Obsidian Entertainment is aiming for longevity, planning to produce RPGs for a century by operating sustainably, according to key executives in a recent presentation at the D.I.C.E. Summit.

During their discussion, Marcus Morgan, VP of Operations, and Justin Britch, VP of Development, emphasized that the studio intends to avoid aggressive expansion and unrealistic profit expectations. They shared insights on how their budget strategies reflect aspirations for each game to achieve moderate success rather than blockbuster hits.

Morgan humorously highlighted, “Are we serious? … Yes,” when addressing the studio’s commitment to its future.

Obsidian’s latest release, Avowed, exemplifies their approach to game development, focusing on delivering enjoyable experiences without overreaching resources. Morgan and Britch attested to the goal of maintaining a work environment where employees are seen as valuable members rather than mere cogs in a machine.

“Our goal is to sustain operations without compromising our core values, keeping our team invested and engaged in our projects,” stated Britch, emphasizing their forward-thinking vision.

As part of their strategy, they plan to maintain a lean organization that avoids the pitfalls of long, costly development cycles that have afflicted bigger studios in the industry. Additionally, they are determined to continue producing games that echo the strengths of their popular titles, providing consistent releases that are characteristically Obsidian.

The executives’ ambition underscores the importance of strategic pragmatism in the gaming industry, reflecting a sustainable vision amid an ever-evolving landscape.