The gaming world still buzzes about Microsoft’s surprise 2018 acquisition of Obsidian Entertainment—but for the developers caught in the whirlwind, the news landed like a supernova. In a candid new interview, Leonard Boyarsky, legendary RPG designer and director of the highly anticipated Outer Wilds 2, admits the takeover left the studio reeling.
"It was quite a shock," Boyarsky revealed in Edge Magazine’s October 2024 issue, describing the day Microsoft announced its purchase of the Fallout: New Vegas and Pillars of Eternity studio. "We were deep in creative discussions, prototyping new ideas—including what would become Outer Wilds 2—and suddenly everything shifted overnight."
Read the full exclusive interview in Edge Magazine #425 here.
Behind the Shockwave
When Microsoft finalized the deal in November 2018, Obsidian was an independent studio navigating risky projects with private funding. Boyarsky, who’d returned to Obsidian in 2016 after co-creating Diablo III at Blizzard, was spearheading experimental concepts. The acquisition, while financially stabilizing, introduced seismic changes:
- Creative Whiplash: Teams accustomed to agile, indie-style workflows adjusted to Xbox Game Studios’ infrastructure.
- Resource Relief: Microsoft’s backing eliminated funding anxieties but came with heightened expectations.
- The Outer Wilds Factor: Though early in development, Boyarsky confirms Outer Wilds 2’s vision "had to be re-pitched" internally to align with Xbox’s portfolio.
From Turmoil to Triumph
Despite initial turbulence, Boyarsky credits the acquisition for Outer Wilds 2’s ambitious scope. "Microsoft gave us runway," he told Edge. "Suddenly, we could dream bigger—interstellar physics, deeper narrative loops—without begging for budget."
The sequel, teased during 2023’s Xbox Showcase, promises to expand on Mobius Digital’s 2019 cult hit with Obsidian’s signature branching storytelling. Leaked details suggest parallel timelines and alien archeology—themes Boyarsky explored in classics like Arcanum.
Why Gamers Should Care
The shock of acquisitions often overshadows creative realities. Boyarsky’s honesty highlights a truth: studio buyouts aren’t just corporate chess moves. They’re human stories of adaptation, pressure, and opportunity—all unfolding behind your favorite games.
As Outer Wilds 2 nears its rumored 2026 launch, one thing’s clear: from shockwaves to stardust, Obsidian’s journey proves even universe-shaking news can fuel brilliance.
Want more? Grab Edge Magazine’s full interview with Boyarsky here, featuring untold details on Outer Wilds 2, Obsidian’s RPG legacy, and how Fallout’s DNA lives on in their new cosmic mystery.