Obsidian Director Blasts Studio Changes After Xbox Layoffs

In the volatile world of gaming corporate restructuring, when big studios make massive shifts, the resulting chatter often devolves into speculation and misinformation. But for some creators, the real challenge isn’t navigating corporate changes; it’s dealing with those who have no inkling of the history or DNA they are commenting on.

Obsidian Entertainment director Brandon Adler recently addressed this frustration head-on, noting that amid the recent Xbox layoffs, he was faced with a flood of comments from what he termed “cold take artists” attempting to redefine who Obsidian is now versus who it used to be. He stressed that many of these discussions lacked any understanding of the talent and contributions that built the studio over the years.

“Another difficult aspect,” Adler shared, “is having to see a bunch of cold take artists coming out of the woodwork to talk about what Obsidian is or what it isn’t.” He added that seeing people speak without understanding who contributed to previous games was “staggering” and often amounted to spreading misinformation.

This noise occurred against the backdrop of major corporate shakeups. Obsidian, like many developers, found itself caught in the crossfire when Microsoft announced widespread layoffs. This restructuring impacted a range of studios, including those involved in massive franchises like The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and even independent entities like Ninja Theory and Undead Labs, which successfully entered new ownership.

Despite the corporate turbulence, Adler made it clear that the foundational history of Obsidian remains intact. He pointed out that many lead and director roles are filled by the very people who built the studio’s legacy, tracing a clear lineage from landmark titles like KotOR2, Pillars of Eternity, New Vegas, and Stick of Truth.

“The through line from KotOR2 to our current games is pretty clear,” Adler stated. He asserted that while no entity remains static—nothing stays the same—the core genetic material of Obsidian has endured. “The same DNA that created KotOR, New Vegas, NWN2, and Stick of Truth is still fundamentally there.”

This recognition positions Obsidian not as a fleeting reflection of current corporate trends, but as a studio built on deep, proven creative roots. It’s a reminder that the true identity of a game, and its development team, is defined by the legacy they create.

Even amidst uncertainty, Obsidian remains focused on its creative trajectory. Recently, the studio shifted gears, canceling a planned sequel for Avowed to pivot toward exploring the rich world of Fallout. This move signals a commitment to leveraging their established lore and history into new, compelling experiences, ensuring that the focus stays firmly on the brilliant creations they are known for.