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 eye of the acclaimed RPG studio.
Obsidian's CEO Wants to Bring Shadowrun to Life
Beyond Fallout
In a recent podcast interview with Tom Caswell, Obsidian CEO Feargus Urquhart revealed his desire to work on a non-Fallout Xbox property. While the studio, known for *Fallout: New Vegas* and *The Outer Worlds*, is currently focused on *Avowed* and *The Outer Worlds 2*, Urquhart clearly stated his preference for the *Shadowrun* franchise.Urquhart declared his fondness for Shadowrun, calling it "super cool." He mentioned requesting a list of Microsoft IPs following the acquisition. The subsequent addition of Activision's extensive library only 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 built a reputation for crafting compelling sequels within established franchises. Although they've successfully created original worlds (Alpha Protocol, The Outer Worlds), their legacy is undeniably linked to renowned 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 demonstrates skill in expanding existing universes.
In a 2011 interview with Joystiq, Urquhart explained the studio's attraction to sequels: "RPGs have a lot of sequels because you can keep on adding to the world. You can keep 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 play in someone else’s world."
While Obsidian's vision for a Shadowrun game remains unclear, securing the license would place the beloved world in capable hands. Urquhart himself is a long-time fan of the tabletop RPG: "I bought the book when it first came out. I probably own four of the six editions."
The Shadowrun Saga
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 Microsoft retained the video game rights after acquiring FASA Interactive in 1999.
Harebrained Schemes has developed several Shadowrun games recently, but fans eagerly anticipate a new, original title. The last standalone game, Shadowrun: Hong Kong, launched in 2015. Remastered versions of earlier titles were released in 2022 for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, but the community's desire for a fresh Shadowrun experience remains strong.
