Obsidian Entertainment
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Sea of Thieves Developer Rare is “On the Block” Ahead of Xbox’s Mass Layoffs – Rumor
Reports suggest that Sea of Thieves developer Rare may be affected by upcoming mass layoffs at Xbox, potentially impacting over 1,000 staff. While the studio's closure is not confirmed, this follows previous restructuring after the cancellation of Everwild. Layoffs are reportedly expected around July 6th.
Marvel’s Blade is Seemingly “Pretty Far Along” With Reveal Planned for 2026 – Rumor
Rumors suggest that Arkane Studios' Marvel's Blade is far along in development, with a potential reveal planned for 2026 and release in 2027. Despite reports of delays and Xbox potentially not wanting to fund further development, the game's existence is not officially confirmed, nor is the fate of Arkane Studios or other Xbox-owned studios like Compulsion Games and Ninja Theory.
Business and Finance
Obsidian Entertainment, the developer behind Avowed and The Outer Worlds, is reportedly in negotiations with Xbox Game Studios to avoid potential closure. This news comes amid broader discussions about the future of several Xbox-owned studios.
Rumors claim Xbox wants to close Obsidian, but Jason Schreier says otherwise
Recent reports suggest Xbox is considering closing or selling several studios, including Obsidian Entertainment, due to financial pressures. However, journalist Jason Schreier has refuted claims that Obsidian is in negotiations to avoid closure, stating Xbox intends to keep the developer. The article also touches on frustrations within Xbox regarding leadership's focus on profitability and the impact of underperforming titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.
Is yet another Microsoft studio, Obsidian, negotiating with Xbox to avoid closure? Conflicting reports emerge
Conflicting reports suggest that Obsidian Entertainment is negotiating with Microsoft to avoid closure, amidst a wave of layoffs affecting other Xbox studios like Arkane, Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs. While one report indicates internal sentiment blames poor Call of Duty performance for these decisions, another source denies Obsidian is in negotiations to shut down, stating the studio will be kept by Xbox.
Obsidian reportedly safe from Xbox studio closures despite fears the RPG powerhouse was in negotiations to avoid…
Despite earlier reports suggesting Obsidian Entertainment was negotiating to avoid closure, Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier has confirmed the RPG developer is safe. The news comes amid widespread fears of mass layoffs and studio shutdowns within Xbox's gaming division.
Xbox May Shut Down Obsidian Entertainment, Too
New reports indicate that Xbox is considering shutting down or selling Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind games like Avowed and Fallout: New Vegas. This potential closure is part of a larger plan by Xbox to reallocate funds towards its major franchises, potentially affecting other subsidiaries like Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs.
Avowed, The Outer Worlds, and Fallout: New Vegas Developer Obsidian Entertainment Reportedly Also at Risk of Closure Amid Xbox 'Reset'
Obsidian Entertainment, the developer behind Avowed, The Outer Worlds, and Fallout: New Vegas, is reportedly at risk of closure as part of a broader 'reset' within Microsoft's Xbox business. This news follows reports of potential studio closures and project cancellations within Xbox.
Obsidian veteran Josh Sawyer thinks RPG choices are best when they're not "purely" good or evil, and Greek plays "knocked it out of the park 1000s of years ago"
Obsidian Entertainment design director Josh Sawyer believes that the most compelling choices in role-playing games are those that avoid a strict good versus evil binary, drawing inspiration from ancient Greek tragedies. He argues that such morally ambiguous decisions force players to confront their own values and are more thought-provoking than purely black-and-white options. Sawyer highlights games like Pentiment as examples of this design philosophy, noting a trend in modern RPGs like The Witcher 3 and Baldur's Gate 3 to move away from simplistic morality systems.
The Outer Worlds, Avowed Developer “Deep in Negotiation” With Xbox to Avoid Closure – Rumor
Reports suggest that Xbox is in negotiations with Obsidian Entertainment to prevent its closure, alongside other studios like Arkane and Ninja Theory. This comes after The Outer Worlds 2 and Avowed reportedly failed to meet Xbox's sales expectations. The fate of these studios, including Obsidian, is expected to be revealed around July 6th.
Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer says it was "pure luck" he directed the RPG at Obsidian: "Almost…
Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer attributes his involvement with the RPG to "pure luck," stating he was not part of the initial concept discussions at Obsidian Entertainment. He was approached by studio head Feargus Urquhart to direct the game after a previous project was canceled. Sawyer also mentions the collaborative nature of game development and credits Chris Avellone for the initial idea of the courier being shot.
With Xbox Speeding Up Work on New Fallout Games, One Former Bethesda Dev Warns Faster Sequels 'Risk Fan Fatigue' — but Could New Vegas Developer Obsidian Be Drafted in to Help?
Xbox is reportedly accelerating development on new entries in The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and Halo franchises under new leadership. However, a former Bethesda developer has cautioned that rushing sequels could lead to fan fatigue, suggesting that studios like Obsidian Entertainment might be considered to assist with Fallout development.
Fallout: New Vegas director thinks his RPG became more popular after fans "forgot about the fact that they were…
Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer believes the game's popularity grew over time as players moved past initial criticisms regarding asset reuse and gameplay similarities to Fallout 3. He notes that professional reviews were lukewarm at launch, but the modding community and a shift in player perception have led to greater appreciation for the RPG.
New Vegas director Josh Sawyer says games can and should pull on artistic inspirations from 'anywhere and everywhere': 'Greek plays, they knocked it out of the park thousands of years ago—why not look at them?'
Obsidian design director Josh Sawyer believes games should draw artistic inspiration from all sources, including ancient Greek plays and classic films. He emphasizes that the core of game design is evoking thoughts and emotions in players, a goal that should be continually reevaluated throughout the development process. Sawyer cites examples from Fallout: New Vegas, Pentiment, and Pillars of Eternity to illustrate how diverse inspirations can inform mechanics and player experience.
With a dumpster-truck full of cash, New Vegas director Josh Sawyer would probably make a 'spiritual successor'…
Obsidian studio design director Josh Sawyer stated that his dream project would be a spiritual successor to the 1990s historical fantasy RPG Darklands, provided he could work with people he enjoys. Sawyer, who has worked on games like Fallout: New Vegas, Pillars of Eternity, and Pentiment, emphasized the importance of a positive work environment over the specific game being developed.
I picked out 31 must-play games going for $5 or less in the Steam Summer Sale
This article highlights 31 must-play games available for $5 or less during the Steam Summer Sale. The curated list includes a variety of genres such as RPGs and first-person shooters, with many titles developed by well-known studios like Larian and BioWare.
"Baldur's Gate 3 seems to have done it pretty well," but don't expect Obsidian's next story-based RPG to launch in early access, Grounded 2 lead suggests
Obsidian Entertainment's Grounded 2 director Chris Parker stated that while Baldur's Gate 3's early access success is notable, it's not a model that will work for all story-based RPGs. He believes that for large, complex narrative games, the traditional development approach is more suitable, though he acknowledges exceptions exist and that early access can be beneficial for certain titles like the original Grounded.
Baldur's Gate 3 and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 show "RPGs are as vibrant" now as ever, Obsidian lead says, even if the genre can look "a little tired" sometimes
Obsidian Entertainment's Chris Parker believes the RPG genre remains vibrant, citing Baldur's Gate 3 and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as examples of its current excitement. Despite occasional perceptions of the genre looking 'tired,' Parker has faith in its continued evolution and diversity, highlighting Obsidian's own contributions like Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2.
Evening Legal Briefs
Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind The Outer Worlds 2 and Avowed, is facing a class action lawsuit alleging "systematic pattern of wage and hour violations." The company has denied these allegations.
Obsidian sued in class action lawsuit over alleged "systematic pattern of wage and hour violations"
Obsidian Entertainment is facing a class action lawsuit in California, accused of a systematic pattern of wage and hour violations. The lawsuit, filed by a former QA lead, alleges the studio failed to pay minimum wages, overtime, and wages due upon separation, as well as denying meal and rest breaks. Obsidian denies all allegations and seeks dismissal of the suit.
