Addressing the Studio’s Evolution

Following a period of major restructuring within the Xbox gaming division—which resulted in significant layoffs and the divestment of several studios—Obsidian Entertainment has faced its own share of internal challenges. Despite reports suggesting that the studio is working on a new Fallout project under the guidance of Josh Sawyer, public discourse online has been filled with claims that the current team lacks the original talent that defined classics like Fallout: New Vegas and Knights of the Old Republic 2.


Brandon Adler, a game director at Obsidian, recently took to LinkedIn to address these criticisms, labeling the narrative as misinformation. Adler emphasized that many individuals currently in leadership positions at the studio have been there for years, maintaining a consistent creative vision.


The Continuity of Creative DNA

Adler expressed frustration with the persistent claims that the studio has lost its identity. Addressing the skeptics, he noted:

«The number of times I've seen people, with no understanding of who has worked on our previous games or what they contributed, talk about how Obsidian isn't who they used to be... is staggering. Most of the time they are not just wrong, but spreading an enormous amount of misinformation.»

He further clarified that the core principles and creative direction of the team remain intact. According to Adler, the creative path from early titles like KotOR2 to the studio's modern output is evident. He stated, «The DNA at Obsidian is the same as it always was. The same DNA that created KotOR, New Vegas, NWN2, and Stick of Truth.»


Navigating Difficult Times

Beyond the debates over the studio's creative direction, Adler acknowledged the emotional toll of the recent corporate changes. He expressed deep sadness regarding the loss of talented colleagues, many of whom he considers close personal friends.

Adler concluded his statement by advocating for his former team members, urging the industry to recognize their high level of skill: «Know that if you are looking to hire one of these former Obsidian devs, you are hiring some of the best people around – both professionally and personally.»