Brandon Adler, director at Obsidian Entertainment, has voiced his frustration regarding the public discourse surrounding the studio’s identity following recent layoffs at Xbox. The commentary, which he refers to as coming from “cold take artists,” has drawn his ire as it misrepresents both the studio’s current capabilities and the talent that has shaped its history. As first reported by IGN, Adler’s remarks came in a LinkedIn post where he expressed his disappointment at the conversations emerging after the significant staffing cuts at Xbox.
The layoffs, described by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma as the most substantial restructuring the company has ever undergone, affected approximately 1,600 positions immediately, with an additional 1,600 anticipated throughout the current financial year. Among the studios impacted were well-known developers such as Ninja Theory and Undead Labs, alongside Obsidian, which is recognized for its critically acclaimed titles like “Fallout: New Vegas” and “The Outer Worlds.”
Adler emphasized the emotional toll of the recent changes on the team, noting, “It has been an extremely difficult week for us.” He took time to honor those who were affected by the layoffs before addressing the narratives that have arisen in their wake. He expressed concern that many individuals, lacking a true understanding of Obsidian’s heritage and the contributions of its team members, have been quick to claim the studio is not what it once was.
“The number of times I have seen people, with no understanding of who has worked on our previous games or what they contributed, talk about how Obsidian isn’t who they used to be… is staggering,” Adler stated. He underscored that such comments, often erroneous, contribute to a larger spread of misinformation about the studio’s direction and future projects.
In addition to addressing the layoffs, Adler’s comments also reflect a broader concern about how studios can be perceived in the face of internal changes. Obsidian is currently developing “The Outer Worlds 2” and another unannounced project, and the director is determined to ensure that the talent within the studio is recognized for their ongoing efforts and contributions.
As the restructuring at Xbox continues to unfold, the future of various teams remains uncertain. Developers at ZeniMax Online, id Software, and Obsidian have reportedly been affected by the cuts, leaving many to speculate about the long-term implications of such a significant reduction in workforce.
Adler’s response serves as a reminder that while the industry experiences shifts in personnel, the core identity and creative vision of a studio can remain intact, albeit challenged. His call for fair discourse highlights the importance of understanding the complexities behind the scenes, especially during times of change.
Obsidian Entertainment, founded in 2003, has built a reputation for its narrative-driven role-playing games, often focusing on player choice and moral complexity. With a legacy that includes notable titles across various platforms, the studio continues to develop new projects that reflect its commitment to quality storytelling and player engagement.
Image credit: IGN
This article was generated with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.
