Sony Turned Down The Order: 1886 Sequel Due to Critical Reception, Dev Says

Ready at Dawn's co-founder, Andrea Pessino, recently 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 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 proposed sequel as "incredible," emphasizing the team's dedication to delivering a satisfying experience for fans. He acknowledged the limitations imposed by not owning the franchise rights, hindering his ability to elaborate. The original Order: 1886, released in 2015, boasted stunning visuals but suffered from mixed reviews, criticized for its restrictive gameplay despite its impressive graphics.

Pessino detailed a challenging relationship with Sony during the development of the first game. The high graphical fidelity showcased in early presentations created expectations that proved difficult to maintain throughout development, leading to payment delays when Ready at Dawn prioritized other aspects of the project. While Pessino acknowledged this as standard practice for third-party publishers, it fostered a strained partnership.

Despite this difficult experience, Ready at Dawn was prepared to endure even less favorable conditions to develop a sequel. Pessino explained they were willing to accept a meager budget and limited creative control, driven solely by a desire to deliver a satisfying experience and redeem the franchise in the eyes of players. He confirmed the foundation for a sequel was strong, containing numerous elements ripe for expansion.

The original game concluded on a significant cliffhanger, fueling fan demand for a continuation. However, with Ready at Dawn's closure by parent company Meta in 2024, those hopes have been extinguished. IGN's review of The Order: 1886, scoring it a 6/10, summarized the game's shortcomings: "Though a stylish adventure, The Order: 1886 emphasizes its cinematic polish at the crippling cost of gameplay freedom."