Sony Cancels 1886 Sequel After Poor Reception

Ready at Dawn's co-founder, Andrea Pessino, recently revealed that Sony rejected a sequel to their 2015 title, The Order: 1886, citing the original game's lukewarm critical reception. Despite this, Pessino claims Ready at Dawn pitched an "incredible" sequel, even stating they would have accepted unfavorable terms to create it for the fans.

The original Order: 1886, a Victorian-era werewolf action game, boasted stunning visuals but received mixed reviews, criticized for its restrictive gameplay despite its cinematic presentation. Pessino explains that the development of the first game was fraught with challenges, including a strained relationship with Sony. Meeting Sony's high graphical expectations, initially set by impressive early demos, proved difficult due to necessary prioritization of other aspects, leading to withheld payments and further friction. While Pessino acknowledges this as common practice among third-party publishers, the experience left Ready at Dawn in a vulnerable position.

Despite this challenging history, the team remained passionate about the franchise and were prepared to endure difficult conditions to develop a sequel. Pessino explains they were willing to accept a "terrible budget" and limited creative control simply to deliver a follow-up that could address the shortcomings of the original and build upon its strong foundation. He emphasizes the significant groundwork laid for a sequel, highlighting its potential.

Unfortunately, the abrupt closure of Ready at Dawn by Meta in 2024 dashed any remaining hopes for a continuation of The Order saga, leaving the game's cliffhanger ending unresolved. The decision by Sony, coupled with the studio's closure, effectively ends the franchise, leaving fans disappointed a decade later. IGN's original review, scoring the game a 6/10, highlighted the conflict between its impressive visuals and restrictive gameplay as a major drawback.