Fallout: New Vegas Team Seeks Revival of Forgotten Franchise

Obsidian Entertainment's CEO, Feargus Urquhart, has publicly expressed strong interest in developing a game based on Microsoft's lesser-known IP, Shadowrun. This revelation follows an interview where he was asked about potential Xbox projects outside of the Fallout franchise. Urquhart, whose studio is renowned for titles like Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds, clearly stated his preference for Shadowrun, calling it "super cool."

This isn't a surprising declaration given Obsidian's history of successfully developing sequels within established RPG universes. From Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II to Neverwinter Nights 2, and of course, Fallout: New Vegas, their expertise lies in expanding existing worlds. Urquhart himself has previously commented on the advantages of working on sequels in the RPG genre, highlighting the opportunity for continuous world-building and storytelling.

While Obsidian's capabilities in crafting original IPs (like Alpha Protocol and The Outer Worlds) are undeniable, their affinity for established franchises is equally evident. The potential for a new Shadowrun game under their direction has excited fans, given Urquhart's admitted long-standing passion for the tabletop RPG, owning multiple editions of the source material.

The Shadowrun franchise, originating as a tabletop RPG in 1989, boasts a rich history and multiple video game adaptations. While Harebrained Schemes has produced several Shadowrun games in recent years, the last original standalone title, Shadowrun: Hong Kong, dates back to 2015. The community's desire for a fresh, innovative Shadowrun experience remains strong, making Obsidian's potential involvement a significant development.