The announcement of The Outer Worlds 2 back in 2021 was met with excitement from fans of the original game. However, since then, there has been little information released about the sequel. Developers Obsidian Entertainment have been focusing on other projects such as Avowed and Grounded, leaving some to wonder about the progress of The Outer Worlds 2. In a recent hour-long interview with Limit Break Network, Obsidian’s studio head Feargus Urquhart shed some light on the challenges the team faced during the pandemic.
During the early days of the Covid pandemic, there was internal discussion at Obsidian about whether they should halt production on The Outer Worlds 2 and redirect the team’s efforts towards Avowed. This decision was made even more difficult by the fact that Grounded had not yet been released from Early Access at the time. The team was stretched thin, trying to juggle multiple projects while also adjusting to being acquired by a larger company in 2018. Urquhart candidly admitted that Obsidian struggled as a developer during this time, but ultimately decided to push forward with their original plans for The Outer Worlds 2.
Building a Strong Team
Despite the challenges they faced, Urquhart expressed confidence in the team working on The Outer Worlds 2. He highlighted the continuity of key team members from the first game to the sequel, emphasizing the importance of having people who understand the vision and tone of the series. While Avowed remains a top priority for the studio, Obsidian has managed to create a clear separation between the two projects in terms of creative input and resources.
With lead programmer Leonard Boyarsky, creative director Brandon Adler, and game director Matt Singh all veterans of the first Outer Worlds game, the team is well-equipped to deliver a compelling sequel. Urquhart praised the dedication and talent of the team, acknowledging the hard work that has gone into the project thus far.
Looking Towards the Future
As Obsidian continues to work on multiple projects simultaneously, including Avowed and Grounded, Urquhart remains optimistic about the studio’s future. Despite facing delays and setbacks, he believes that the team has laid a solid foundation for their upcoming games. Using Unreal Engine and other third-party tools has been instrumental in streamlining the development process and allowing the team to focus on creating engaging gameplay experiences.
The success of Grounded and the positive reception to Pentiment have bolstered confidence within the studio, with Urquhart declaring that Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2 are on track to meet expectations. While some may have reservations about the direction of these projects, there is hope that Obsidian will learn from past mistakes and deliver on the potential of their franchises.
The development journey of The Outer Worlds 2 has been a challenging one for Obsidian Entertainment. From navigating the uncertainties of the pandemic to managing multiple projects simultaneously, the team has faced numerous obstacles along the way. However, with a dedicated and experienced team at the helm, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the future of the studio. As fans eagerly await more details about The Outer Worlds 2, it is clear that Obsidian is working tirelessly to deliver a sequel that lives up to the expectations set by the original game.