Xbox has restructured its business to find synergies within its studios. We've seen racing game studios Turn10 team up with Playground Games, and Bethesda is teaming up with Obsidian. On paper, the Fallout New Vegas studio will be under the organizational purview of Bethesda's publishing label.
Behind the scenes, though, not a whole lot is changing. According to a memo acquired by Aftermath, Bethesda has no plans to dispel Obsidian's magic; the studio's leadership teams will remain. The changes are "primarily a change in reporting structure," Bethesda president Jill Braff says in the memo. This is interesting because ZeniMax Media technically joined Microsoft under a limited-integration merger, which means Bethesda itself has a certain level of autonomy.
The Bethesda president affirms that Obsidian won't have its creative identity or creative strengths altered or shifted by management. Obsidian's current CEO, Feargus Urquhart, will stay on to lead Obsidian--the only change now is that Obsidian reports directly to Bethesda, instead of maybe someone like Xbox Game Studios lead Matt Booty.
"The creative identity and strengths that make Obsidian distinct will remain at the core of their studio and work.
"Feargus and the Obsidian leadership team will continue to lead Obsidian, with the studio reporting to me.
"Bethesda Game Studios will continue to lead the Fallout franchise. Together, the teams will build on their longstanding relationship and the early work already underway on a new Fallout project, with more to share in the months ahead.
"This structure supports the franchise-led model we've been strengthening while keeping accountability for both the studio and the franchise clear."
Frequently Asked Questions
Open a question for an answer from TweakTown's coverage of this news, or ask your own below.
What does Bethesda taking responsibility for Obsidian change in day-to-day studio operations?
Will Obsidian’s leadership team and CEO Feargus Urquhart remain in place under Bethesda?
How will Bethesda Game Studios and Obsidian split responsibilities on the new Fallout project?
What does Bethesda mean by keeping Obsidian’s creative identity intact?
Have a question that isn't listed here? Ask below, and TweakBot will answer it.
The memo comes after Obsidian already had to cancel new projects, including an Avowed sequel, when Xbox restructured earlier in the year.
