Games

The Outer Worlds 2 Understands Trailers

Published

1 week ago

December 14, 2024

Obsidian showcased a new trailer for The Outer Worlds 2 at The Game Awards 2024, giving audiences the most comprehensive look at the game so far. The Outer Worlds 2 is 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 and The Outer Worlds‘ original trailer.

The Outer Worlds 2‘s gameplay trailer contrasted 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 Obsidian Can Afford to Really Get Silly with The Outer Worlds 2’s Story

Table of Contents

Obsidian’s Outer Worlds has a heavy comedic premise, but the company can afford to get even sillier in the upcoming sequel.

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 previously being an Xbox exclusive. 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 the features that players of The Outer Worlds loved, 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 expertise of its developer. The humor, music, and genre of the trailer matched The Outer Worlds‘ series identity perfectly, and communicated exactly the kind of game and story players could expect from The 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 than Elden Ring: Nightreign and The Witcher 4, The Outer Worlds 2 was something of an underdog at 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, including Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2, Neverwinter Nights 2, and Fallout: New Vegas, which are some of the most beloved games in history, was also a very smart move.