Obsidian Entertainment CEO Eyes Shadowrun for Next Big Project

Obsidian Entertainment, famed for Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds, has its sights set on a lesser-known Microsoft property: Shadowrun. CEO Feargus Urquhart recently expressed his strong interest in developing a new Shadowrun game.

Beyond Fallout

In a podcast interview, Urquhart revealed his wish list of Microsoft IPs, ultimately settling on Shadowrun as his top choice. While currently occupied with projects like Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2, his enthusiasm for Shadowrun is undeniable. He called the franchise "super cool," emphasizing his long-standing admiration, owning multiple editions of the original tabletop RPG.

Obsidian's Expertise

Obsidian has a proven track record of revitalizing existing franchises. From Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II to Neverwinter Nights 2 and Dungeon Siege III, their skill in expanding established worlds is evident. Urquhart himself has previously noted the advantages of working on sequels in the RPG genre, highlighting the potential for ongoing world-building and narrative development.

The Shadowrun Landscape

Shadowrun, initially a tabletop RPG launched in 1989, has a rich history of video game adaptations. While several titles have been released over the years, primarily by Harebrained Schemes, a new, original entry is highly anticipated by fans. The last standalone game, Shadowrun: Hong Kong, debuted in 2015. A 2022 remaster collection provided a fresh look at older titles, but the demand for a modern Shadowrun experience remains strong. The video game rights are held by Microsoft, following their acquisition of FASA Interactive in 1999.

The Future of Shadowrun

While the specifics of Obsidian's vision for a Shadowrun game are unknown, the prospect of this acclaimed studio tackling the cyberpunk-fantasy world is exciting for fans. Urquhart's passion and Obsidian's proven ability to craft compelling RPG experiences suggest a promising future for the franchise.