Fallout Devs Seek Revival of Forgotten Franchise

Obsidian Entertainment CEO Eyes Shadowrun for Next Big Project

The CEO of Obsidian Entertainment, Feargus Urquhart, has publicly expressed strong interest in developing a game based on Microsoft's Shadowrun IP. This revelation follows an interview where he discussed potential projects outside of the Fallout franchise. Let's delve into why this relatively obscure franchise has caught the eye of the renowned RPG studio.

Beyond Fallout: A Shadowrun Obsession

In a recent podcast interview, Urquhart revealed his passion for Shadowrun when asked about potential Microsoft IPs he'd like to tackle. While Obsidian is currently immersed in projects like Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2, Urquhart's enthusiasm for Shadowrun is undeniable. He declared his fondness for the franchise, stating he specifically requested a list of Microsoft's IPs after their acquisition. The recent addition of Activision's extensive library only broadened the options, yet Shadowrun remains his top choice.

Obsidian's reputation is built on crafting compelling entries within established franchises. While their original creations like Alpha Protocol and The Outer Worlds demonstrate their innovative capabilities, their expertise in expanding existing RPG universes is well-documented. From Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II and Neverwinter Nights 2 to Fallout: New Vegas and Dungeon Siege III, their track record speaks for itself.

Urquhart's preference for sequels is well-known. In a 2011 interview, he highlighted the inherent advantages of RPG sequels: the ability to continuously build upon existing worlds and narratives. While the specifics of Obsidian's vision for a Shadowrun game remain unconfirmed, their experience guarantees a respectful and engaging expansion of the universe. Urquhart's personal history with the franchise further strengthens this assurance; he's a long-time fan, owning multiple editions of the original tabletop RPG.

The Shadowrun Legacy and Future

Shadowrun's history is rich and complex, mirroring the cyberpunk-fantasy world it depicts. Originating as a tabletop RPG in 1989, it has seen numerous video game adaptations. Following FASA Corporation's closure, the rights underwent several ownership changes, but the video game rights ultimately landed with Microsoft after their 1999 acquisition of FASA Interactive.

While Harebrained Schemes has produced several Shadowrun games in recent years, the community eagerly anticipates a new, original entry. Shadowrun: Hong Kong, released in 2015, was the last standalone title. While remastered versions appeared on multiple platforms in 2022, the demand for a fresh Shadowrun experience remains strong. The possibility of Obsidian taking the helm could be just what the franchise needs.