Fallout: New Vegas Devs Want to Work on Obscure Series

Obsidian Entertainment's CEO has expressed strong interest in developing a lesser-known Microsoft IP. Discover why this franchise has captivated the acclaimed RPG studio.

Obsidian CEO Wants to Bring Shadowrun to Life

Fallout is Cool, But…

In a recent interview with Tom Caswell, Obsidian CEO Feargus Urquhart revealed his desire to work on a non-Fallout Xbox IP. While currently focused on projects like *Avowed* and *The Outer Worlds 2*, Urquhart declared his fondness for the *Shadowrun* franchise. He stated, "I love *Shadowrun*. I think it’s super cool," explaining that he requested a list of Microsoft IPs following the acquisition. The addition of Activision's vast catalog expanded the possibilities, yet Urquhart remained focused: "If you had to pin me down on one, yes, *Shadowrun* is the one."

Obsidian has built a reputation for crafting compelling sequels within established franchises. While they've successfully created original worlds with Alpha Protocol and The Outer Worlds, their legacy is deeply rooted in renowned RPG series. From Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II and Neverwinter Nights 2 to Fallout: New Vegas and Dungeon Siege III, Obsidian consistently demonstrates a talent for expanding existing universes. Urquhart himself explained this affinity in a 2011 Joystiq interview: "RPGs have a lot of sequels because you can keep on adding on to the world. You can keep on coming up with new stories. I think from that perspective, it’s great to be able to make these even if they’re sequels because you get to go play in someone else’s world."

How Obsidian envisions expanding the Shadowrun universe remains to be seen. However, should they secure the license, fans can be confident their beloved world is in capable hands. Urquhart's long-standing passion for the tabletop RPG is evident: "I bought the book when it first came out. I probably own four of the six editions."

What Happened to Shadowrun?

Shadowrun's history is as rich and complex as its cyberpunk-fantasy setting. Originating as a tabletop RPG in 1989, it has spawned numerous video game adaptations. While the tabletop rights changed hands following FASA Corporation's closure, the video game rights remained with Microsoft after its acquisition of FASA Interactive in 1999.

Harebrained Schemes has developed several Shadowrun games in recent years, but anticipation for a new, original entry remains high. The last standalone Shadowrun game, Shadowrun: Hong Kong, launched in 2015. Remastered versions of previous titles were released in 2022 for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, yet the community eagerly awaits a fresh Shadowrun experience.