Obsidian Entertainment Won’t Chase Huge Profits or Grow Aggressively, Plans to Last 100 Years in the RPG Business
In a recent discussion at this week’s D.I.C.E. Summit, as covered by PC Gamer, Obsidian Entertainment’s leadership outlined an ambitious long-term vision for the studio. Vice Presidents Marcus Morgan and Justin Britch emphasized that rather than aggressively expanding or chasing massive profits, their goal is to build a sustainable company that lasts 100 years. With Obsidian now 22 years old, the company intends to maintain its lean structure and strong work culture to ensure that every employee continues to feel impactful, avoiding the pitfalls of becoming just another cog in a giant corporate machine.
The studio, celebrated for its critically acclaimed titles such as Fallout: New Vegas, Pillars of Eternity, The Outer Worlds, and most recently Avowed, is shifting its focus from blockbuster sales to creating games that resonate deeply with players. By investing resources based on a “mild success” assumption rather than banking on a smash hit, Obsidian aims to set realistic sales expectations. This approach stands in stark contrast to some industry giants like PlayStation and Ubisoft, which have recently funneled massive sums into projects such as Concord and Star Wars Outlaws, respectively, with mixed results. The strategy is a direct response to past challenges; for example, the underwhelming performance of Dragon Age: The Veilguard led to layoffs at BioWare, underscoring the risks of overinvestment in a single project.
Obsidian’s commitment to sustainability involves keeping the team small and focused, a decision that previously led them to forgo plans for international expansion that might have diluted their unique work culture. The company’s philosophy is to make games that are both artistically and emotionally impactful, rather than simply prioritizing profit margins. This steadfast focus on quality and culture has already borne fruit in the positive reception of titles like Grounded, Pentiment, and Avowed during the 2020s. If Obsidian continues on this carefully measured path, the studio is well-positioned not only to weather the current volatility in the gaming industry but to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
What are your thoughts on Obsidian’s decision to focus on sustainable growth and creative integrity over rapid expansion? Do you believe this strategy will help them thrive for 100 years, or is aggressive growth necessary in today’s competitive market? Share your insights below!
