Fallout: New Vegas Devs Want to Work on Obscure Series

Obsidian Entertainment CEO Eyes Shadowrun Development

Obsidian Entertainment's CEO, Feargus Urquhart, has publicly expressed strong interest in developing a game based on Microsoft's Shadowrun IP. This revelation follows a recent interview where he was asked about his preferred non-Fallout Microsoft project.

Urquhart's Shadowrun Enthusiasm

In a podcast interview, Urquhart declared his admiration for Shadowrun, stating, "I love Shadowrun. I think it’s super cool." He confirmed requesting a list of available Microsoft IPs after the acquisition, ultimately choosing Shadowrun as his top choice. This preference holds even considering Microsoft's recent acquisition of Activision and its extensive game library.

Obsidian's Track Record with Existing IPs

Obsidian's reputation is built on successfully developing sequels and expanding existing game universes. From their contributions to franchises like Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic, Neverwinter Nights, Fallout, and Dungeon Siege, their expertise in enriching established RPG worlds is undeniable. Urquhart himself previously commented on the studio's attraction to sequels, highlighting the potential for ongoing storytelling within established RPG settings.

The Future of Shadowrun

While the specifics of Obsidian's vision for a Shadowrun game remain unclear, Urquhart's long-standing passion for the tabletop RPG (owning multiple editions) assures fans of a potentially faithful and engaging adaptation. The last major standalone Shadowrun game, Shadowrun: Hong Kong, launched in 2015, leaving a significant gap for a new entry. While remastered versions were released in 2022, the community's desire for a fresh, original Shadowrun experience is strong.

Shadowrun's Past and Present

The Shadowrun franchise, originating as a tabletop RPG in 1989, boasts a rich history with various video game adaptations. Following the closure of FASA Corporation, the video game rights ended up with Microsoft after its acquisition of FASA Interactive. Harebrained Schemes has developed several Shadowrun titles in recent years, but a new, original game from a studio with Obsidian's pedigree would undoubtedly excite fans.