Obsidian Entertainment
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As unionised Microsoft workers rally against Bethesda layoffs, Fallout 4's been filled with protest signs and OneBGS logoed vault suits by modders
Unionized Microsoft workers are protesting recent mass layoffs affecting over 400 employees at Bethesda Game Studios, ZeniMax, and id Software. In solidarity, modders have added union logos and protest signs to games like Fallout 4 and Skyrim. Union representatives criticize the layoffs, stating they will negatively impact game quality and player experience.
Fallout: New Vegas director chooses "dysfunction" and "corruption" over handing power to Caesar or Mr. House in his ideal ending for the beloved RPG
Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer discusses his preferred ending for the RPG, favoring an independent New Vegas despite its inherent dysfunction, corruption, and bureaucracy. He believes this outcome is more worthwhile than handing power to factions like Caesar's Legion or Mr. House, or the problematic New California Republic.
Fallout: New Vegas writer says he feels "embarrassed" by some of the Fallout TV show dialogue, but has no…
Fallout: New Vegas writer Chris Avellone expressed embarrassment over some dialogue in the Fallout TV show, feeling it doesn't meet the quality of game writing. While he praised the cast and the show's fun factor, Avellone believes some Hollywood writers struggle to respect the source material and context of game franchises, leading to missed opportunities.
Obsidian: "Vi har fortfarande samma dna som vid New Vegas och KOTOR"
Obsidian Entertainment's Brandon Adler addressed criticism regarding the studio's current identity, stating that despite recent layoffs and shifts in project focus, the core 'DNA' remains the same as when they developed games like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Fallout: New Vegas. He emphasized that many lead developers are still the same individuals who worked on previous acclaimed titles.
Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer reveals his optimal outcome for the Mojave Wasteland
Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer shared his personal preferred 'best of a bad lot' endgame outcome for the Mojave Wasteland, favoring independence despite its inherent dysfunction. Sawyer discussed the drawbacks of factions like Caesar's Legion and the NCR, ultimately concluding that an independent New Vegas, while flawed, represents the least worst option. The article also briefly touches on Sawyer reportedly leading a new Fallout project at Obsidian amidst recent studio layoffs.
Outer Worlds 2 Director Reacts To Mass Layoffs At Xbox And Dispels “Misinformation”
Obsidian Entertainment's game director Brandon Adler addressed recent layoffs at Xbox and dispelled what he called misinformation about the studio's current identity. Adler stated that while the company has changed over 20 years, its core DNA remains the same, with many lead developers having worked on classic titles like Fallout: New Vegas and Pillars of Eternity. The article also mentions reported layoffs at Obsidian, the cancellation of an Avowed sequel, and a potential new Fallout game.
Obsidian still have "the same DNA" that went into New Vegas and KOTOR 2, The Outer Worlds 2 director insists, following chatter around layoffs
Following recent layoffs at Obsidian Entertainment, director Brandon Adler defended the studio's creative DNA, asserting that the core team behind classic games like Fallout: New Vegas and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II remains intact. Adler pushed back against criticism that the studio has lost its way, emphasizing that the same individuals are still in leadership roles and that the studio's fundamental ethos persists despite changes over the years.
The Outer Worlds 2 lead slams "cold take artists" following Xbox layoffs at Obsidian, says "the same DNA" that created hits like Fallout: New Vegas and more remains
Brandon Adler, co-director of The Outer Worlds 2, has spoken out against "cold take artists" speculating about Obsidian Entertainment following recent layoffs at Xbox studios. Adler emphasized that the core "DNA" of the studio, responsible for games like Fallout: New Vegas and Pillars of Eternity, remains intact despite the loss of talent. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by the company and its developers while defending the seasoned developers still working at Obsidian.
Games Inbox: Will there ever be a Nintendo Switch 2 Lite?
Readers discuss the potential for a Nintendo Switch 2 Lite, with concerns about component costs and Nintendo's future hardware strategy. The discussion also touches on the high cost of AAA game development, the future of Sony and Microsoft, and skepticism surrounding the release of The Elder Scrolls 6 and Grand Theft Auto 6.
Obsidian Director Warns of “Cold-Take Artists” Spreading Misinformation About the Studio
Obsidian Entertainment director Brandon Adler has spoken out against "cold-take artists" spreading misinformation following recent layoffs at the studio. Adler emphasized that despite changes, the core DNA of the studio, responsible for games like Fallout: New Vegas and Pillars of Eternity, remains intact. He also addressed reports about the future of Avowed, with former co-founder Chris Avellone stating Avowed 2 is still planned.
Obsidian Director Blasts People 'Running Their Mouths' About How the Studio Has Changed Following Xbox Layoffs
Obsidian Entertainment director Brandon Adler expressed frustration with external commentary on the studio's changes following recent Xbox layoffs. He criticized individuals he referred to as 'cold take artists' for discussing the studio's evolution.
Obsidian game director is sick of hearing bad takes about the state of the studio: 'The through line from KotOR2 to…
Obsidian Entertainment game director Brandon Adler has refuted claims that the studio has lost its original talent and identity. He stated that many key personnel remain from the development of games like Knights of the Old Republic 2 and Fallout: New Vegas, asserting that the studio's core DNA is unchanged despite recent layoffs and restructuring within Xbox.
New Doom Title in “The Early Stages,” Despite Extensive Layoffs at id Software – Rumor
Despite significant layoffs at id Software, reports suggest the studio is in the early stages of developing a new Doom game. While some outlets claimed the studio was reduced to a support role, id Software has confirmed it remains roughly the same size as when it developed Doom (2016). The future direction of the new title remains speculative, with possibilities ranging from continuing the Slayer's story to returning to an old-school Doom experience.
Quoteworthy
An Obsidian Entertainment game director has responded to public commentary suggesting the studio is not what it used to be. The director expressed frustration with these public perceptions of the studio's current state.
id Software insists in new statement that it still has "the crew we need to build the games and tech we're known for"
id Software has issued a statement assuring players that despite recent layoffs impacting some teams, the studio retains the necessary talent to create its signature games and technology. The company emphasized that its current team size is comparable to when Doom (2016) was developed and that it remains committed to its flat studio philosophy. This comes in the wake of Microsoft's broader layoffs within its Xbox division, which also affected studios like Obsidian Entertainment, leading to project cancellations and a shift in focus to the Fallout franchise.
Obsidian game director reacts to people "spouting off" about the studio and how it's not what it "used to be"
Obsidian Entertainment director Brandon Adler defended the studio's current identity amidst recent layoffs and external criticism. He emphasized that the core team and creative DNA remain consistent with the studio's history, despite changes and project shifts, including a new Fallout game.
Something for the Weekend – 11/07/26
This week's news includes Microsoft confirming significant layoffs affecting multiple studios, Palworld's 1.0 launch with a large patch, and matchmaking issues for Black Ops players on PlayStation 4 and 5. God of War Laufey is slated for a 2027 release, and a petition to save physical games has garnered over 285,000 signatures.
Avowed 2 Is Still Being Worked On, Reaffirms Jason Schreier
Despite reports of cancellation, a small team at Obsidian Entertainment is still working on Avowed 2. The project is being kept alive while the studio awaits further assignments on Fallout projects, according to Jason Schreier.
Summary: what's happening at Xbox?
Xbox announced a major restructuring involving 3,200 job cuts, with 1,600 immediate layoffs, primarily affecting ZeniMax studios like Bethesda and id Software. Several studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs, are being sold off or spun out as independent entities. This move aims to refocus on high-earning franchises and improve profit margins, impacting the development of upcoming titles like The Elder Scrolls 6 and potentially State of Decay 3.
Xbox After The Layoffs: Studios Left And What They’re Making
Xbox has undergone significant restructuring, including layoffs and the divestment of five studios, as it aims to increase profitability and focus on major intellectual properties. This shake-up impacts numerous development teams and projects across Xbox Game Studios, Activision, Blizzard, and Bethesda, with a renewed focus on core franchises and a shift in business strategies like the exclusion of Call of Duty from Xbox Game Pass day-one launches.