Chris Avellone, co-founder of Obsidian Entertainment, revealed on X that the studio is not planning The Outer Worlds 3 while focusing on Avowed 2 and DLC for The Outer Worlds 2. This statement comes shortly after The Outer Worlds 2's launch on October 29 for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series S|X. Avowed, released earlier in 2025, has shown mixed success on Game Pass.
Statement from Chris Avellone
On November 6, Chris Avellone, who co-founded Obsidian Entertainment and contributed to titles like Fallout: New Vegas before leaving the studio in 2015, shared insights on X. He stated, “Apparently, aside from DLC plans for The Outer Worlds 2, it seems like Obsidian is making no plans for Outer Worlds 3 (but they are doing Avowed 2).” This comment highlights Obsidian's current project priorities, though Avellone's status as a former employee means the information should be viewed cautiously.
Recent Releases and Reception
The Outer Worlds 2 launched on October 29 for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series S|X, earning generally favorable reviews for its expanded gameplay, increased player choice, and the return of the Flaw system—a mechanic that introduces debuffs based on in-game decisions. The original The Outer Worlds arrived in 2019, setting the stage for this sequel's improvements.
In contrast, Avowed debuted on February 18, 2025, for PC and Xbox Series S|X. It holds a Metacritic score of 80/100 from 80 critics but a lower user average of 6.8 from 2,049 reviews, with players describing it as an "OK RPG" that blends into the fantasy genre without major innovations. Steam data shows a peak of 19,198 concurrent players on February 23, dropping to a daily average of around 200. Microsoft noted Avowed as the second-most-played day-one Game Pass launch of 2025, behind Oblivion: Remastered.
Development Context
Obsidian's multi-team structure spreads resources across projects, suggesting The Outer Worlds 3 could still emerge despite current focuses on post-launch support for The Outer Worlds 2 and Avowed 2. The timing of Avellone's remarks, just weeks after The Outer Worlds 2's release, underscores the studio's emphasis on ongoing titles rather than immediate sequels.