2025 marked a pivotal year for Obsidian Entertainment, the renowned game development studio under the Xbox umbrella. The company released more games than any other first-party Xbox studio, with notable titles like Avowed, Grounded 2, and The Outer Worlds 2 hitting the market. However, despite this prolific output, two of these games fell short of commercial expectations. While Obsidian has ambitious plans for future Avowed titles, the same cannot be said for its Sci-Fi series, The Outer Worlds.
According to a comprehensive report by Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, Obsidian’s 2025 achievements and future prospects are under the spotlight. Despite successfully launching three major titles, both Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2 faced challenges due to ‘inflated’ production costs stemming from their extensive six-year development periods. This led to heightened sales expectations, which neither game managed to meet.
Challenges and Opportunities
There is still potential for these games to turn the tide. The Outer Worlds 2, which has been available for only a few months, is set to receive expansions that could boost its appeal. Meanwhile, Avowed, initially an Xbox console exclusive, is poised for a sales surge with its upcoming release on the PS5 this month.
Obsidian’s leadership, including CEO Feargus Urquhart, has reflected on the shortcomings of their 2025 releases. Urquhart noted that The Outer Worlds 2 could have benefited from more compelling companions, while Avowed might have enhanced player engagement by incorporating features like theft and interactions with city guards, a common element in many fantasy RPGs.
Future of the Avowed and Pillars of Eternity Universe
Looking ahead, Obsidian is committed to expanding the Avowed and Pillars of Eternity universe. The studio has plans to continue developing games within this beloved fantasy realm, signaling a robust future for fans of these series. However, the fate of The Outer Worlds franchise remains uncertain.
Currently, there are no plans for The Outer Worlds 3. This decision could be revisited after the release of all downloadable content for the second game, but for now, the series appears to be on hold. This cautious approach reflects the studio’s need to reassess its strategy following the mixed reception of the latest installment.
Community Reactions and Industry Insights
The gaming community has expressed mixed feelings about Obsidian’s recent releases. While both Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2 have been praised for their immersive worlds, some players have voiced disappointment. A common critique of The Outer Worlds 2 highlights the lack of memorable companions and limited gameplay variety, particularly in terms of speech checks and stealth options.
“I really enjoyed both Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2, but I was definitely let down by the latest Outer Worlds in a few ways. The companions weren’t as memorable as the original game and ultimately, I think the game lacked playstyle variety,” shared a dedicated fan on a popular gaming forum.
Industry experts suggest that Obsidian’s focus on the Avowed universe could be a strategic move to capitalize on its strengths in crafting rich, narrative-driven fantasy experiences. The decision to pause development on The Outer Worlds series may allow the studio to refine its approach and address the feedback from its player base.
Looking Ahead
As Obsidian navigates its future, the gaming industry will be closely watching how the studio balances its creative ambitions with commercial realities. The potential success of Avowed on the PS5 and the upcoming expansions for The Outer Worlds 2 could significantly influence the company’s trajectory.
For now, fans of Obsidian’s work can look forward to more adventures in the Avowed and Pillars of Eternity universe, while the fate of The Outer Worlds series remains a topic of speculation and anticipation.
