Fallout: New Vegas Devs Want to Work on Obscure Series

Obsidian Entertainment CEO Eyes Shadowrun: A Cyberpunk Fantasy RPG Revival?

Obsidian Entertainment, renowned for titles like Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds, has set its sights on a lesser-known Microsoft IP: Shadowrun. CEO Feargus Urquhart recently expressed strong interest in developing a new Shadowrun game.

From Fallout to Shadowrun: A New Challenge for Obsidian?

In a recent podcast interview, Urquhart revealed his desire to work on a non-Fallout Xbox franchise. While currently occupied with projects like Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2, he explicitly named Shadowrun as his top choice among available Microsoft properties. This interest stems from a long-standing personal appreciation for the franchise, which he's followed since its inception.

Obsidian's history is rich with successful work on established RPG franchises. From Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II to Fallout: New Vegas, they've proven adept at expanding existing worlds. This experience, coupled with their ability to create original IPs (Alpha Protocol, The Outer Worlds), makes them a strong contender for revitalizing Shadowrun. Urquhart himself has previously commented on the appeal of RPG sequels, highlighting the potential for ongoing world-building and storytelling.

The Future of Shadowrun: A New Chapter?

While the specifics of Obsidian's vision for Shadowrun remain unclear, Urquhart's personal connection to the franchise—he owns multiple editions of the tabletop RPG—suggests a deep understanding and respect for its source material. The possibility of Obsidian taking the reins offers a promising outlook for fans who have long awaited a new, high-quality Shadowrun game.

Shadowrun's History: A Cyberpunk Fantasy Legacy

Shadowrun, originally launched as a tabletop RPG in 1989, boasts a complex history and numerous video game adaptations. Following the acquisition of FASA Interactive by Microsoft in 1999, the video game rights have remained with Microsoft. While Harebrained Schemes has produced several Shadowrun games in recent years, the last major standalone release, Shadowrun: Hong Kong, dates back to 2015. The community's enthusiasm for a fresh, original Shadowrun experience remains strong.