Fallout Devs Unveil Hidden Project Intentions

Obsidian Entertainment's CEO has expressed strong interest in developing a lesser-known Microsoft game franchise. This article explores why this particular IP has caught the attention of the renowned RPG studio.

Obsidian's CEO Wants to Breathe Life into Shadowrun

Beyond Fallout: A New Frontier

In a recent podcast interview with Tom Caswell, Obsidian CEO Feargus Urquhart revealed his top choice for a non-Fallout Xbox franchise to develop. While the studio, celebrated for *Fallout: New Vegas* and *The Outer Worlds*, is currently immersed in projects like *Avowed* and *The Outer Worlds 2*, Urquhart clearly stated his desire to tackle the *Shadowrun* franchise.

Urquhart enthusiastically declared his love for Shadowrun, noting that he requested a list of Microsoft IPs soon after the acquisition. The recent addition of Activision's extensive library further broadened the possibilities, yet Urquhart remained focused on one specific IP: "If you had to pin me down on one, yes, Shadowrun is the one."

Obsidian has established a reputation for crafting compelling sequels within established franchises. While their original creations like Alpha Protocol and The Outer Worlds demonstrate their ability to build unique worlds, their legacy is undeniably linked to prominent RPG series. From Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II and Neverwinter Nights 2 to Fallout: New Vegas and Dungeon Siege III, Obsidian consistently showcases its expertise in expanding existing universes.

In a 2011 Joystiq interview, Urquhart explained the studio's preference for sequels: "RPGs have a lot of sequels because you can keep on adding on to the world. You can keep on coming up with new stories. I think from that perspective, it’s great to be able to make these even if they’re sequels because you get to go play in someone else’s world."

While Obsidian's vision for a Shadowrun expansion remains unclear, securing the license would undoubtedly place the beloved franchise in capable hands. Urquhart himself is a longtime fan of the tabletop RPG, admitting, "I bought the book when it first came out. I probably own four of the six editions."

Shadowrun's Evolving Legacy

The history of Shadowrun is as complex as its cyberpunk-fantasy setting. Originating as a tabletop RPG in 1989, it has spawned numerous video game adaptations. Following FASA Corporation's closure, the pen-and-paper rights changed hands several times, but the video game rights remained with Microsoft after its 1999 acquisition of FASA Interactive.

Harebrained Schemes has developed several Shadowrun games in recent years, but anticipation remains high for a new, original entry. Shadowrun: Hong Kong, released in 2015, was the last standalone title. Remastered versions of previous games arrived on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC in 2022, yet the community's desire for a fresh Shadowrun experience persists.