What's Happening?
Grounded 2, a survival crafting sequel, has been developed through a collaboration between Obsidian Entertainment and Eidos Montreal. The game arrived in Early Access three years after the first game's release. Eidos Montreal handled the majority of development, with Obsidian providing oversight and creative direction. This partnership allowed for rapid development and the integration of narrative elements. Grounded 2 is available on Xbox and PC, with 3 million players already engaged.
Why It's Important?
The collaboration between Obsidian and Eidos Montreal demonstrates a successful model for game development, potentially reducing lead times and increasing efficiency. This approach could be applied to other Microsoft franchises, enhancing their development processes. The use of Unreal Engine facilitates such partnerships, allowing for streamlined production. The success of Grounded 2 may encourage Microsoft to explore similar collaborations for future projects, potentially expanding its gaming portfolio and improving its competitive position.
What's Next?
Microsoft may consider similar partnerships for other franchises, such as Halo and Fallout, to expedite development and enhance game quality. The success of Grounded 2 could lead to further collaborations with external studios, optimizing resource allocation and production timelines.