Obsidian showcased a new trailer forThe Outer Worlds 2at The Game Awards 2024, giving audiences the most comprehensive look at the game so far.The Outer Worlds 2is due to be released in 2025, and its latest trailer hit exactly the right amounts of whimsy and fun that represents the franchise, making reference to Obsidian’s tendency to take on sequel development from other studios andThe Outer Worlds' original trailer.
The Outer Worlds 2’s gameplay trailercontrasted with some of the other trailers in the showcase in that it was comprehensive, rather than edited snippets of the game, or a purely cinematic story showcasing the themes of the game. While trailers that use those techniques are effective,The Outer Worlds 2’s trailer leans into traditional trailer techniques that are self-referential, avoid spoilers, and instead speak directly to the audience. The result is a trailer that’s funny and holds the attention of the viewers, but is also extremely effective in communicating its information.
Why The Outer Worlds 2’s Trailer Works
The Outer Worlds 2’s trailer included plenty of the game world, combat, and action. Alongside the narration, which was hilariously self-aware, the trailer did a fantastic job of keeping viewers entertained, while showcasing the combat and world. Another great surprise was the revelation that the game would also be released on PS5 consoles, despite being part of the Xbox suite of games. The trailer revealed a massive amount of information, all without any story spoilers.
The Outer Worlds 2’s gameplay trailer revealed there will be more of thefeatures that players ofThe Outer Worldsloved, such as weapons, areas to explore, and better graphics than before. The music of the trailer set the tone of the game perfectly, setting the stage for an action-adventure RPG on the frontier of space. Combined with the gorgeous visuals, the trailer succeeded in a way that not all gameplay trailers do, giving away little about the narrative but still making players want to see more.
The Purpose of The Outer Worlds 2’s Trailer
Obsidian Perfects Its Balancing Act
In addition to its features,The Outer Worlds 2’s trailer showed off the genre-savvy expertiseof its developer. The humor, music, and genre of the trailer matchedThe Outer Worlds' series identity perfectly, and communicated exactly the kind of game and story players could expect fromThe Outer Worlds 2.It balanced the game’s silliness and humor, without going overboard and alienating audiences who haven’t played the game or who are unfamiliar with the franchise. The tone of the trailer and the narrator speaking directly to the audience made the trailer stand out all the more.
The Outer Worlds Continues to Stand Apart
With tight pacing, great narration, breathtaking visuals, and a story to tell, the trailer set itself apart from its competition. More lighthearted thanElden Ring: NightreignandThe Witcher 4,The Outer Worlds 2was something of an underdogat TGA 2024, but its trailer captured attention and set itself apart as a contender. Including references to some of Obsidian’s most successful past games right at the beginning of the trailer, includingStar Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2,Neverwinter Nights 2, andFallout: New Vegas, which are some of the most beloved games in history, was also a very smart move.
The Outer Worlds 2
WHERE TO PLAY
The Outer Worlds 2 is the eagerly-awaited sequel to the award-winning first-person sci-fi RPG from Obsidian Entertainment (just look at the exciting number of dashes in this sentence!). Time to clear your calendar – get ready for an action-packed adventure with a new crew, new weapons, and new enemies in a new colony! So much newness!As a daring and most likely good-looking Earth Directorate agent, you must uncover the source of devastating rifts threatening to destroy all of humanity. Your investigation leads to Arcadia, home of skip drive technology, where the fate of the colony, and ultimately the entire galaxy, rests on your decisions—your strengths, your flaws, your crew, and the factions you choose to trust.EXPLORE A NEW FRONTIERThe Arcadia colony is engulfed in a factional war, as the Protectorate’s so-called benevolent rule is challenged by the rebellion of their religious order and a corporate invasion. As destructive rifts spread across the colony, each faction fights to control or close them for their own ends. Navigate diverse zones, uncover hidden lore, and shape the fate of a system on the brink!YOUR COMMANDER, YOUR WAYBuild your character with the abilities and choices that reflect your playstyle. The colony reacts to your every move, crafting a narrative that’s yours to own—whether you’re a disciple of diplomacy, an astute strategist, a crusader for chaos, or something different altogether. And yes, you can dumb!ENLIST YOUR COMPANIONSRecruit companions with unique traits, backgrounds and goals. Whether you choose to help them achieve their ambitions or steer them toward your own objectives, your influence shapes their growth (or death), making them an integral part of the immersive story you create together.
