Bethesda president tells Obsidian staff that the studio will keep its ‘creative identity’ after its move

The president of Bethesda has attempted to reassure Obsidian Entertainment staff that the studio will retain its “creative identity” following its move.

Earlier this week Xbox announced further layoffs and widespread changes to its entire studio structure, with many of its studios moving to other publishers or merging with other studios.

As part of the plans, Obsidian – known for such titles as The Outer Worlds, Avowed and Grounded – will be rolled into Bethesda, as it continues working its current projects including Grounded and a new Fallout game.

Now Bethesda president Jill Braff has sent an email to Obsidian employees telling them the move is “primarily a change in reporting structure” and that Obsidian’s creative principles will be unaffected.

As reported by Aftermath, the email reads: “The creative identity and strengths that make Obsidian distinct will remain at the core of their studio and work.

“[Obsidian CEO] Feargus [Urquhart] and the Obsidian leadership team will continue to lead Obsidian, with the studio reporting to me. 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.”