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Obsidian Entertainment CEO Eyes Shadowrun: A Cyberpunk Fantasy RPG Revival?

Obsidian Entertainment's CEO, Feargus Urquhart, has publicly expressed strong interest in developing a game based on Microsoft's Shadowrun IP. This revelation follows a recent interview where he discussed his wish list of Microsoft game properties. Let's delve into why this lesser-known franchise has caught the eye of the acclaimed RPG studio.

Obsidian's CEO: A Shadowrun Enthusiast

Beyond Fallout: A New Frontier?

In a podcast interview with Tom Caswell, Urquhart was asked which non-Fallout Xbox IP he'd most like to tackle. While Obsidian is currently immersed in projects like *Avowed* and *The Outer Worlds 2*, Urquhart's preference for Shadowrun was clear. He cited his long-standing appreciation for the franchise, even requesting a list of Microsoft IPs following the company's acquisition of Obsidian. The recent Activision acquisition only broadened the possibilities, yet Shadowrun remained his top choice.

Obsidian's reputation is built on creating compelling sequels within established franchises, demonstrating mastery of expanding existing universes. From Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II and Fallout: New Vegas to Neverwinter Nights 2, their expertise in enriching existing worlds is undeniable. However, their success with original IPs like Alpha Protocol and The Outer Worlds also showcases their versatility.

Urquhart's past comments highlight Obsidian's penchant for sequels, stating in a 2011 interview that RPGs lend themselves well to sequels due to the inherent expandability of their worlds and narratives. While the specifics of an Obsidian Shadowrun game remain unknown, Urquhart's long-time fandom – he owns multiple editions of the tabletop RPG – suggests a passionate and knowledgeable approach.

Shadowrun's History and the Call for a New Game

The Shadowrun universe, a blend of cyberpunk and fantasy, boasts a rich history. Originating as a tabletop RPG in 1989, it has seen various video game adaptations. While the tabletop rights have changed hands, the video game rights remain with Microsoft following its acquisition of FASA Interactive in 1999.

Harebrained Schemes has delivered several Shadowrun titles in recent years. However, the last standalone entry, Shadowrun: Hong Kong, dates back to 2015. While remastered versions were released in 2022, the community's desire for a fresh, original Shadowrun experience remains strong. An Obsidian-developed title could potentially reignite interest in this unique and compelling world.