Ready at Dawn's co-founder, Andrea Pessino, recently revealed that Sony rejected a proposed sequel to their PlayStation 4 title, The Order: 1886, citing the original game's lukewarm critical reception. Despite this, Pessino claims Ready at Dawn pitched a compelling sequel, even expressing a willingness to accept unfavorable terms to deliver it to fans.
In an interview with MinnMax, Pessino described the proposed sequel as "incredible," stating they would have "signed [their] life away" for the opportunity. The Order: 1886, released in 2015, boasted stunning visuals but received mixed reviews, criticized for its restrictive gameplay despite its impressive graphics.
Pessino explained that the development of the original game was fraught with challenges, including a strained relationship with Sony. Ready at Dawn faced pressure to maintain the high graphical fidelity showcased in early demos, leading to compromises and a rushed release. Payment issues arose when Ready at Dawn prioritized other aspects of development, temporarily impacting graphical progress. While Pessino acknowledges this as standard practice for third-party publishers, it created friction with Sony.
Despite this difficult experience, the team was eager to create a sequel, even if it meant accepting a significantly smaller budget and limited creative control. Pessino emphasized the strong foundation laid in the first game, highlighting untapped potential for a superior sequel. He stated, "We were not in a position to negotiate a reasonable contract; they could have done whatever. But we would've taken it because we wanted a chance to redeem the franchise."
The original game concluded on a significant cliffhanger, leaving fans yearning for a continuation. However, with Ready at Dawn's closure by Meta in 2024, those hopes are now extinguished.
IGN's review of The Order: 1886 (6/10) summarized the game's shortcomings: "Though a stylish adventure, The Order: 1886 emphasizes its cinematic polish at the crippling cost of gameplay freedom."
