The question of what Obsidian Entertainment should tackle next has become a recurring one for fans, particularly those still yearning for a follow-up to ’s critically acclaimed Fallout: New Vegas. While the studio continues to field that question with every new announcement, recent performance and the company’s own inclinations suggest a different path forward.
Both Avowed, a fantasy RPG released this year, and The Outer Worlds 2, also released in , have reportedly underperformed expectations, prompting a reevaluation of Obsidian’s strategy. This comes as the studio, now under the umbrella of Microsoft (through its ownership of Bethesda), navigates the delicate balance between satisfying fan demand and forging its own identity.
Obsidian’s VP of operations, Marcus Morgan, acknowledged the constant requests for a New Vegas sequel. I know everyone on the internet, on every game we ever announce, will constantly reference back to, ‘When’s the next New Vegas? Or when’s the next whatever?’
he stated in a recent interview with The Game Business. However, he also highlighted the joy
the studio finds in establishing new franchises.
The studio’s recent track record demonstrates this commitment to original IP. Beyond Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2, Obsidian has released Grounded (with a sequel released this year), Pentiment, and continued development on the Grounded universe. This focus on creating and expanding its own worlds, rather than revisiting established ones, appears to be a deliberate choice.
The situation is further complicated by the current landscape of the Fallout franchise. While Bethesda is preparing a Fallout: New Vegas bundle, there’s no indication of a remaster or, more importantly, a direct sequel in development at Bethesda Game Studios. This leaves a potential opening for Obsidian, but the studio seems content to let Bethesda lead the charge on the core Fallout experience.
The success of Fallout Season 2 on Prime Video, debuting this December, is expected to reignite interest in the franchise. However, Obsidian’s leadership seems to view this as an opportunity for Bethesda to capitalize on, rather than a signal to return to the Mojave Wasteland. Microsoft’s apparent support for Obsidian’s approach, as noted in reports, further reinforces this direction.
The underperformance of Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2 is a significant factor in this equation. While both games were anticipated, they failed to reach the heights of Fallout: New Vegas in terms of critical reception and commercial success. This suggests that simply delivering a New Vegas sequel, even with Obsidian at the helm, isn’t a guaranteed win.
The gaming community’s reaction is mixed. A recent Facebook post within a Fallout fan group revealed a sentiment shared by many: a desire to see Obsidian return to the franchise, with one user expressing a preference for The Outer Worlds over Fallout and a belief that Obsidian should do Fallout games.
However, this viewpoint isn’t universal, and many acknowledge Obsidian’s talent for crafting compelling original worlds.
The question then becomes: what *will* Obsidian do next? The studio’s history suggests a continued focus on RPGs, likely with a strong narrative focus. Whether that takes the form of a new IP, a sequel to one of its existing franchises (beyond Grounded), or a surprising genre shift remains to be seen. What is clear is that the studio is prioritizing creative freedom and the opportunity to build something new, even if it means continuing to disappoint those who long for a return to New Vegas.
The situation highlights a broader trend in the gaming industry: the tension between fan service and artistic vision. While studios are increasingly responsive to player feedback, they also need to maintain the ability to take risks and explore new ideas. Obsidian’s current trajectory suggests a willingness to prioritize the latter, even if it means navigating a challenging conversation with its most dedicated fans.
For now, the dream of Fallout: New Vegas 2 remains just that – a dream. Obsidian is moving forward, and while the past will always be a part of its identity, the future appears to lie in the creation of new worlds and new stories.
