The Outer Worlds 2 lead says his RPG isn't a critique of capitalism, but Baldur's Gate 3's publishing lead isn't so sure: "Expression in video games is cooked"

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The Outer Worlds 2 lead says his RPG isn't a critique of capitalism, but Baldur's Gate 3's publishing lead isn't so sure: "Expression in video games is cooked" News By Anna Koselke published 28 November 2025

"...because the puppet master still holds the strings"

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(Image credit: Obsidian Entertainment)

The Outer Worlds 2 is one of those games that feels like an obvious critique of capitalism, but game director Brandon Adler recently said Obsidian Entertainment didn't want to be "preachy" and denied that it is one – a move Larian Studios publishing director Michael "Cromwelp" Douse isn't a fan of.

Or, at least, he doesn't seem to be, judging by a recent post online in which he responds to the director of The Outer Worlds 2's new statement regarding the game and its supposed critical take on capitalism. "Expression in video games is cooked because the puppet master still holds the strings," writes the Baldur's Gate 3 developer – and it seems players agree. "I feel bad for that studio, having to now compromise the very soul of that game," one replies.

Another cites Disco Elysium as a good example of a game whose devs "don't even deny it, although the game critiques more than just capitalism," prompting a response from Douse: "Proud to be in those credits." For anyone unaware, Douse was actually credited in Disco Elysium himself, with "special thanks" given to the Larian publishing lead. It's a wholesome reply for sure – but his original statement makes sense, too.

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Expression in video games is cooked because the puppet master still holds the strings https://t.co/kc2JVe02LENovember 28, 2025

After all, The Outer Worlds 2 is the very same game that contains some hilarious debuffs for everything from dialogue skipping to excessive "consumerism" on the players' part if they opt to purchase the $100 Premium Edition of the RPG. That definitely sounds like it's a bit of a critique of capitalism, even if it's more surface-level. There are plenty of little moments like that in-game, however, that really seem to drill it in.

What exactly did Adler say about The Outer Worlds 2 and capitalism, though? "We're not going out of our way and saying, 'let's do a critique of capitalism currently, as we see it,'" he said on the My Perfect Console podcast. "In general, what we like to do, especially for The Outer Worlds, is a critique on the power structures of various things, but more the people in power and how they abuse the people that don't have that power."

Take that as you will, I suppose. Regardless of what the RPG's message truly is, it's clearly reaching players and resonating with them – as our own The Outer Worlds 2 review calls it a "masterful" entry from Obsidian Entertainment.

The Outer Worlds 2 director bravely says Chrono Trigger is "the best JRPG ever and it's not even close" - and that it doesn't get enough credit for being one of the only ones where "you don't actually have to grind."

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Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. TOPICS Obsidian Entertainment CATEGORIES PC Gaming PS5 Xbox Series X Platforms PlayStation Xbox Anna KoselkeSocial Links NavigationStaff Writer

After spending years with her head in various fantastical realms' clouds, Anna studied English Literature and then Medieval History at the University of Edinburgh, going on to specialize in narrative design and video game journalism as a writer. She has written for various publications since her postgraduate studies, including Dexerto, Fanbyte, GameSpot, IGN, PCGamesN, and more. When she's not frantically trying to form words into coherent sentences, she's probably daydreaming about becoming a fairy druid and befriending every animal or she's spending a thousand (more) hours traversing the Underdark in Baldur's Gate 3. If you spot her away from her PC, you'll always find Anna with a fantasy book, a handheld video game console of some sort, and a Tamagotchi or two on hand.

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