Earlier this week, Xbox announced as part of its "reset" that it would be placing Obsidian Entertainment under Bethesda. This understandably sparked concern that the studio would be reduced to nothing more than a Fallout support team, but Bethesda president Jill Braff assures that it will keep its "creative identity."

"The creative identity and strengths that make Obsidian distinct will remain at the core of their studio and work. [CEO] Feargus [Urquhart] and the Obsidian leadership team will continue to lead Obsidian, with the studio reporting to me," Braff said in an internal email shared by Aftermath.

"Bethesda Game Studios will continue to lead the Fallout franchise. Together, the teams will build on their longstanding relationship and the early work already underway on a new Fallout project, with more to share in the months ahead. This structure supports the franchise-led model we've been strengthening while keeping accountability for both the studio and the franchise clear."

While it might sound like Obsidian is in good hands, or at least, better hands than Halo, it's worth considering that Xbox laid off a quarter of the studio in July, canceled Avowed 2, and pushed for a new Fallout game. The team may retain its "creative identity and strengths," but it's fair to question how much creative freedom remains. Especially considering that Xbox's statement made no mention of Obsidian's original IPs beyond Grounded.

It's hard to imagine there being much wiggle room left for smaller award-winning projects like Pentiment under this franchise-first mentality, or for space to grow new IPs like Grounded.

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