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 proposed sequel to their PlayStation 4 title, The Order: 1886, citing the original game's lukewarm critical reception. Despite this, Pessino claims Ready at Dawn pitched a compelling sequel, even expressing a willingness to accept unfavorable terms to deliver it to fans.

In an interview with MinnMax, Pessino described the envisioned sequel as "incredible," stating they would have "signed [their] life away" for the opportunity. The Order: 1886, released in 2015, was lauded for its stunning visuals but criticized for its restrictive gameplay. This critical response, Pessino explains, influenced Sony's decision.

The development of the original game was reportedly fraught with difficulties, including strained relations with Sony. Ready at Dawn faced pressure to meet demanding graphical benchmarks set by Sony, which, according to Pessino, led to budget constraints and the omission of various planned features. The game ultimately launched before it was fully realized.

Despite the challenging relationship and the knowledge that a sequel would likely involve similar constraints—including a "terrible budget" and limited negotiation power—Pessino confirmed that Ready at Dawn was prepared to proceed. Their desire to rectify the perceived shortcomings of the first game and deliver a satisfying conclusion to the cliffhanger ending outweighed the risks. Pessino emphasized the strong foundation laid in the original, suggesting a sequel had significant potential.

Unfortunately, these plans were ultimately thwarted. Ready at Dawn, acquired by Meta, was shut down in 2024, dashing any remaining hopes for a sequel ten years after the release of The Order: 1886. IGN's 6/10 review summarized the original game as a "stylish adventure" hampered by its limited gameplay freedom.