As we look ahead, 2025 is shaping up to be a potentially stellar year for Xbox. While the only game with a confirmed release date is Avowed, there’s a slew of other exciting titles that might join the lineup. We’re talking about The Outer Worlds 2 from Obsidian Entertainment, South of Midnight from Compulsion Games, Doom: The Dark Ages courtesy of id Software, Towerborne—currently trialed in Steam Early Access by Stoic—and the much-anticipated Fable from Playground Games. The release timeline for these games could experience some hiccups, but even if they spill into 2026, the assortment of upcoming titles is promising.
Obsidian Entertainment first hinted at their work on The Outer Worlds 2 a few years back. However, during The Game Awards 2024, they surprised fans with a 2025 release announcement. This was quite unexpected, especially with Avowed slated for a February 2024 launch. According to Phil Spencer, Avowed’s release was pushed to February to better align with Xbox’s Game Pass content distribution strategy. Given that context, the timeline starts to make sense, with Avowed playing a pivotal role in setting the stage for The Outer Worlds 2. Still, fans should keep their expectations in check ahead of its release.
With Avowed hitting the shelves in February, it’s only natural that Xbox and Obsidian’s promotional efforts will initially focus on it. For a good part of the first quarter, Avowed will likely dominate the gaming buzz. Predicting when The Outer Worlds 2 will debut is tricky, but it’s plausible to expect a late 2025 launch. Post-Avowed, once Obsidian gears up for the next wave, fans could see more details emerge, probably around summer or slightly before.
There’s chatter about Xbox hosting a developer direct in January 2025, continuing their tradition for the past two years. If this materializes, it could be quite the showcase, especially if whispers about an Oblivion remake hold any truth. Should The Outer Worlds 2 make an appearance, expect it to play a supporting role, with more significant reveals possibly earmarked for the Summer Game Fest.
By the time Xbox and Obsidian zero in on promoting The Outer Worlds 2, anticipation should already be bubbling over. While concrete details are scarce, what we do know is enticing. The game promises a brand-new solar system filled with fresh faces. Obsidian is set to amp up the action, introducing more weapons and visually-enhanced environments. Players assume the role of an Earth Directorate Agent, navigating a narrative around rifts threatening to obliterate a colony amid factional disputes.
In terms of trailers, The Outer Worlds 2 has already teased its unique blend of humor and style, staying true to its predecessor’s vibe while cleverly poking fun at its development process. We can anticipate a steady stream of promotional content detailing the game’s universe, storylines, central figures, and gameplay mechanics. As always with an Obsidian RPG sequel, fans might have some expectations, but it’s wise to remain cautious until there’s more clarity.
The game’s universe was relatively compact in its first iteration, so The Outer Worlds 2 being touted as “twice as big” leaves room for speculation—does this translate to more planets, denser content, or something else entirely? As for the story, exploring the dynamics of these rifts and their factions should provide intriguing insights, though don’t expect exhaustive breakdowns. Companions have always been a strength for Obsidian. Expect to meet several with rich backstories and unique roleplays, though romance isn’t typically their forte.
A couple of factors warrant a tempered approach to these expectations. Firstly, the breadth of The Outer Worlds 2 is somewhat unknown, so while we can hope for grandeur, it might simply extend what Avowed or The Outer Worlds 1 achieved. Secondly, even with the 2025 target, delays are an ever-present hurdle in game development. Any number of reasons might push back the release date, making definitive plans uncertain.
If the stars align and Obsidian delivers as planned in 2025, it will mark a fantastic chapter for both them and Xbox. While a delay into 2026 would be disappointing, the prospect of having two major Obsidian RPGs released within such a short timeframe remains thrilling for fans.
