Avowed
News, coverage and analysis tracking Avowed across the outlets.
Obsidian was also hit by "the Microsoft sacrificial rituals," says laid-off RPG veteran who previously worked…Obsidian Entertainment has reportedly been affected by recent Xbox layoffs, with narrative designer Jay Turner and other developers confirming their departure. These cuts are part of a larger "reset" by Microsoft, which aims to reduce its workforce by 3,200 by fiscal year 2027. Reports suggest around 25% of Obsidian's staff, approximately 60-70 individuals, were impacted.
Even Obsidian couldn't escape the Xbox cuts, with losses ranging from a 21-year veteran artist to an engineer…Obsidian Entertainment has experienced layoffs, affecting employees including a 21-year veteran artist and a recent engineer. This marks the first time the studio has been impacted by the recent waves of job cuts at Microsoft's Xbox division. The exact number of affected employees is between nine and 49, falling below the threshold that would trigger a WARN Act notice.
Weekend PC Download Deals for July 3: Steam Summer Sale continuesThe Steam Summer Sale and other PC gaming storefronts are offering numerous deals on a wide variety of titles. This includes discounts on major releases, indie games, and bundles across platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Humble Bundle. Several retailers are participating, with prices and availability varying.- Business and FinanceObsidian 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 otherwiseRecent 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 emergeConflicting 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, TooNew 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.
The Outer Worlds, Avowed Developer “Deep in Negotiation” With Xbox to Avoid Closure – RumorReports 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.
"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 suggestsObsidian 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" sometimesObsidian 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 BriefsObsidian 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 Entertainment is Facing a Class Action Lawsuit for Wage Theft, Breaking Labor LawsObsidian 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 lawsObsidian 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.
Weekend PC Download Deals for June 19: GOG.com Summer SaleThis weekend's PC gaming deals include GOG.com's Summer Sale featuring discounts on titles like Hollow Knight Silksong and Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition. Steam and Epic Games Store also have various sales, with free games available on Epic Games Store and Amazon Luna. Humble Bundle offers several game bundles for different price tiers.
The Outer Worlds 2 studio Obsidian accused of "violating state wage and hour laws" for profit in California lawsuitObsidian 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.
Xbox’s Biggest Problems May Still Be AheadXbox is facing significant internal challenges despite a recent showcase of upcoming games like Gears of War: E-Day. CEO Asha Sharma admitted to substantial financial losses and poor investment returns over the past five years, citing issues with funding franchises and inadequate infrastructure. Reports suggest impending layoffs and potential restructuring, including spinning off Xbox as a subsidiary or forming joint ventures, as Microsoft seeks to make its gaming division a sustainable business.
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.
Weekend PC Download Deals for June 12: Steam Bullet FestThis weekend's PC gaming deals include a Steam Bullet Fest celebrating bullet hell and shooter games, alongside sales from various publishers and developers like Capcom, Klei, and Ubisoft. Notable titles on sale include Vampire Survivors, Returnal, and Destiny 2, with free games and bundles also available across platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and Amazon Luna.