Overview
Ambition over polish. Obsidian Entertainment formed when Interplay collapsed, reuniting Black Isle veterans determined to continue their craft. KOTOR II shipped incomplete but beloved; Alpha Protocol failed commercially but gained cult status; Fallout: New Vegas became the definitive modern Fallout. Kickstarter funded Pillars of Eternity’s return to isometric CRPGs. Microsoft acquisition in 2018 provided stability.
Fast facts
- Founded: 2003.
- Founders: Feargus Urquhart, Chris Avellone, others.
- Location: Irvine, California.
- Acquired by: Microsoft (2018).
Key releases
| Title | Year | Note |
|---|
| KOTOR II | 2004 | Rushed but brilliant |
| Neverwinter Nights 2 | 2006 | D&D sequel |
| Alpha Protocol | 2010 | Cult classic |
| Fallout: New Vegas | 2010 | Fan favourite |
| Pillars of Eternity | 2015 | Kickstarter success |
| The Outer Worlds | 2019 | Spiritual Fallout |
Design reputation
| Trait | Reality |
|---|
| Writing quality | Exceptional |
| Reactivity | Industry-leading |
| Launch stability | Historically poor |
| Publisher pressure | Frequent issue |
Fallout: New Vegas
| Achievement | Impact |
|---|
| Critical acclaim | 84 Metacritic |
| Fan preference | ”Better than 3” debate |
| 18-month development | Remarkable scope |
| Bonus denied | 1 point short |
Kickstarter era
| Project | Funding |
|---|
| Pillars of Eternity | $4.16 million |
| Pillars II | $4.4 million |
| Revival | CRPG renaissance |
Microsoft era
| Change | Outcome |
|---|
| Stability | Financial security |
| Resources | Larger teams |
| Independence | Creative freedom |
| Avowed | AAA development |
See also