Obsidian Entertainment’s focus as a studio is being shifted by Xbox.
In a new report from Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, the California studio “will begin working on a new game in the popular Fallout franchise”. With a new Fallout game now being the focus, Xbox has also canceled the planned sequel to Avowed.
A New Direction For Obsidian
With a focus on Fallout, Josh Sawyer will lead the development of the new game. What this game will be in the universe, however, is currently unknown.
“Previously, Sawyer had been directing a roleplaying game that was similar structurally and thematically to Fallout but was not part of the franchise,” Schreier writes.
This won’t be the first time Obsidian as a studio has worked on Fallout. Fallout: New Vegas, which was released in 2010, was developed by the studio with Bethesda serving as publisher. Sawyer was also the director of that title.
Avowed Was Progressing
As mentioned, with this new focus comes the decision to cancel the in-development Avowed sequel. According to Schreier, the game’s development was “going well” and was “on track to be announced within the next year”. Despite this, however, it wasn’t ultimately a part of Xbox CEO Asha Sharma’s plan for Xbox’s studios.
Xbox declined Insider Gaming’s request for comment.
Earlier this week, Xbox announced its largest single layoff in the company’s history. On July 6, 1,600 people were let go, while another 1,600 will be let go throughout the rest of the fiscal year. Obsidian wasn’t left unscathed, as at least 52 people have been let go from the studio.
What do you think of Obsidian developing a new Fallout game? Leave your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion in the official Insider Gaming Discord.
In other news, read about Sony’s CEO selling over half of his stock in the company after the PlayStation disc announcement. And for even more Insider Gaming delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.
Mike has been covering the gaming industry since 2012, and has reported on some of the largest events in the industry while also working as an investigative reporter. Outside of…
More from Mike Straw
Avowed was trash. New Vegas 2 will be trash too Chris Avellone made that and would have saved TES too. Best bet would be remake New Vegas instead.