Obsidian Entertainment's CEO has expressed strong interest in developing a lesser-known Microsoft IP. Discover why this franchise has captivated the acclaimed RPG studio.

Obsidian's CEO Wants to Bring Shadowrun to Life

Beyond Fallout: A New Frontier

"I love Shadowrun. I think it’s super cool," Urquhart declared, explaining that he requested a list of Microsoft IPs following the company's acquisition. The addition of Activision and its vast library expanded the possibilities, yet Urquhart's focus remained sharp. "If you had to pin me down on one, yes, Shadowrun is the one," he confirmed.

Obsidian has built a reputation for crafting compelling sequels within established franchises. While their original creations, such as Alpha Protocol and The Outer Worlds, showcase their innovative capabilities, their legacy is deeply rooted in expanding beloved RPG universes. From Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II and Neverwinter Nights 2 to Fallout: New Vegas and Dungeon Siege III, Obsidian consistently demonstrates a mastery of enriching existing worlds.

In a 2011 interview with Joystiq, Urquhart explained the studio's attraction to sequels: "RPGs have a lot of sequels because you can keep on adding to the world. You can keep on coming up with new stories. I think from that perspective, it’s great to be able to make these even if they’re sequels because you get to go play in someone else’s world."

While Urquhart and Obsidian's vision for a Shadowrun expansion remains unclear, securing the license would undoubtedly place the franchise in capable hands. The CEO's long-standing fandom is undeniable: "I bought the book when it first came out. I probably own four of the six editions."

The Shadowrun Saga: A Look Back

Shadowrun's history is as rich and complex as its cyberpunk-fantasy setting. Originating as a tabletop RPG in 1989, it has spawned numerous video game adaptations. Following FASA Corporation's closure, the pen-and-paper rights changed hands several times, but the video game rights remained with Microsoft after its acquisition of FASA Interactive in 1999.

Harebrained Schemes has developed several Shadowrun games in recent years, but anticipation for a new, original entry remains high. The last standalone title, Shadowrun: Hong Kong, launched in 2015. Remastered versions of previous games were released for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC in 2022, yet the community's desire for a fresh Shadowrun experience persists.