Game with 23% completion rate
Obsidian Entertainment director Brandon Adler addresses critics claiming the studio has changed following recent Xbox layoffs, emphasizing the studio's consistent "DNA" despite staff changes. Adler defends the team's composition, noting key leaders worked on iconic titles like The Outer Worlds and New Vegas. The response comes amid uncertainty after Microsoft's widespread layoffs affected several Xbox studios.
Obsidian Entertainment, fresh from releasing Avowed, Grounded 2 (Early Access), and The Outer Worlds 2, addresses the aftermath of Microsoft's 1,600-strong gaming division layoffs, which saw 50 staff cut from the studio. Despite halted Avowed sequel plans in favor of a new Fallout game under Josh Sawyer's leadership, the studio pushes back against claims of a changed identity. Game Director Adler defends Obsidian's "DNA," emphasizing continuity despite external speculation.
Microsoft's "reset" memo has cast a shadow over several Xbox studios and games. Notably, the Forza Motorsport franchise has been cancelled, and The Outer Worlds series has been discontinued due to poor sales of The Outer Worlds 2. Studios like Compulsion, Ninja Theory, and Double Fine are in negotiations, putting titles like Psychonauts, Senua (Hellblade series continuation), and South of Midnight at risk.
Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser reveals the studio's longstanding goal to increase story completion rates in their open-world games, starting with GTA 3. Despite the challenges, their efforts have shown improvement, with nearly half of Red Dead Redemption 2 players completing the story. Houser discusses the balance between narrative and the allure of open-world gameplay systems.
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