Obsidian Eyes Shorter Cycles as Grounded 2 Succeeds, Others Lag
In 2025, Obsidian Entertainment found mixed success with its notable releases, notably the open-world fantasy RPG, Avowed, and the sequel, The Outer Worlds 2. Although both games received positive reviews, they did not achieve the commercial success anticipated. In contrast, the survival crafting adventure, Grounded 2, experienced significant popularity and success.
Key Insights from Obsidian’s Gaming Journey
Feargus Urquhart, head of Obsidian, reflected on the studio’s experiences during this busy year. Jason Schreier, a journalist for Bloomberg, interviewed Urquhart and other leaders. They shared thoughts about their achievements and setbacks.
Release Outcomes and Lessons Learned
- Avowed: This RPG took nearly seven years to develop and underwent a major reboot midway through its creation.
- The Outer Worlds 2: This sequel faced similar challenges in meeting expectations.
- Grounded 2: Unlike its predecessors, this game succeeded commercially, showcasing a different approach to game development.
Urquhart noted that despite the disappointing performance of their larger titles, they were not “disasters.” Instead, he remarked, “What are we learning?” This indicates a commitment to understanding and improving their development processes.
Development Cycles and Industry Challenges
Industry veterans voiced concerns about long development times. Urquhart and Brandon Adler, director of The Outer Worlds 2, stressed the need for more sustainable development models. As Adler stated, “Nobody really likes five-, six-, seven-year dev cycles.”
These long cycles may hinder adaptability and can lead to missed opportunities in a rapidly changing gaming landscape. Additionally, Marcus Morgan, VP of Operations at Obsidian, emphasized the importance of a steady release schedule to achieve greater success in the future.
The Path Forward for Obsidian
In the backdrop of ongoing corporate pressure from Microsoft, Obsidian strives to balance ambitious projects with faster, budget-conscious releases. Small wins, such as the games Pentiment and Grounded, help counterbalance larger disappointments.
The studio aims to produce a stream of successful titles to increase the chances of breakout hits. While their future remains uncertain, there is hope for a renewed focus on realistic visions in RPG development, setting a promising tone for their upcoming projects.
