Outward 2 Announced for Summer Early Access
The highly anticipated sequel to the cult favorite open-world action RPG, Outward, has officially been confirmed for a summer early access release. Developer Nine Dots Studio, now self-publishing the game, surprised fans with not only the release window but also a rather unconventional gameplay trailer featuring a talking potato.
A Trailer Like No Other
In an industry often dominated by cinematic, high-budget trailers, Outward 2’s marketing approach is refreshingly different. The “potato specs” gameplay trailer showcases the game running on what appears to be modest hardware, represented humorously by a talking tuber. This unconventional marketing strategy perfectly encapsulates the developer’s commitment to accessibility and their rejection of industry norms.
The trailer demonstrates gameplay footage while emphasizing that Outward 2 won’t require cutting-edge hardware to run, staying true to the studio’s philosophy of creating games that are accessible to a wide audience.
Building on a Cult Success
For those unfamiliar with the series, the original Outward was something of a surprise hit. Despite its quirks and rough edges, the game managed to sell over 1 million copies and develop a dedicated following. Its unique approach to the survival RPG genre, featuring a unforgiving world and innovative multiplayer mechanics, helped it stand out in a crowded market.
Now, Nine Dots Studio is looking to build upon that success with Outward 2, aiming to refine the formula that made the first game special while addressing many of its predecessor’s shortcomings.
Self-Publishing and Creative Freedom
One significant change for the sequel is Nine Dots Studio’s decision to self-publish Outward 2. This move gives the developers complete creative control over their project, potentially allowing them to create the game they envision without publisher interference.
This independence aligns perfectly with their unconventional trailer and suggests that Outward 2 will remain true to the spirit of the original while benefiting from lessons learned and additional development resources.
What to Expect from Outward 2
Based on the trailer and announcements, Outward 2 will maintain the core elements that made the first game beloved: challenging gameplay, a vast open world, and unique cooperative multiplayer experiences. However, fans can expect improvements in nearly every aspect, from graphics and animations to world-building and quest design.
The summer early access launch will allow players to experience the game while it’s still in development, giving the community an opportunity to provide feedback that could shape the final product.
As we approach the summer early access release, RPG fans looking for something different from the mainstream offerings should keep Outward 2 on their radar. When the game becomes available, you’ll be able to find it on various platforms, and once released, you may be able to purchase game keys through digital retailers like TURGAME.com.
Source: Eurogamer