Overview
Ambition over polish. Obsidian Entertainment formed when Interplay collapsed, reuniting Black Isle veterans determined to continue their craft. KOTOR II shipped incomplete but beloved; Alpha Protocol failed commercially but gained cult status; Fallout: New Vegas became the definitive modern Fallout. Kickstarter funded Pillars of Eternity’s return to isometric CRPGs. Microsoft acquisition in 2018 provided stability.
Fast facts
- Founded: 2003.
- Founders: Feargus Urquhart, Chris Avellone, others.
- Location: Irvine, California.
- Acquired by: Microsoft (2018).
Key releases
| Title |
Year |
Note |
| KOTOR II |
2004 |
Rushed but brilliant |
| Neverwinter Nights 2 |
2006 |
D&D sequel |
| Alpha Protocol |
2010 |
Cult classic |
| Fallout: New Vegas |
2010 |
Fan favourite |
| Pillars of Eternity |
2015 |
Kickstarter success |
| The Outer Worlds |
2019 |
Spiritual Fallout |
Design reputation
| Trait |
Reality |
| Writing quality |
Exceptional |
| Reactivity |
Industry-leading |
| Launch stability |
Historically poor |
| Publisher pressure |
Frequent issue |
Fallout: New Vegas
| Achievement |
Impact |
| Critical acclaim |
84 Metacritic |
| Fan preference |
“Better than 3” debate |
| 18-month development |
Remarkable scope |
| Bonus denied |
1 point short |
Kickstarter era
| Project |
Funding |
| Pillars of Eternity |
$4.16 million |
| Pillars II |
$4.4 million |
| Revival |
CRPG renaissance |
Microsoft era
| Change |
Outcome |
| Stability |
Financial security |
| Resources |
Larger teams |
| Independence |
Creative freedom |
| Avowed |
AAA development |
See also