PlayStation5 min read

The Outer Worlds 2 is Officially Coming to PS5

The Game Awards 2024 delivered plenty of surprises, but few were as unexpected as the reemergence of The Outer Worlds 2. The highly anticipated sequel had been flying under the radar since its initial announcement in 2021, leaving fans to wonder about its progress. However, during last night’s show, the game made a triumphant return with an exciting new gameplay trailer—and an announcement that caught everyone off guard: The Outer Worlds 2 will launch simultaneously on PS5, alongside Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and Game Pass.

A Quiet Return to the Spotlight

It’s no secret that Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind The Outer Worlds franchise, has had its hands full over the past few years. Between the success of Grounded and their ambitious RPG Avowed, Obsidian has been juggling multiple high-profile projects. This silence surrounding The Outer Worlds 2 had been understandable, but fans were growing anxious for updates. Last night’s reveal felt like a long-overdue reward for their patience.

The gameplay trailer showcased The Outer Worlds 2 in all its quirky, space-faring glory, with improved visuals, sharp humor, and a promise of even more player-driven choices. However, what stole the spotlight wasn’t just the polished gameplay. Tucked neatly at the end of the trailer was Sony’s PS5 logo—a move that has sparked significant buzz in the gaming community.

Breaking Down the Announcement

The original Outer Worlds, released in 2019, was a multiplatform title that reached players on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. At the time, Obsidian hadn’t yet been fully integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem following its acquisition. This sequel, however, comes at a time when Microsoft’s publishing strategy has evolved. While some expected The Outer Worlds 2 to lean into Xbox exclusivity, the decision to launch the game on PS5 from day one signals a shift in Microsoft’s approach.

Let’s be clear: the inclusion of the PS5 logo in an Xbox-dominated event like The Game Awards is no small thing. It’s a move that signifies a broader strategy by Microsoft to extend its gaming footprint beyond its own consoles. This isn’t the first time Microsoft has dabbled with multiplatform launches post-acquisition, but a simultaneous release for a marquee title like The Outer Worlds 2 feels significant.

A Bold Move for Microsoft

This decision stands in contrast to some of Microsoft’s other recent moves. Take Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, for instance. Announced during Gamescom’s Opening Night Live, the game is expected to have a staggered release, arriving on PS5 only after an initial period of Xbox exclusivity. That decision stirred up controversy among Xbox fans, with some questioning why Microsoft would support rival platforms at all.

However, The Outer Worlds 2 appears to sidestep this issue entirely. By committing to a simultaneous PS5 launch, Microsoft is signaling a desire to prioritize accessibility and player reach over exclusivity. It’s a strategy that aligns with the company’s recent focus on services like Game Pass, which aim to bring games to as many players as possible, regardless of their platform.

Why the PS5 Launch Matters

For fans of The Outer Worlds, this move is great news. The PS5’s player base is enormous, and ensuring that the game is available on Sony’s platform from day one helps maximize its audience. More importantly, it keeps the franchise’s legacy intact as a multiplatform series.

While Microsoft’s acquisition of Obsidian could have led to a more restrictive approach, the decision to embrace multiplatform releases suggests the company recognizes the value of broader accessibility for certain titles. It’s also a sign that Microsoft is willing to adapt its strategy for games that have established audiences across multiple platforms.

A New Era for Xbox and Obsidian

This announcement is just the latest in a series of moves that highlight Microsoft’s shifting priorities. The company has been investing heavily in its Game Pass ecosystem, emphasizing content over platform exclusivity. By launching The Outer Worlds 2 on PS5, Xbox is leaning into the idea of a connected gaming future where games are less about hardware and more about experiences.

For Obsidian, the decision underscores the studio’s growing reputation as one of the industry’s most versatile developers. Known for its storytelling prowess and RPG expertise, Obsidian is crafting The Outer Worlds 2 with even greater ambition than the original. Early glimpses of the game suggest a deeper narrative, expanded exploration, and even more satirical humor—a hallmark of the franchise.

What’s Next?

While the announcement is still fresh, fans have already started speculating about what this means for the broader gaming landscape. Could other Obsidian projects also see multiplatform releases in the future? Will this approach extend to other Microsoft-owned studios? And how will Sony respond to such collaborations?

For now, one thing is clear: The Outer Worlds 2 is shaping up to be one of 2025’s most anticipated releases, and its simultaneous arrival on PS5 ensures that even more players will get to join the intergalactic adventure. Whether you’re an Xbox fan, a PlayStation loyalist, or a PC gamer, the future of The Outer Worlds looks bright.

So, gear up, spacers. The Outer Worlds 2 is coming—and it’s bringing everyone along for the ride.