What's Happening?
Ru Weerasuriya, co-founder of Ready at Dawn, disclosed that approximately 30% of the content for The Order: 1886 was cut months before its release in February 2015. The decision was made to meet the scheduled launch date, despite the game's critical reception being affected by its short length. Weerasuriya expressed regret over the lack of development time and the absence of multiplayer features, which were initially planned but later abandoned due to budget constraints. The studio had hoped to develop sequels, but these plans were never realized, partly due to the game's reception and subsequent acquisition by Facebook.
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Why It's Important?
The revelation about The Order: 1886 underscores the challenges faced by game developers in balancing creative vision with commercial deadlines. The cuts and lack of multiplayer features likely contributed to the game's mixed reviews and impacted its commercial success. This case highlights the broader industry issue of time and budget constraints affecting game quality and developer intentions. The acquisition of Ready at Dawn by Facebook and its eventual shutdown further illustrates the volatile nature of the gaming industry, where strategic decisions can significantly alter a studio's trajectory.
What's Next?
While The Order: 1886 sequels are unlikely, the insights shared by Weerasuriya may influence future game development strategies, emphasizing the importance of adequate development time and resource allocation. Industry stakeholders might consider these lessons when planning new projects, particularly in managing expectations and ensuring quality. The closure of Ready at Dawn serves as a reminder of the risks associated with acquisitions and the need for sustainable business models in the gaming sector.
