Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 Director Criticizes The Outer Worlds 2, Says Obsidian Hasn’t Innovated Since New Vegas

It’s not every day that one game developer publicly calls out another, but that’s exactly what Daniel Vávra, Game Director of Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, did this week on X (formerly Twitter). In a post that has quickly sparked discussion across gaming circles, Vávra shared his thoughts after finishing The Outer Worlds 2, assigning it a 7/10 and criticizing developer Obsidian Entertainment for what he described as a lack of innovation since the release of Fallout: New Vegas in 2010.

In his post, Vávra expressed both admiration and disappointment:

“Finished. 7/10. But what I find sad is that the company and the people who gave us one of my favorite games ever (Fallout: New Vegas) have been unable, even after 15 years and with all of Microsoft’s money and latest technological advances, to come up with a single new game mechanic that could take this proven but ancient formula somewhere new. Can any of you think of a single new game mechanic in The Outer Worlds 2 that wasn’t already in Deus Ex or the original Fallout games more than 25 years ago? Unfortunately, I can’t. Give me a living, simulated world! True non-linearity! Give me something more than loot boxes, maintenance shafts, loading screens, and level grinding in a static, scripted world.”

Finished. 7/10. But what I find sad is that the company and the people who gave us one of my favorite games ever (Fallout & New Vegas) have been unable, even after 15 years and with all of Microsoft's money and latest technological advances, to come up with a single new game… pic.twitter.com/DqhNxqy0Dr

— Daniel Vávra ⚔ (@DanielVavra) November 4, 2025

Vávra’s remarks highlight his long-standing passion for immersive simulation in RPG design, something Kingdom Come Deliverance is well known for. When challenged by a follower who argued that KCD2 also lacks groundbreaking mechanics, Vávra countered by noting the game’s simulation of thousands of NPCs with realistic, daily behavioral routines as a differentiating feature.

It’s true that Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 places significant emphasis on world simulation and player immersion, offering a more organic ecosystem of interactions compared to The Outer Worlds 2. While Obsidian’s title includes consequences for theft and player reputation systems, NPC behavior remains largely static, with minimal reaction to player intrusion or world changes.

However, critics argue that NPC simulation isn’t necessarily a new or innovative concept either. Games like Bethesda’s The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion pioneered the concept nearly two decades ago, giving characters their own schedules and environmental awareness. As such, while KCD2 may execute these systems with greater fidelity, it’s difficult to claim them as revolutionary.

That said, The Outer Worlds 2 still received praise for refining its formula and offering expanded player choice and narrative flexibility, particularly compared to its predecessor. While it doesn’t reinvent the RPG wheel, it deepens the storytelling and replayability that Obsidian has long been known for.

Innovation in gaming is a complex issue, as recent titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 demonstrate, even incremental changes in design can push the genre forward when executed creatively. Baldur’s Gate 3, while not introducing radically new mechanics, proved that execution, scale, and presentation can elevate established systems into something truly exceptional.

Whether Vávra’s comments are seen as constructive criticism or unnecessary public shade, they’ve undeniably reignited discussions around stagnation and innovation in modern RPG development. And while Obsidian continues to evolve its formula under Microsoft, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 remains a shining example of simulation-based world design — one that fans can revisit this weekend, as the game is free to play on PC and Xbox and will receive its final DLC, Mysteria Ecclesiae, next Tuesday.

Do you agree with Daniel Vávra’s take that The Outer Worlds 2 lacks innovation? Or do you think refinement and execution matter more than reinventing the wheel? Let us know what you think.