Sony Turned Down The Order: 1886 Sequel Due to Critical Reception, Dev Says

Ready at Dawn, the developer behind the PlayStation 4 title The Order: 1886, revealed that Sony rejected a proposed sequel. Co-founder Andrea Pessino, speaking with MinnMax, described the planned sequel as "incredible," stating the team would have accepted unfavorable terms to create it for the fans. Despite The Order: 1886's stunning visuals, its middling critical reception ultimately led to Sony's decision.

Pessino explained that the original game's development was fraught with challenges, including a strained relationship with Sony. Meeting the high graphical expectations set by early demos proved difficult, leading to payment delays when Ready at Dawn prioritized other aspects of development. While Pessino acknowledged this as standard practice for third-party publishers, it created a tense dynamic.

Despite this experience, the team was eager to create a sequel, even under less-than-ideal circumstances. Pessino stated they would have accepted a significantly smaller budget and limited negotiating power, prioritizing the opportunity to redeem the franchise and build upon its strong foundation. He emphasized the substantial groundwork laid for a sequel, highlighting its unrealized potential.

The original game ended on a significant cliffhanger, fueling fan demand for a continuation. However, with Ready at Dawn's closure by Meta in 2024, hopes for a sequel are now extinguished. IGN's review of The Order: 1886 (6/10) summarized the game as a "stylish adventure" hampered by limited gameplay freedom.