The Outer Worlds Can Carve a Unique Niche by Taking a Different Path than Avowed

When Obsidian Entertainment released The Outer Worlds, it marked a significant milestone for the studio. For years, they had been focused on smaller projects, but this game was their return to the AAA first-person RPG scene, a category they hadn’t ventured into since 2010 with Fallout: New Vegas. While some fans were longing for a direct sequel to New Vegas, The Outer Worlds delivered a fresh take, capturing many elements that enthusiasts love about the Fallout series, such as dark humor, intense violence, and the all-important player choice. Even though it faced some critiques online, the game emerged as both a critical and commercial triumph for Obsidian.

Fast forward over five years, and the anticipation is building as Obsidian prepares to launch their next blockbuster RPG, Avowed. Scheduled for release on the Xbox Series X/S and Windows PC in February 2025, Avowed promises a thrilling fantasy adventure packed with firearms and magic. Despite its similar grandeur, Avowed sets itself apart in terms of setting and combat mechanics. The Outer Worlds, on the other hand, could carve out a distinct identity by heading in a direction quite different from Avowed.

A snapshot of Avowed might initially suggest it’s a brand-new intellectual property. Its visuals could easily mislead those not in the know to think it stands alone. But surprise! Avowed is actually a branch off from the Pillars of Eternity series, another gem by Obsidian Entertainment. While not as globally recognized as The Elder Scrolls or Fallout, Pillars of Eternity is still a noteworthy name among RPG enthusiasts. The series, known for titles like Pillars of Eternity and its sequel, Deadfire, made its mark in the mid-2010s as isometric CRPGs with pausable real-time combat, strongly influenced by classics like Baldur’s Gate.

Despite critical acclaim, Pillars of Eternity games didn’t quite hit commercial success, with Deadfire failing to meet sales expectations possibly due to its niche appeal. This might explain Obsidian’s decision to pivot with Avowed, moving to a first-person format to potentially attract a wider fanbase, including those who loved Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds.

Given the rising popularity of CRPGs, capped off by the success of Baldur’s Gate 3, it seems timely for Obsidian to revisit the genre. Instead of another Pillars of Eternity game though, they could tap into The Outer Worlds universe for an isometric RPG. With gamers eager for choices and rich narratives, an isometric spin-off could satisfy fans longing for a throwback to the roots established by RPG titans like Fallout’s early days, provided it’s well-crafted.

The Outer Worlds stakes its claim with a compelling story set in a struggling space colony. As a player, you awaken from a long slumber due to a mishap on a colonist ship. Thrust into a conspiracy destined to unravel the Halcyon colony, your decisions shape the narrative, influencing the balance of power among vying factions. Who you become is key to the fate of everyone in Halcyon. In this corporate chess game, you’re the unexpected wildcard, set in a future where maintaining the status quo is not an option. Welcome to this tale of intrigue—try not to break the universe while you’re at it!