A New Obsidian Adventure: Josh Sawyer's Secret Project and the Studio's Future

As I sit here in 2025, controller in hand, I can't help but reflect on the incredible journey of Obsidian Entertainment. Remember when we all thought the studio was fully occupied with Grounded, Avowed, and the promised sequel to The Outer Worlds? It turns out, there was a hidden gem in the making all along. The revelation came not from a splashy press release, but from a simple tweet by Josh Sawyer himself, the mastermind behind the beloved Pillars of Eternity series. He casually mentioned directing his own project—and no, it wasn't Avowed. Can you imagine the excitement that rippled through the community? What could this legendary designer be crafting behind closed doors?

This news sparked a firestorm of speculation. We knew the studio's public slate was packed:

• Grounded: The charming survival RPG that took the world by storm, proving a small team at Obsidian could create a massive hit.

• Avowed: The highly anticipated first-person RPG set in the rich, familiar world of Eora from Pillars of Eternity.

• The Outer Worlds 2: A confirmed sequel, likely to be helmed by the original creators, Leonard Boyarsky and Tim Cain.

So, what was Josh Sawyer working on? The logical conclusion, and the one that filled me with the most hope, was a new chapter in the Pillars of Eternity saga. Why wouldn't Obsidian return to that well? The world of Eora is one of the most detailed and compelling fantasy settings in modern gaming. With Avowed exploring it from a first-person perspective, doesn't it make perfect sense to continue its legacy in the classic, isometric style that Sawyer perfected? The thought of a new story, new companions, and deeper dives into the lore of the gods and souls had me—and countless other fans—absolutely buzzing.

Looking back, the signs were there. Obsidian's acquisition by Microsoft was a game-changer. It wasn't just about financial security; it was about scale and ambition. The studio expanded dramatically, hiring talented developers from across the industry. This growth transformed Obsidian from a studio that could focus on one major project at a time into a multi-project powerhouse. They proved this new model with Grounded's incredible success—over a million players in its first week was a statement. It showed they could nurture innovative, smaller-scale ideas while also building blockbuster RPGs. So, was Sawyer's project the beneficiary of this new, resource-rich environment? Almost certainly.

The beauty of this situation is what it represents for us, the players. Obsidian is no longer in a position where they must bet everything on a single title. They have the freedom to experiment, to revisit beloved franchises, and to greenlight passion projects from their most visionary directors. Sawyer steering his own ship separate from Avowed is the ultimate proof of this creative renaissance. What kind of experience is he dreaming up? Is it a return to deep, tactical RPG roots, or something entirely new that will surprise us all?

As of 2025, the landscape is even more exciting. While we eagerly await more news on Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2, the mystery of Sawyer's project looms large. It's a testament to Obsidian's health and creativity. In an era where many studios are becoming risk-averse, Obsidian, backed by Microsoft, is doubling down on the intricate storytelling and deep role-playing that made them famous. They are building not just games, but entire worlds for us to get lost in.

So, here's what the future holds from my perspective as a dedicated player:

The fact that a studio can sustain this many compelling pipelines simultaneously is astounding. It means a steady stream of quality RPG experiences for years to come. Josh Sawyer's unnamed project is no longer just a rumor; it's a promise. A promise that the minds who defined a genre are still at the peak of their powers, dreaming up the next adventure that will keep us up for hundreds of hours. What secrets does Eora still hold? What new worlds are waiting to be discovered? I, for one, can't wait to find out. The golden age of Obsidian Entertainment isn't a memory—it's happening right now. ✨