Ready at Dawn's co-founder reveals Sony rejected a sequel to The Order: 1886 due to the original's lukewarm critical reception. Andrea Pessino shared with MinnMax that despite the challenging development of the first game and its mixed reviews, Ready at Dawn proposed a compelling sequel, even willing to accept unfavorable terms to deliver it to fans.
Pessino described the proposed sequel as "incredible," highlighting the strong foundation laid by the original game. He explained that the team's difficult relationship with Sony during The Order: 1886's development, stemming from pressure to maintain a high graphical standard despite budget constraints and missed deadlines, contributed to their eagerness to secure a sequel, even if it meant accepting a less than ideal contract. The original game, released in 2015, was lauded for its visuals but criticized for its limited gameplay.
"We pitched the sequel to Sony regardless of [the critical reception]," Pessino stated, adding that the rejection was ultimately beneficial, as the sequel's development would have been even more precarious. He emphasized that Ready at Dawn, lacking leverage, would have been entirely at Sony's mercy regarding budget and creative decisions. However, the desire to redeem the franchise and build upon its strong foundation drove their willingness to accept these terms.
The Order: 1886 concluded on a significant cliffhanger, fueling fan demand for a continuation. Sadly, with Ready at Dawn's closure by Meta in 2024, those hopes have been extinguished. IGN's review of the original game summarized its strengths and weaknesses: "Though a stylish adventure, The Order: 1886 emphasizes its cinematic polish at the crippling cost of gameplay freedom." The revelation underscores the complex interplay between critical reception, developer-publisher relationships, and the ultimate fate of video game franchises.
