Obsidian Entertainment director Brandon Adler has taken a strong stance against what he calls 'cold take artists' who are misrepresenting the studio's current state following the recent Xbox layoffs. In a LinkedIn post, Adler expressed his frustration with individuals who are 'running their mouths' without a proper understanding of the studio's history and the talent it has assembled over the years. He emphasizes that the people in lead or director roles at Obsidian are the same individuals who worked on iconic games like The Outer Worlds, Pillars of Eternity, and Fallout: New Vegas.
Adler's commentary highlights the importance of recognizing the continuity and evolution of a studio's DNA, rather than focusing on superficial changes. He argues that while Obsidian may not be the same as it was 20 years ago, the core values and talent that created its flagship titles remain intact. Adler's perspective is particularly interesting as it challenges the notion that a studio's identity is solely defined by its past successes, and instead emphasizes the importance of the people and processes that drive its current and future endeavors.
The director's personal interpretation of the situation is that the cold take artists are missing the point. He believes that the studio's history is a testament to its resilience and adaptability, and that the recent layoffs are a necessary step in its evolution. Adler's commentary also raises a deeper question about the role of public perception in the gaming industry, and how it can sometimes be at odds with the reality of a studio's operations and future prospects. Overall, his post is a thought-provoking reflection on the complexities of studio identity and the impact of external perceptions on internal dynamics.
