The game director of The Outer Worlds 2, Brandon Adler, shares that players are seeking “more profound RPGs,” which is exactly the focus Obsidian aims to capture with this sequel. During an interview with Danny Peña (credit to Wccftech), Adler discussed the key observations garnered from the original game that are being implemented in The Outer Worlds 2. The primary takeaway is enhancing depth, allowing players to engage with intricate mechanics.
“Players desire deeper RPGs,” he notes, elaborating that developers can sometimes overly refine the experience, removing essential “rough edges” and simplifying elements too much.
Welcoming Complexity in RPGs
As The Outer Worlds 2 opts for a more “rich” role-playing experience, its directors believe that audiences have become “more receptive” to intricate RPGs following the success of Baldur’s Gate 3. Adler commented, “It’s beneficial to bring those elements back to the forefront.”
Content Beyond the Main Path
Obsidian is unafraid of drawing parallels between The Outer Worlds 2 and Fallout: New Vegas, with the creatives stating, “The main storyline constitutes about 10 to 15% of the entire game’s content.”
The leads for The Outer Worlds 2 point out that games like Baldur’s Gate 3 have demonstrated that “players genuinely want these types of experiences,” particularly at a time when even Obsidian felt the need to reaffirm its position in the industry.
“This approach suits some titles, yet players yearn for a chance to dive in,” he explains. “They want to engage with the intricate mechanics and explore various build possibilities. They desire the full range of RPG choices, many of which we’ve gradually been trimming down.” Adler emphasizes that the crucial lesson transitioning from the first title to this sequel is providing players with ample options and tools for interaction, likely resulting in their appreciation.
Reviving Classic RPG Sensibilities
Although Adler isn’t solely relying on The Outer Worlds for insights on crafting in-depth RPGs, he acknowledges that certain “older Obsidian titles and the gameplay styles we frequently produced” have offered valuable inspiration.
“How do we revive those elements while modernizing the approach? It’s all about returning to the principles of crafting a robust RPG that emphasizes player agency, choice, and the resulting consequences,” he states. “Ensuring that all of our content strongly supports these ideas has been incredibly enjoyable for me.”
For additional insights, don’t miss our in-depth preview of The Outer Worlds 2, which includes exclusive access and first-hand experiences with this eccentric sci-fi RPG.