The Order: 1886 Sequel Plans Revealed: Multiplayer and Larger Battles Scrapped by Sony
The Order: 1886, a PlayStation 4 exclusive released in 2015, could have looked very different. According to creative director Ru Weerasuriya, a sequel was in the works that would have expanded the game’s scope significantly, including multiplayer features and large-scale battles. But Sony ultimately rejected the pitch.
Weerasuriya shared details with Julien Chieze, noting a scrapped multiplayer mode was initially considered for the first game, but the team decided to shelve it for a sequel, as reported by VGC. A planned 10-page pitch document detailed follow-ups titled The Order 1891 and The Order 1899, outlining a trilogy arc and even considering a 20th-century setting. Imagine fighting supernatural threats in London during the World Wars!
However, these sequels never materialized. Ready at Dawn studio co-founder Andrea Pessino explained that Sony turned down the proposal due to the mixed critical reception of the original The Order: 1886. Despite the disappointment, Pessino reflected that this rejection might have been a blessing in disguise, preventing the studio from being locked into an unfavorable situation.
"It would have been an incredible sequel, I can tell you that for a fact," Pessino stated. He added that the studio pitched the sequel to Sony regardless of reviews, but felt that it was better Sony passed since they would have “signed our life away” with the sequel.
Financial struggles during the development of The Order: 1886, including missed payments and shifting project responsibilities, contributed to the decision. The game was intended to showcase the PS4's visual capabilities, adding pressure and potential risk. Pessino even suggested that a sequel would have likely faced a smaller budget.
Despite the challenges, Pessino maintained that the foundation for a compelling franchise was strong, and the team was motivated to "redeem the franchise." Ready at Dawn was prepared to move forward even without leverage in contract negotiations.
The Order: 1886 remains available on PS4, and can be enjoyed on PS5 through backwards compatibility. While a sequel never happened, the reveal of its planned features offers a tantalizing glimpse into what could have been.
The question remains, what would you have liked to see in a sequel to The Order: 1886? What are your thoughts on Sony's decision to pass on the project? Share your opinions in the comment section below!
