In a gaming industry revelation that has set forums alight, veteran RPG designer Chris Avellone has seemingly let the cat out of the bag regarding the future plans of his former studio, Obsidian Entertainment. According to Avellone, while a sequel to the recently released The Outer Worlds 2 isn't on the table, the studio is already moving forward with a follow-up to this year's fantasy RPG, Avowed.
The news comes as a surprise to many, given the strong launch and reception of The Outer Worlds 2 just a few weeks ago.
The Source: A Bombshell from a Founding Father
The rumor mill started churning on November 6th when Chris Avellone, a co-founder of Obsidian and the lead designer behind beloved classics like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords and Fallout: New Vegas, took to the social media platform X. Despite having left the studio in 2015, Avellone’s insider knowledge and industry connections remain formidable.
In his post, which you can see below, Avellone stated:
“Apparently, aside from DLC plans for The Outer Worlds 2, it seems like Obsidian is making no plans for Outer Worlds 3 (but they are doing Avowed 2).”
This single statement has sent shockwaves through the fanbase, prompting intense speculation about Obsidian's long-term roadmap.
The Outer Worlds 2: A Success with an Uncertain Future
The timing of this leak is particularly curious. The Outer Worlds 2 launched to a generally favorable reception on October 29th for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series S|X. Critics and players alike praised the sequel for its expanded scope, improved gameplay mechanics, and the deep freedom of choice that has become an Obsidian hallmark.
The return of the innovative "Flaw" system was also a hit. This unique mechanic rewards players with a perk point if they accept a permanent, game-altering debuff based on their in-game actions—a bold design choice that reinforces the game's focus on player consequence.
With the game selling well and the developer undoubtedly busy with post-launch updates and planned DLC content, the notion that a sequel isn't even in the early planning stages seems premature to some industry watchers.
Reading Between the Lines: Why an Outer Worlds 3 Isn't Out of the Question
Before fans of the sci-fi franchise despair, it's crucial to view this news with a healthy dose of skepticism. For one, it is highly unusual for a developer to discuss a sequel while its latest title is still in its launch window. Any talk of The Outer Worlds 3 would inevitably pull media attention and player discussion away from the current game.
Furthermore, Obsidian Entertainment is known to operate with a multi-team structure. This allows them to have several projects in development simultaneously. The team working on DLC for The Outer Worlds 2 is likely separate from any team that would be in pre-production on a new title. The fact that one project isn't currently greenlit doesn't mean it won't be in six months or a year, especially if the DLC sells exceptionally well.
So, while Avellone’s information may be accurate at this very moment, the dynamic nature of game development means the "cards on the table" can be reshuffled at any time.
Check out The Outer Worlds 2 on Amazon to see what all the buzz is about.
Avowed 2: A Vote of Confidence in a New Franchise?
The more concrete part of Avellone's statement points to Avowed 2 being officially greenlit. This suggests a strong vote of confidence from both Obsidian and its parent company, Microsoft, in the fledgling franchise.
This is interesting, given the somewhat mixed reception of the first Avowed. Released on February 18, 2025, the game settled for a "solid" Metacritic score of 80/100. While critics found it to be a competent RPG, many players and reviewers felt it didn't do enough to stand out in the densely populated fantasy RPG genre, with some labeling it an "OK RPG."
Its player count on Steam saw a sharp decline after launch, but Microsoft reportedly measured its success through a different lens: Game Pass engagement. The company celebrated Avowed as the second-most-played day-one Game Pass launch of early 2025, only behind the massive Oblivion: Remastered.
This data point is critical. It indicates that while the game may not have been a breakout traditional sales hit, it was a major success in driving subscription value—a key metric for Xbox. A sequel greenlight implies that Obsidian has a clear vision for how to build upon the foundation of the first game and create a more defining experience within the rich world of Eora, established in the Pillars of Eternity series.
The Verdict: Wait for Official Word
As it stands, this news remains in the realm of industry rumor, albeit from a very credible source. Obsidian Entertainment has yet to make any official statement regarding the future of either franchise.
For now, fans can look forward to the upcoming DLC for The Outer Worlds 2 and ponder the potential of an Avowed sequel that learns from its predecessor's lessons. One thing is certain: Obsidian Entertainment has a full slate, and the RPG landscape is all the more interesting for it.