Ready at Dawn co-founder Andrea Pessino revealed that Sony rejected a sequel to their PlayStation 4 title, The Order: 1886, citing the original game's lukewarm critical reception. Despite this, Pessino claims Ready at Dawn pitched an "incredible" sequel, and would have accepted almost any terms to develop it for the fans. Released in 2015, The Order: 1886, a Victorian-era werewolf action game, boasted stunning visuals but received mixed reviews, primarily criticizing its limited gameplay.

Pessino explained that while they pitched the sequel to Sony regardless of the initial game's reception, the development of the first game was fraught with difficulties. The team faced a challenging relationship with Sony, necessitating cuts to meet deadlines and resulting in the game's release in a less-than-ideal state. Sony's expectations, stemming from the game's impressive early graphical showcases, created friction when Ready at Dawn had to prioritize other aspects of development, temporarily compromising visual fidelity and impacting payments. Though Pessino acknowledges this as standard practice for third-party publishers, it fueled a strained working relationship.

Despite this, the desire to deliver a sequel and redeem the franchise's potential drove Ready at Dawn to be willing to accept unfavorable terms. Pessino stated they would have accepted a "terrible budget," limited control, and a weak negotiating position, simply to give players the continuation they craved. He emphasized the strong foundation already laid, highlighting the potential for a truly exceptional sequel.

The original game ended on a significant cliffhanger, leaving fans yearning for closure. Unfortunately, with Ready at Dawn's closure by parent company Meta in 2024, hopes for a sequel are now officially extinguished. IGN's review of the original game summarized the issue succinctly: "Though a stylish adventure, The Order: 1886 emphasizes its cinematic polish at the crippling cost of gameplay freedom."