Obsidian's Creative Identity Safe Under Bethesda, Says Boss

Ever worried that your favorite RPG studio might lose its soul after being absorbed by a giant publisher? Well, Obsidian fans, there's some reassuring news. According to a leaked memo from Bethesda president Jill Braff, Obsidian's "creative identity" will remain intact now that the studio is part of Bethesda.

The news came alongside Xbox's latest round of layoffs and reshuffling, so it's understandable if you're feeling a bit anxious. But Braff's email to employees, obtained by Aftermath, describes the change as little more than "a change in reporting structure." She writes: "The creative identity and strengths that make Obsidian distinct will remain at the core of their studio and work." So that's a relief, right?

According to Braff, CEO Feargus Urquhart and the Obsidian leadership team will continue to lead the studio, which will now report directly to her. Meanwhile, Bethesda Game Studios will continue to lead the Fallout franchise. This structure, Braff says, "supports the franchise-led model we've been strengthening while keeping accountability for both the studio and the franchise clear."

Earlier this year, Bethesda and Obsidian announced they were collaborating on a new Fallout game, 16 years after the two studios worked together on the beloved Fallout: New Vegas. That project became official shortly after behind-the-scenes reporting suggested Microsoft had swooped in to kill Obsidian's Avowed sequel and put the devs to work on Fallout. Braff adds: "Together, the teams will build on their longstanding relationship and the early work already underway on a new Fallout project, with more to share in the months ahead."

For much of the past decade, Obsidian has put its resources into developing original IP, including The Outer Worlds, Grounded, and Pentiment, as well as a fresh take on its Pillars of Eternity series in Avowed. While a new Fallout game is long overdue, some fans and industry folks are worried about Obsidian's future. The studio was clearly passionate about its own internal IP, and this talk of "franchise-led" development feels all too familiar. We've spent years watching studios like Ubisoft and Activision slowly turn their vast rosters of internal studios into little more than support houses for big franchises like Assassin's Creed and Call of Duty.

Baldur's Gate 3 publishing lead Michael "Cromwelp" Douse shares those concerns. "I can't imagine what it must feel like to have independent agency and then, suddenly enough, find yourself working *under* a competitor," he writes. "I can't imagine that feels great." Especially with reports of 25% of the studio being laid off as part of the transition. And according to an ex-studio lead, another Fallout RPG was in development at Obsidian before Bethesda pulled the plug "a while ago."

So, what do you think? Will Obsidian manage to keep its unique spark under Bethesda, or are you worried about what this means for future original IP? Let us know in the comments!