Fallout's Feargus Urquhart Stares into the Abyss

The Fourth Curtain

Our guest is Feargus Urquhart, founder and CEO of Obsidian, the premier maker of videogame RPGs. Having mastered 27 second pizzas he moved to testing and production of huge titles like KOTOR, Baldur's Gate and Fallout. We discuss snatching victory from the jaws of defeat with Pillars of Eternity, and when a feature is real - this week!

Episode Highlights

[00:00:00] Founding Obsidian Entertainment: From Black Isle to New Beginnings
Feargus shares how he and his former Black Isle colleagues launched Obsidian in 2003, determined to create deep RPG experiences despite industry headwinds.
[00:05:00] The Fallout Series Legacy: Storytelling That Stands the Test of Time
Feargus reflects on his work with Fallout and how its blend of player choice, dark humor, and moral complexity still influences RPG design today.
[00:12:00] Navigating Publisher Deals: Lessons from the Early Obsidian Years
Hear how Obsidian survived rocky publisher relationships, including near cancellations, and what the team learned about creative control and financial survival.
[00:21:00] Making Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II Under Deadline Pressure
Feargus explains how the team delivered KOTOR II in just 14 months—and the trade-offs required to ship under tight LucasArts deadlines.
[00:31:00] From Pillars of Eternity to Deadfire: Reviving the Isometric RPG
Discover how Kickstarter and a passionate fan base brought Pillars of Eternity to life, sparking a renaissance for classic-style RPGs.
[00:43:00] The Microsoft Acquisition: Joining Xbox Game Studios
Feargus discusses Obsidian’s 2018 acquisition by Microsoft, what it meant for studio stability, and how it opened doors for ambitious projects.
[00:50:00] Creating The Outer Worlds: Satire, Choice, and Sci-Fi Exploration
Learn how Obsidian blended sharp humor, branching narratives, and vibrant worlds to craft The Outer Worlds, a modern hit with old-school sensibilities.
[01:03:00] Advice for Aspiring Game Developers: Build Skills and Networks Early
Feargus offers guidance for breaking into the industry—emphasizing collaboration, flexibility, and learning from every project.

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