The Order: 1886, a PS4 exclusive developed by Ready at Dawn, was a game with immense potential that never received a sequel. Despite its stunning presentation and intriguing universe, its critical reception prevented Sony from green-lighting a follow-up. This article explores the story behind the denied sequel, the reasons for its rejection, and what could have been.
The Pitch for a Sequel
Ready at Dawn co-founder Andrea Pessino recently revealed in an interview with MinnMax that the studio had pitched a sequel to Sony, only to be turned down. According to Pessino, the decision was not based on sales figures but on the game’s critical reception. He believes that had the game received a slightly higher Metacritic score—at least in the 70s—the sequel would have been approved.
The Order: 1886’s Critical Reception
Upon its 2015 launch, The Order: 1886 received a Metacritic rating of 63, with a user score of 6.8 from over 4,000 players. Many reviews echoed similar sentiments, praising its polished visuals but criticizing its gameplay and lack of depth. Our own review gave it a 6/10, highlighting the game’s stunning presentation but noting how certain design choices diminished its overall experience.
The Game That Needed More Time
Pessino suggested that internal mock reviews conducted by the studio were significantly higher than the final critic scores. However, a fixed release date of February 20, 2015, meant that the developers didn’t have enough time to refine the game properly. He believed that with at least one more year of development, the final product could have reached its full potential.
The Lost Vision
One of the biggest complaints about The Order: 1886 was its heavily cinematic approach, which often overshadowed gameplay. Pessino confirmed that the game was initially envisioned to be much more interactive, but last-minute cuts and development constraints forced the team to trim key gameplay elements, turning portions of it into passive experiences.
What the Sequel Could Have Been
Had the sequel been approved, it would have likely launched around 2018 and would have included a multiplayer mode alongside another cinematic single-player adventure. This could have expanded on the universe and refined the gameplay, addressing the criticisms of the first game while leveraging its strong world-building.
The Fate of Ready at Dawn
Following The Order: 1886, Ready at Dawn pivoted to VR development and was later acquired by Oculus Studios. Unfortunately, the studio was shut down in 2023, ending any lingering hopes of revisiting The Order: 1886’s world.
The Order: 1886 remains one of gaming’s biggest “what-ifs.” While it showcased an incredible vision and stunning presentation, its shortcomings prevented it from evolving into a successful franchise. With Ready at Dawn now defunct, the possibility of a sequel is virtually nonexistent, leaving fans to wonder what could have been. Would you have played a sequel? Share your thoughts in the comments below.