Sony Cancels "The Order: 1886" Sequel Due to Negative Reception

Ready at Dawn, the developer behind the PlayStation 4 title The Order: 1886, revealed Sony rejected a proposed sequel due to the original game's lukewarm critical reception.

Andrea Pessino, co-founder of Ready at Dawn, disclosed to MinnMax that the studio presented Sony with a compelling sequel pitch. Despite a challenging relationship with Sony during the development of the first game, Pessino stated they were prepared to accept unfavorable terms to create a sequel, prioritizing player satisfaction above all else. The original game, released in 2015, boasted impressive visuals but received mixed reviews, criticized for its limited gameplay freedom despite its cinematic presentation.

Pessino explained that the initial high-fidelity graphics showcased in early presentations and reveals set unrealistic expectations for subsequent development milestones. This led to payment disputes when Ready at Dawn had to prioritize other aspects of development, temporarily compromising the graphical quality. While Pessino acknowledged this as a common practice among third-party publishers, it fostered a strained relationship with Sony.

Despite this difficult history, Ready at Dawn was eager to pursue a sequel, even under less-than-ideal conditions. Pessino emphasized their willingness to accept a meager budget and limited creative control solely to deliver a satisfying experience to fans. The original game concluded on a significant cliffhanger, fueling fan demand for a continuation.

Unfortunately, the sequel never materialized. Ready at Dawn itself was subsequently shut down by parent company Meta in 2024, extinguishing any remaining hopes for The Order: 1886 to continue. IGN's review of the original game, scoring it a 6/10, highlighted the game's stunning visuals but criticized its restrictive gameplay. The missed opportunity for a sequel leaves a significant void for fans who were left wanting more.