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 and would have accepted almost any terms to create it for their fans.
Released in 2015, The Order: 1886, a Victorian-era werewolf action game, boasted stunning visuals but received mixed reviews, primarily criticizing its limited gameplay. Pessino confirmed the sequel concept was "incredible," though he couldn't elaborate due to lacking franchise ownership. He emphasized their willingness to endure unfavorable conditions to deliver a sequel, stating, "We were going to do it just because we wanted to deliver it to the players."
The development of the original game was fraught with challenges, including a strained relationship with Sony. Ready at Dawn faced pressure to maintain the high graphical fidelity showcased in early presentations, leading to payment delays when development priorities shifted. While Pessino acknowledged this as standard practice for third-party publishers, it created friction. The team's desire for a sequel overshadowed concerns about contract terms, as they lacked leverage to negotiate favorable conditions.
Pessino highlighted the strong foundation laid in the first game, suggesting a sequel could have successfully addressed the original's shortcomings. The abrupt cliffhanger ending left fans yearning for a continuation, a desire now unfulfilled following Ready at Dawn's closure by Meta in 2024.
IGN's 6/10 review summarized the original game's shortcomings: "Though a stylish adventure, The Order: 1886 emphasizes its cinematic polish at the crippling cost of gameplay freedom." The missed opportunity for a sequel leaves a lingering sense of what could have been for both Ready at Dawn and fans of the franchise.
