Sony Abandons 'The Order: 1886' Sequel Amid Mixed Reviews

Ready at Dawn's co-founder, Andrea Pessino, recently revealed that Sony rejected a proposed sequel to their PlayStation 4 title, The Order: 1886, citing the original game's lukewarm critical reception. Despite this, Pessino claims Ready at Dawn pitched a compelling sequel, even willing to accept unfavorable terms to deliver it to fans.

In an interview with MinnMax, Pessino described the envisioned sequel as "incredible," stating they would have "signed [their] life away" for the opportunity. The Order: 1886, released in 2015, was lauded for its stunning visuals, but its gameplay received mixed reviews. The game's development was reportedly fraught with challenges, including rushed deadlines and compromises that impacted the final product.

Pessino detailed a strained relationship with Sony during the original game's production. He explained that Sony's expectations for graphical fidelity, based on early impressive demos, clashed with the realities of development, leading to payment disputes when Ready at Dawn prioritized other aspects. While acknowledging this as common practice among third-party publishers, Pessino highlighted the frustrating nature of this dynamic.

Despite this difficult experience, the team was eager to create a sequel, even under less-than-ideal circumstances: "We were going to do it just because we wanted to deliver it to the players," Pessino said, acknowledging the potential for a "terrible budget" and limited negotiating power. He emphasized the strong foundation laid in the first game, believing a sequel could have successfully built upon its strengths.

The original game ended on a significant cliffhanger, fueling fan demand for a continuation. However, with Ready at Dawn's closure by Meta in 2024, those hopes are now extinguished. IGN's review of The Order: 1886 (6/10) summarized the game as "a stylish adventure...crippled by a lack of gameplay freedom."