Obsidian's Game Director Defends Studio Amidst Layoffs and Misinformation
The gaming industry is abuzz with the recent layoffs at Xbox, and Obsidian Entertainment, a studio known for its critically acclaimed titles like The Outer Worlds and Pillars of Eternity, has found itself in the spotlight. Amidst the turmoil, Obsidian's game director, Brandon Adler, has taken to LinkedIn to address the online backlash and misinformation surrounding the studio.
Adler, who has been with Obsidian for 13 years, is defending the studio's reputation and heritage. He emphasizes that the core team behind Obsidian's games has remained largely unchanged over the years, with the same people working on titles like The Outer Worlds, Pillars of Eternity, and New Vegas. He writes, "The DNA at Obsidian is the same as it always was. The same DNA that created KotOR, New Vegas, NWN2, and Stick of Truth."
However, the director is frustrated by the influx of online critics who have emerged, seemingly out of nowhere, to question Obsidian's current state and direction. Adler laments the spread of misinformation, stating, "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."
The situation is particularly challenging for Obsidian as it navigates the aftermath of Microsoft's massive layoffs at Xbox, which resulted in a quarter of Obsidian's staff being let go. The studio's priorities have shifted, with Xbox focusing on its biggest franchises, including Fallout. This has led to the cancellation of several projects, including a sequel to Avowed, a role-playing game that was well-received in 2025.
Despite the challenges, Adler remains proud of Obsidian's history and excited about its future. He encourages fans and industry peers alike to look beyond the noise and misinformation, stating, "Just remember, when you are seeing people spouting off about Obsidian, running their mouths about who we are now vs. what we were then, you are listening to someone crow about something with zero insight into how a game is made and who contributed to our previous games."
In the face of adversity, Adler's defense of Obsidian highlights the studio's resilience and commitment to its craft. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Obsidian's ability to adapt and maintain its core values will be crucial to its success in the years to come.
