Sequel Axed for The Order: 1886 After Negative Reviews

Ready at Dawn's co-founder, Andrea Pessino, recently revealed that Sony rejected a proposed sequel to their PlayStation 4 title, The Order: 1886, citing the original game's lukewarm critical reception. Despite this, Pessino stated that Ready at Dawn pitched a compelling sequel, even expressing a willingness to accept unfavorable terms to bring it to fruition.

In an interview with MinnMax, Pessino described the envisioned sequel as "incredible," emphasizing the team's dedication to delivering a satisfying experience for players. The original Order: 1886, released in 2015, boasted stunning visuals but faced criticism for its restrictive gameplay. This, Pessino explained, didn't deter their pitch to Sony.

The development of the first game, however, was fraught with challenges. Ready at Dawn faced difficulties meeting Sony's high graphical expectations, particularly regarding milestone deliverables. This led to payment disputes, creating a strained relationship with the publisher. Despite this tense history, Pessino confirmed their eagerness to pursue a sequel, even under less-than-ideal circumstances.

"We were going to do it just because we wanted to deliver it to the players," Pessino explained, acknowledging the potential for a meager budget and limited negotiation power. The team's desire to redeem the franchise, particularly given the cliffhanger ending of the first game, outweighed concerns about unfavorable contract terms. Pessino strongly believes the foundation for a successful sequel was firmly in place.

Unfortunately, the sequel never materialized. Ready at Dawn's closure by parent company Meta in 2024 effectively extinguished any remaining hopes. IGN's original review of The Order: 1886 (scoring it a 6/10) highlighted its visual strengths while criticizing its limited gameplay freedom, a sentiment that seemingly contributed to Sony's decision. Ten years later, fans' hopes for a continuation remain unfulfilled.