Did Bethesda Sue Obsidian for Outer Worlds?

There has been a lot of speculation and fan narratives surrounding the relationship between Bethesda and Obsidian, particularly in connection to the game Outer Worlds. However, it is important to clarify that there has been no legal action between these two companies regarding its development and release. This article aims to address the common misconceptions and provide a factual overview of the situation.

The Case Against Legal Action

Let's start by addressing the primary misconception: did Bethesda sue Obsidian for Outer Worlds? The answer is a resounding no. While there has been a lot of discussion about the relationship between these two companies, particularly in the context of their past collaborations and mutual interest in Role-Playing Games (RPGs), there has been no legal action between them.

Comparisons with Other Developers

It is also worth noting that Bethesda has no legal record of suing other game developers for similar reasons. For example, there has been no legal action taken by Bethesda against companies like ID or RARE, even though both firms have some overlap in game genres.

The "Fan Narrative"

One of the most common "fan narratives" revolves around the idea that Bethesda was “terrified” of Outer Worlds. However, it is important to consider the actual sales figures and market performance of both Outer Worlds and Fallout 4.

Fallout 4 is a prime example of Bethesda's dominance in the market. By Day 1 of its release, it had sold nearly 14 million copies. In stark contrast, Outer Worlds took three years to reach 4 million copies, and its successor, Wasteland 3, managed to sell half that number in just a year. Clearly, the sales figures show that Bethesda was not at all concerned about another developer making an RPG.

The Development Context

For a better understanding of the situation, it’s important to consider the development context. Many of the key developers and designers who worked on Fallout 4 and its predecessor New Vegas had already moved on from Obsidian to form Inexile Games, where they collaborated on the development of Wasteland 3.

Conclusion

While the relationship between Bethesda and Obsidian can be complex, there has been no legal action taken by either side regarding Outer Worlds. The sales figures and the movement of key developers provide a clearer picture of the industry dynamics. It is important for fans and observers to rely on factual information rather than speculative narratives.

In summary, the absence of any legal action between Bethesda and Obsidian regarding Outer Worlds highlights the competitive and collaborative nature of the gaming industry. Fans and gamers interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects of game development should focus on factual evidence rather than unverified rumors and fan narratives.