The Order: 1886 – A Story That Could’ve Been More

It’s been over nine years since The Order: 1886 launched exclusively on PlayStation 4, and while the game had mixed reception at launch, it still holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of many story-driven game fans. Known for its stunning visuals and cinematic style, the game left many wondering what could’ve been — especially after new statements from the game’s original director.

Recently, Ru Weerasuriya (via Julien Chieze) opened up about the fate of the cancelled sequel and the ambitious plans that never saw the light of day.

A Sequel Was in the Works

According to Weerasuriya, a second installment was already in early development following the release of the first game. The team at Ready At Dawn had plans to introduce major gameplay changes, including large-scale battles and, for the first time, multiplayer modes.

They aimed to expand the world significantly, deepen the lore, and build on the narrative potential that the original hinted at. This sequel was going to be bigger, better, and more immersive — a clear response to the feedback from the community.

It Was Supposed to Be a Trilogy

One of the most surprising revelations was that The Order wasn’t meant to be a standalone title. The developers envisioned it as a full trilogy, with two more entries planned: The Order: 1891 and The Order: 1899.

The story would’ve continued into new time periods, further developing the characters, the ongoing war against the Half-Breeds, and the mysterious elements of the alternate-history London they created. It had the potential to evolve into one of PlayStation’s richest narrative-driven franchises.

Negative Feedback Killed the Dream

Unfortunately, the critical response to the first game played a major role in killing the sequel. Despite its impressive visuals, music, and acting, The Order: 1886 was heavily criticized for being too short and overly reliant on cutscenes and QTEs. Many players felt it was more of a tech demo than a full game.

Because of that reception, Sony reportedly lost interest in funding further development. As a result, Ready At Dawn shifted its focus to other projects, and eventually transitioned into VR development under Meta after being acquired.

Did It Deserve a Second Chance?

Many fans believe that The Order was misunderstood and that a second game could’ve easily addressed its shortcomings. In today’s gaming landscape — where cinematic, story-driven games are more popular than ever — a sequel might’ve been much more appreciated.

The game had a unique atmosphere, a compelling universe, and a ton of untapped potential. It feels like a missed opportunity for a franchise that could’ve grown into something iconic.

Lost Future, Not Forgotten

Even though the series didn’t continue, the legacy of The Order: 1886 still lives on in the memories of players who saw its potential. And in a world of remakes and reboots, there’s always hope — maybe Sony or Ready At Dawn will revisit this universe one day.