Obsidian Entertainment's future: impact of layoffs and RPG innovation
Intelligence Summary
- Brandon Adler of Obsidian Entertainment shares his view on the studio’s future and the impact of recent layoffs on RPG development.
In brief
- Brandon Adler, a director at Obsidian Entertainment, expresses frustration over misinformation about the studio.
- Despite recent layoffs, Obsidian’s creative core remains intact.
- The studio is focused on creating deeper RPG experiences, which could lead to innovative games.
GAME-scanner analysis
Brandon Adler, who has worked at Obsidian for 20 years, has spoken out about the recent challenges the studio has faced, including a 25% reduction in staff. He emphasizes that the people responsible for successful titles such as The Outer Worlds and Pillars of Eternity are still at the helm. This is crucial for the continuity of the studio’s creative vision. The focus on preserving Obsidian’s “DNA,” despite the changes, suggests that the studio is not only adapting, but also seeing opportunities for innovation in its RPG approach. This could result in more complex and immersive experiences for players.
What does this mean for players?
For fans of Obsidian’s RPGs, it is reassuring that the studio’s core remains in place. The upcoming release of The Outer Worlds 2, scheduled for October 29, 2025, offers players another chance to enjoy the rich narratives and choices that have made the studio so popular. The recent changes may also create room for innovation within the studio, with a focus on quality and depth in RPG experiences. That could lead to a fresh approach to storytelling and gameplay in future titles.
Timeline
2026-07-06: Brandon Adler speaks about the challenges and frustrations within Obsidian Entertainment.
2026-07-11: The studio went through a difficult week with significant staff reductions.