Andrea Pessino, co-founder of Ready at Dawn, revealed that Sony declined a sequel to the PlayStation 4 game, *The Order: 1886*, due to its lukewarm critical reception. Despite the game's stunning visuals, which were among the best of its generation, *The Order: 1886* launched in 2015 to middling reviews. The game, set in a Victorian London battling werewolves, left fans yearning for more, especially after its cliffhanger ending.
Pessino shared with MinnMax that Ready at Dawn was passionate about creating an "incredible" sequel, expressing they would have "signed [their] life away" to make it happen for the fans. Despite the enthusiasm, Sony's decision was influenced by the game's initial reception. Pessino couldn't delve into specifics, as he doesn't hold the franchise rights, but emphasized the sequel's potential greatness.
The development of the original game was fraught with challenges. Ready at Dawn's relationship with Sony was strained, leading to compromises and rushed releases. Sony's expectations were set high by the game's early graphical showcases, and when Ready at Dawn couldn't meet those standards due to other priorities, payments were withheld. This situation, while typical in the industry, added to the tension between the developer and Sony.
Despite these hurdles, Pessino admitted that Ready at Dawn was willing to accept a less favorable deal for the sequel, driven by a desire to expand on the solid groundwork laid by *The Order: 1886*. However, without leverage, they were in no position to negotiate a fair contract.
Ultimately, the hopes for a sequel were dashed when Ready at Dawn was shut down by its owner, Meta, in 2024. Fans who were left hanging by the game's cliffhanger ending will now never see the continuation they hoped for. In IGN's review, which scored the game a 6/10, it was noted that *The Order: 1886* prioritized cinematic flair over gameplay freedom, highlighting the game's core issue.
