Sony's The Order: 1886 Sequel Axed After Negative 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 underwhelming critical reception. Despite this, Pessino claims Ready at Dawn pitched a compelling sequel, even expressing a willingness to accept unfavorable terms just to deliver it to fans.

In an interview with MinnMax, Pessino described the envisioned sequel as "incredible," emphasizing the team's dedication. He acknowledged the challenges of developing the original game, including strained relations with Sony and significant content cuts to meet deadlines. The initial high-fidelity graphics showcased in early presentations, Pessino explained, set unrealistic expectations for consistent build quality throughout development, leading to payment disputes when Ready at Dawn prioritized other aspects of the game.

While Pessino noted that such payment structures are common practice for third-party developers, the experience created friction with Sony. This didn't deter Ready at Dawn from pursuing a sequel, even if it meant accepting a significantly reduced budget and limited negotiating power. Pessino stated they were willing to endure these conditions to give players a chance to experience the franchise's unrealized potential, building upon the strong foundation laid by the first game.

The original The Order: 1886, released in 2015, left players with a significant cliffhanger, fueling anticipation for a sequel. However, with Ready at Dawn's closure by Meta in 2024, those hopes are now extinguished. IGN's review of the original game, scoring it a 6/10, highlighted its visual appeal but criticized its restrictive gameplay. The rejection of the sequel, therefore, leaves a significant narrative and gameplay void for fans.