Obsidian Entertainment
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"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.
Obsidian Entertainment is Facing a Class Action Lawsuit for Wage Theft, Breaking Labor Laws
Obsidian Entertainment is facing a class action lawsuit alleging systematic wage and hour violations, including unpaid overtime, denied breaks, and failure to reimburse business expenses. The lawsuit, filed in California, claims the studio engaged in wage theft, impacting non-exempt employees. Obsidian denies the allegations and is seeking dismissal or forced arbitration.
RPG studio Obsidian faces class action lawsuit alleging violations of state wage laws
Obsidian Entertainment is facing a class action lawsuit alleging systematic violations of California state wage and hour laws. The suit claims the company failed to pay minimum wages, overtime, and timely wages, as well as provide proper meal and rest breaks and reimburse business costs. Obsidian denies all allegations.
RPG veteran Josh Sawyer says sometimes game designers "go overboard in removing friction"
RPG veteran Josh Sawyer, director of Fallout: New Vegas and Pentiment, believes game designers sometimes remove too much friction from their games, potentially harming the player experience. He discussed this balance while reflecting on the Spirit Eater mechanic in Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer, noting that while friction can be challenging, it should also feel integral and not overwhelming.
"Launching on PS5 effectively makes this our second launch": Obsidian legend Chris Parker talks Grounded 2 and…
Grounded 2 is set to receive its largest content update, 'Into the Abyss,' on August 11, which will also mark its launch on PlayStation 5. Game director Chris Parker highlighted the significance of the PS5 release as a 'second launch' for the survival game, developed by Obsidian Entertainment and Eidos Montreal. The update will introduce new biomes, a new buggy, and swimming mechanics, alongside ongoing community feedback integration.
The Outer Worlds 2 studio Obsidian accused of "violating state wage and hour laws" for profit in California lawsuit
Obsidian Entertainment, the developer of The Outer Worlds 2 and Avowed, is facing a lawsuit in California for alleged violations of state wage and hour laws. Plaintiff Victoria Turner accuses the company of failing to pay minimum and overtime wages, provide breaks, and reimburse business expenses. Obsidian Entertainment has denied all allegations and is seeking to have the case dismissed.
BioWare's co-founder fought to make Baldur's Gate 3 for over a decade, then Larian did it instead: 'I…
BioWare co-founder Trent Oster discusses the long and difficult journey to get Baldur's Gate 3 made, with multiple studios like Black Isle, Obsidian, and Beamdog attempting and failing to secure funding over two decades. Beamdog, led by Oster, pitched a version to Wizards of the Coast but ultimately could not secure the necessary $20 million budget, leading them to pursue other projects. Oster reflects on Larian Studios' success with Baldur's Gate 3, acknowledging their greater capital and ability to execute their vision at a high scale.
Xbox Closing At Least 2 Studios by 2026 End, Including One “Which Could Come as a Shock” – Rumor
Insider Gaming reports that at least two Xbox Game Studios are at risk of being shut down by the end of 2026, with one closure potentially being a surprise. While specific studios like Obsidian and Rare are reportedly safe, titles that underperformed, such as Forza Motorsport and South of Midnight, could put studios like Double Fine Productions, Compulsion Games, and Turn 10 Studios at risk.
Grounded 2 Interview: Obsidian Talks Into the Abyss, Future Updates, and the Road to 1.0
Obsidian Entertainment's Grounded 2 Game Director Chris Parker discusses the game's development, including the 'Beat the Heat' update and the 'Into the Abyss' expansion. Parker touches on the game's Dungeons & Dragons influences, the balance between realism and whimsy in its design, and the upcoming release on PlayStation 5.
Drums, cash grants, and bubbling capybaras: How Latin America's game dev creatives are outgrowing outsourcing
Latin American game developers are increasingly recognized for their creative output, with original titles like Family Reunion and Black Sailors emerging. While many studios engage in outsourcing to secure funding and gain experience, there's a growing movement to leverage the region's rich cultures and histories for unique game development. Government grants and international exposure are playing crucial roles in supporting these original projects, though challenges in securing direct funding and competing with established markets persist.
40+ PS5, PS4 Games to Buy in PS Store's Mid-Year Deals Sale
Sony's PlayStation Store is hosting a Mid-Year Deals sale featuring numerous PS5 and PS4 games until July 1st. The article highlights recommended titles such as 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, Anger Foot, and Another Crab's Treasure, many of which are at their lowest prices.
All Major Summer Game Fest 2026 Announcements
Summer Game Fest 2026 showcased numerous game announcements and trailers, including Stellar Blade: BLOOD RAIN, Final Fantasy VII Revelation launching in spring 2027 for multiple platforms, and the Resident Evil Veronica remake. New titles like Alien: Isolation 2, The Wolf Among Us 2, and Virtua Fighter Crossroads were also revealed, alongside updates for existing franchises and new IPs across various genres.
Everything Announced at Summer Game Fest 2026
Summer Game Fest 2026 showcased a multitude of game announcements, including Resident Evil: Veronica Remake, Alien Isolation 2, and a new Cuphead game. Fumito Ueda's GenAtlas, a new Mortal Shell sequel, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin were also revealed. The event also featured updates and release dates for titles like Stranger Than Heaven, Palworld, and Final Fantasy VII Revelation, with a surprise appearance by Tifa in Street Fighter 6.
Summer Game Fest Live 2026: All The Biggest Announcements And Games
Summer Game Fest Live 2026 showcased a multitude of new game announcements and trailers. Highlights included reveals for Resident Evil: Code Veronica Remake, Alien Isolation 2, Gen Atlas, Stranger Than Heaven, and the final chapter of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy, Final Fantasy VII Revelation. Several studios also debuted new titles and updates for existing franchises, covering a wide range of genres.
I never change weapons in RPGs, which means I've made Obsidian director Josh Sawyer's life a living hell when it comes to making cool armour systems
Obsidian director Josh Sawyer discusses the challenges of designing compelling armor systems in RPGs, particularly when players like himself tend to stick to a single weapon and armor set. He cites Darklands as an inspiration for its rock-paper-scissors approach to combat and armor interaction, but notes that player adherence to character concepts can make implementing such systems difficult.
After 26 years of RPGs, Obsidian legend Josh Sawyer admits he's still trying to make a good armor system
Obsidian design director Josh Sawyer, an RPG veteran, admits he is still striving to create an ideal armor system, citing the 1992 RPG Darklands as a benchmark he has yet to surpass. Sawyer expressed dissatisfaction with Avowed's armor system, which he felt was designed as a progression gate that players disliked, and discussed his vision for a more simulative and historical approach inspired by Darklands.
The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition continues to cause headaches as Obsidian somehow botches free upgrade deployment on consoles
Obsidian Entertainment is facing criticism for issues with the free upgrade to The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition on consoles, more than three years after the original game's launch. Players who owned the base game digitally on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One are experiencing problems with the upgrade path, with some requiring the expansion pass, negating the 'free' aspect. Obsidian has apologized and is offering support to affected players.
