Sony Cancels 1886 Sequel After Poor Reception

Ready at Dawn co-founder Andrea Pessino recently revealed that Sony rejected a sequel to their 2015 title, The Order: 1886, despite the developer pitching an "incredible" follow-up. The decision, according to Pessino, stemmed from the original game's mixed critical reception, despite its impressive visuals. He stated that Ready at Dawn would have accepted unfavorable terms to create the sequel, prioritizing delivering a satisfying experience to players.

Pessino elaborated on the challenging relationship with Sony during the development of the first game. Meeting the high graphical expectations set by Sony after initial impressive showcases proved difficult, leading to payment issues when Ready at Dawn had to prioritize other aspects of development. While acknowledging this as standard practice for third-party publishers, Pessino highlighted the frustrating impact on their relationship.

He emphasized the extensive groundwork laid for a potential sequel, suggesting a strong foundation for a compelling continuation. Despite the difficult circumstances and lack of leverage, the team's desire to redeem the franchise and resolve the cliffhanger ending motivated their willingness to accept less favorable terms. Ultimately, Sony's rejection dashed fan hopes, a disappointment further compounded by Ready at Dawn's closure by parent company Meta in 2024. IGN's original review summarized the game as a stylish but gameplay-limited experience, a sentiment that likely contributed to Sony's decision.