renewed focus on collaboration and creative input, Obsidian aims to bring The Outer Worlds 2 to fruition. As the studio navigates the ever-changing landscape of game development, there is optimism and excitement surrounding the potential of their upcoming projects like Avowed. By staying true to their vision and embracing the iterative process, Obsidian is poised to deliver memorable gaming experiences for fans and newcomers alike.
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