In the wake of Microsoft's recent round of layoffs, which saw Xbox cut 3,200 jobs, Obsidian Entertainment director Brandon Adler has taken to LinkedIn to defend the studio's reputation. Adler, who is overseeing the development of The Outer Worlds 2 and a new unannounced project, is frustrated by the 'cold take artists' who are 'running their mouths' about the studio's current state. He argues that many of these individuals have no understanding of Obsidian's history or the talent that has worked on its games, and that they are spreading misinformation about the studio's current situation.
Adler emphasizes that the people in lead or director roles at Obsidian are the same individuals who have worked on games like The Outer Worlds, Pillars of Eternity, and New Vegas. He notes that the studio's DNA has remained consistent over the years, and that the same passion and creativity that went into creating KotOR, New Vegas, NWN2, and Stick of Truth is still present today. Adler is proud of Obsidian's history and excited for its future, and he encourages people to focus on the positive aspects of the studio's evolution rather than on misconceptions and misinformation.
The layoffs at Xbox have had a significant impact on the gaming industry, with studios like Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, Double Fine, and Compulsion Games changing hands or becoming independent. The fate of Arkane Studios, which developed Marvel's Blade, is still uncertain. However, Obsidian has been able to maintain its core team and focus on its upcoming projects, including a new Fallout game led by Josh Sawyer, the director of Fallout: New Vegas. Adler's post serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting and celebrating the talent and creativity that goes into creating video games, and of avoiding the spread of misinformation and negativity in the face of industry challenges.
