Obsidian Entertainment director Brandon Adler has taken a strong stance against the misinformation spreading about the studio's recent changes following Xbox layoffs. Adler, who is also the director of The Outer Worlds 2 and a new unannounced project, expressed his frustration in a LinkedIn post, criticizing those who have been 'running their mouths' about the studio's transformation. He emphasizes that the people in lead or director roles at Obsidian remain the same, with a consistent DNA that has been present since the creation of KotOR, New Vegas, NWN2, and Stick of Truth. Adler highlights the importance of understanding the studio's history and the contributions of its employees, accusing those who speak without insight of spreading misinformation.
The recent Xbox layoffs, described as the most significant restructure in the company's history, led to the loss of 1,600 jobs immediately and another 1,600 throughout the financial year. Obsidian, along with other studios like Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, and Arkane Studios, faced significant team reductions. Adler's response to the misinformation is a defense of the studio's talent and history, ensuring that the core team remains intact despite the changes.
Adler's post also mentions the cancellation of Avowed, a fantasy RPG sequel, and the studio's focus on a new Fallout game, led by Josh Sawyer, director of Fallout: New Vegas. This shift in focus is seen as a strategic move to adapt to the changing gaming landscape. Adler concludes by challenging those who speak without understanding, urging them to gain insight into the game development process and the contributions of Obsidian's talented individuals.
This commentary highlights the challenges faced by game developers during industry-wide layoffs and the importance of accurate information in such turbulent times. Adler's personal perspective adds a layer of emotional depth to the discussion, emphasizing the impact of misinformation on the gaming community and the studio's reputation.
