'1886' Sequel Scrapped Due to Negative Feedback

Ready at Dawn's co-founder reveals Sony rejected a sequel to The Order: 1886 due to the original game's lukewarm critical reception.

Andrea Pessino, in an interview with MinnMax, disclosed that Ready at Dawn proposed a compelling sequel, even willing to accept unfavorable terms to create it for fans. The Order: 1886, a 2015 action game set in Victorian London, boasted impressive visuals but received mixed reviews, hindering its chances of a follow-up.

Pessino confirmed the existence of a planned sequel, highlighting its potential, while acknowledging confidentiality constraints due to lacking franchise ownership. He emphasized Ready at Dawn's willingness to proceed despite the original's reception, stating they would have accepted a significantly less favorable contract to create the sequel.

The development of the original game was fraught with challenges, including strained relations with Sony. Meeting Sony's high graphical expectations, established by early impressive demos, proved difficult, leading to payment delays when Ready at Dawn prioritized other aspects of development. While Pessino noted this is common practice for third-party publishers, it created friction.

Despite this difficult relationship, the team was eager to create a sequel, even under unfavorable conditions. Pessino described a scenario of a severely limited budget and minimal negotiating power, accepting the risk for a chance to redeem the franchise and build upon its strong foundation.

The original game concluded on a significant cliffhanger, fueling fan demand for a sequel. However, with Ready at Dawn's closure by Meta in 2024, those hopes remain unfulfilled.

IGN's review (6/10) summarized the game as a visually stunning but gameplay-limited experience. The rejection of the sequel leaves a significant narrative void and a missed opportunity for fans.