Obsidian playfully mocks premium edition buyers of The Outer Worlds 2 with 'Consumerism' flaw

Obsidian's Tongue-in-Cheek Jab at The Outer Worlds 2 Premium Buyers

Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind the highly anticipated sequel to their quirky space RPG, The Outer Worlds 2, has playfully roasted players who opted for the premium edition. In a move that's both hilarious and a testament to their self-aware humor, early access purchasers of the game's expanded version have been greeted with a rather unique in-game 'flaw' designed to poke fun at their purchasing habits.

The "Consumerism" Perk: A Marketing Masterstroke?

While the official launch date is set for October 29th, those who snagged the premium edition with its early access benefit encountered a character perk humorously named "Consumerism." The developers themselves, via a Reddit post, unveiled the ironic twist: "You are the reason our marketing works. Promotions and discounts have filled your head, and you're more interested in the next big purchase than financial planning," the developers quipped. This meta-commentary injects a delightful dose of personality into the game's design, directly addressing the impulse behind premium purchases.

A Compromise with Character: The Flaw Mechanic

The core concept of these 'flaws' in The Outer Worlds 2 is a clever balancing act. Each flaw bestows a tangible bonus while simultaneously imposing a drawback, creating a fascinating trade-off for players. The "Consumerism" perk, for instance, grants a persistent 15% discount across all vendors, a significant boon for resource management. However, this comes at the cost of a 10% reduction in the profit earned from selling items, directly tying into the perk's name and the developers' playful jab.

More Hilarious Flaws for the Discerning Player

Obsidian's comedic genius doesn't stop there. The studio has sprinkled in several other humorously crafted flaws. For players who habitually skip dialogue, the game might bestow "Foot-in-Mouth Syndrome." This quirky ailment offers a 15% experience boost, a tempting incentive, but at the price of dialogue choices being randomized. Imagine the chaos and unexpected conversational turns this could lead to! Another example is the "Easily Distracted" perk, triggered if players tend to distribute skill points too evenly. While this allows for faster skill progression, it restricts choices, forcing players to develop their weaker attributes. These mechanics don't just add challenge; they add personality and encourage players to embrace the game's quirky spirit.

A Sequel's Strategic Shift and Pricing Punditry

The Outer Worlds 2, a sequel to Obsidian's acclaimed space-faring RPG with shooter elements, has been the subject of much discussion, not least due to its pricing. Microsoft's initial announcement of a $79.99 price tag for the game, positioning it as the first to adopt this new base price, sparked considerable backlash. Fortunately, the company heeded the wave of criticism and reverted to the previous pricing structure. This experience, coupled with the mixed reception of the first The Outer Worlds – which faced criticism for technical glitches and repetitive side quests – seems to have profoundly influenced the development team. Their current embrace of self-irony and robust humor suggests a deliberate effort to refine the player experience and inject more levity into the franchise.