Obsidian’s Strategic Shift: Why Fewer Games Might Be the Future of AAA RPGs
The gaming industry is bracing for a potential slowdown in blockbuster RPG releases. Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind critically acclaimed titles like The Outer Worlds and Avowed, has signaled a significant shift in strategy, shelving plans for The Outer Worlds 3 and acknowledging underwhelming performance with recent releases. This isn’t just about one studio; it’s a potential bellwether for a broader industry trend – prioritizing quality and sustainable development over sheer quantity.
The Cost of Ambition: Why Sequels Are on Hold
Obsidian head Fergus Urquhart recently stated that the performance of The Outer Worlds 2 was “disappointing,” prompting a reevaluation of the studio’s approach. The core issue isn’t a lack of ideas, but a reckoning with the escalating costs and timelines associated with modern AAA game development. Urquhart emphasized the need to carefully consider “how much we put into the games, how much we spend on them and how long they take.” This echoes a growing sentiment within the industry – the risk of overextending resources and burning out development teams is becoming increasingly acute. The days of churning out sequels annually are likely numbered, especially for studios focused on complex RPGs.
The “Avowed” Lesson and the Pillars of Eternity Connection
While Avowed hasn’t been outright abandoned, Urquhart admitted it “was something of a miss.” However, Obsidian remains committed to the franchise, planning to expand the universe rather than immediately pursuing a direct sequel. This is a crucial distinction. Avowed’s setting, rooted in the world of Pillars of Eternity, allows for a more iterative approach – building upon an established foundation rather than starting from scratch. This strategy minimizes risk and allows the studio to refine its vision without the pressure of delivering a completely new experience. This approach is becoming increasingly common as developers seek to maximize the return on existing intellectual property.
The Perils of Over-Releasing: A Lesson Learned
Obsidian’s 2023, which saw the release of three games, was deemed a mistake. Urquhart explicitly stated that releasing three titles in a single year led to burnout within support teams and compromised the overall quality of post-launch support. This highlights a critical challenge for game developers: balancing release schedules with the need for robust, ongoing support. The industry is moving towards a model where “games as a service” require continuous updates, bug fixes, and new content, demanding significant resources even *after* launch. GamesIndustry.biz details the increasing costs associated with live service models, further illustrating this point.
DLC as a Strategic Focus: Extending Existing Experiences
Instead of immediately greenlighting new projects, Obsidian is doubling down on DLC for existing titles like The Outer Worlds 2 and Grounded 2. This allows the studio to generate revenue, engage existing player bases, and refine gameplay based on player feedback – all while mitigating the risks associated with entirely new development cycles. This isn’t a sign of creative stagnation; it’s a pragmatic response to the current economic realities of game development. It also allows for a more focused allocation of resources, ensuring that existing games receive the attention they deserve.
The Future of Obsidian – and AAA RPGs – is Measured Growth
Obsidian is also working on entirely new, unannounced games, but the studio’s recent statements suggest a more cautious and deliberate approach to future releases. The emphasis on spacing out releases, prioritizing quality over quantity, and leveraging existing IP indicates a broader industry trend towards sustainable development. The era of rapid-fire AAA releases may be coming to an end, replaced by a more measured and strategic approach. This shift isn’t necessarily a bad thing for gamers – it could lead to more polished, engaging, and ultimately more rewarding experiences. What are your predictions for the future of RPG development? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
