Obsidian's Secret Project: Josh Sawyer's Next Masterpiece in Development

In the ever-evolving landscape of video game development, few studios command the reverence and anticipation that Obsidian Entertainment does. Known for crafting worlds that are as deep as they are engaging, Obsidian has consistently delivered experiences that blend tantalizing narratives with hilarious characters and loads of lore, offering players many hours-worth of joy and wonder. From the post-apocalyptic masterpiece Fallout: New Vegas to the critically acclaimed isometric RPGs of the Pillars of Eternity series, the studio's name has become synonymous with unreplicable scope and quality. Now, in 2026, while the gaming world eagerly awaits the Skyrim-meets-Doctor-Strange epic Avowed and potentially more content for the beloved survival game Grounded and space adventure The Outer Worlds, a new secret is brewing within Obsidian's creative halls.

At the center of this enigma is none other than Josh Sawyer, the iconic video game design director whose mind has been behind some of the best isometric RPGs on the market. A legendary figure in his own right, Sawyer is the mastermind who helped shape the identity of Obsidian through titles like Pillars of Eternity. According to recent insights, Sawyer is currently hard at work on a new, undisclosed project that could very well be the developer's next large-scale endeavor following Avowed. This revelation has sparked intense speculation within the gaming community. What could this mysterious project be? While it remains unclear why Sawyer is not directly working on Avowed, there is no doubt he had some influence on its direction before diving headlong into this new venture.

The Legacy of Obsidian and the Sawyer Touch

To understand the significance of a new Josh Sawyer-led project, one must first appreciate the legacy of Obsidian Entertainment. Acquired by Microsoft in 2018, the studio has only amplified its creative output, working on diverse projects that showcase its versatility:

• Narrative Depth: Games like Pillars of Eternity are celebrated for their rich, choice-driven stories.

• World-Building: Fallout: New Vegas created a living, breathing post-apocalyptic world full of memorable factions and characters.

• Genre Innovation: The Outer Worlds brought the studio's signature satire and RPG mechanics to a space-faring setting, while Grounded offered a unique survival experience from a miniature perspective.

Josh Sawyer's role in this legacy cannot be overstated. His approach to game design is meticulous and player-focused. In a recent personal reflection, Sawyer underscored the importance of his role, stating, "There are a lot of things a team gets used to and doesn’t realize how aggravating it is to experience fresh." He emphasizes giving feedback on how an IP is being used or developed and anticipating how the audience will receive it. This philosophy ensures that every Obsidian game feels polished and considerate of the player's experience from a fresh perspective.

Clues and Speculation: What Could It Be?

The veil of secrecy surrounding Sawyer's project is thick, but a few breadcrumbs have been dropped. Last November, Sawyer hinted at the challenges of innovation, explaining that a certain ambitious title—potentially a new entry in a beloved series—would not be possible without a redetermination of "the entire format of the game." This statement has led many to wonder: Could this secret project be Pillars of Eternity III?

It's unclear if the team has fully reacclimated its approach since Sawyer first mentioned these necessary alterations. However, with the amount of time that has passed, it's reasonable to assume significant progress has been made. The project is most likely being designed to be as fun and beautiful as Grounded, Obsidian's recently released and widely adored survival epic, but with the narrative depth expected from a Sawyer-led RPG.

The Obsidian-Microsoft Synergy in 2026

As of 2026, Obsidian operates with significant backing and creative freedom under Microsoft. This partnership has already borne fruit with games available on Xbox Game Pass from day one, reaching millions of players instantly. The resources available allow for ambitious projects like Avowed—a first-person Pillars of Eternity RPG that looks like something taken straight out of The Elder Scrolls playbook, but made all the more mesmerizing by Obsidian's unique touch. This environment is the perfect incubator for Josh Sawyer's new vision.

A new project from Sawyer in this ecosystem means several things for players:

1. Assured Quality: A track record of excellence and a design director known for his meticulous standards.

2. Innovative Gameplay: A potential reimagining of classic RPG formats, as hinted by Sawyer's own words.

3. Deep World-Building: Expect a new world or a revisited one, filled with the lore, humor, and meaningful choices Obsidian is famous for.

4. Modern Polish: Leveraging the latest technology and lessons learned from Grounded and The Outer Worlds for a seamless experience.

What This Means for the Future of RPGs

With Josh Sawyer at the helm of his own secret Obsidian project, the future looks incredibly bright. His dedication to refining the player's experience, questioning established norms, and building compelling worlds suggests that whatever is coming will be something special. It may not be the massive, first-person fantasy of Avowed, but it will undoubtedly carry the soul of an Obsidian classic. Whether it's the long-awaited third chapter in the Pillars of Eternity saga or an entirely new universe, the project represents the next evolution of the studio's storytelling prowess.

For fans of rich, narrative-driven role-playing games, the wait for more news is filled with excited anticipation. One thing is certain: in the hands of a visionary like Josh Sawyer and the talented team at Obsidian, this secret project is poised to be another landmark title, continuing the studio's legacy of creating unforgettable adventures that define genres and captivate players for years to come. The stage is set for Obsidian to, once again, remind the world why they are masters of their craft.