About Grounded 2 and All the People Helping to Make It

Key insights

7 takeaways

01
Obsidian Entertainment is developing Grounded 2, a survival-crafting sequel featuring a map three times the size of the original and new mechanics such as rideable insects.
02
Grounded 2 will launch in early access on Xbox Series and PC, with Obsidian utilizing the program to gather community feedback for refining core features like rideable buggies.
03
Eidos Montreal is co-developing Grounded 2, marking a collaborative effort between the two studios to build upon the community-driven model established by the first game.
04
Microsoft has implemented widespread cuts across its gaming division, including the cancellation of Rare’s Everwild, the cessation of live development for Blizzard’s Warcraft Rumble, and layoffs within Xbox publishing and PR teams.
05
Despite recent organizational restructuring, Microsoft confirmed that Phil Spencer is not retiring and will remain in his role as head of Microsoft Gaming.
06
PlayStation-published title Helldivers 2 is scheduled for release on Xbox consoles on August 26, 2025.
07
Upcoming game releases for July 2025 include EA Sports College Football 26 on July 10 and a remaster of the Patapon series on July 11.

Summary

Obsidian Entertainment is currently developing Grounded 2, a sequel to its survival-crafting title, which features a map triple the size of the original and introduces rideable insects known as buggies. The game is slated for an early access release on Xbox Series and PC, a strategy intended to foster community-driven development. To support this effort, Obsidian is co-developing the title with Eidos Montreal, a partnership described as a smooth collaboration between two teams that share a mutual appreciation for the franchise.

The development of Grounded 2 occurs against a backdrop of significant instability within Microsoft’s gaming division, which has recently undergone widespread workforce reductions, studio closures, and project cancellations. Despite these broader corporate challenges, Obsidian maintains a productive 2025 schedule, having already released Avowed and with The Outer Worlds 2 expected later in the year. The studio’s leadership emphasizes a long-term commitment to the brand, utilizing early access to ensure player feedback directly influences the game's evolving design and content.

Beyond the focus on Obsidian, the industry landscape remains volatile. Recent reports highlight the departure of key leadership at ZeniMax Online Studios, the cessation of funding for Romero Games, and various layoffs across Microsoft’s publishing and PR departments. These events have prompted industry-wide concerns regarding a potential loss of institutional knowledge. Meanwhile, the market continues to see shifts in platform availability, exemplified by the announcement that the previously PlayStation-published title Helldivers 2 will arrive on Xbox consoles in August 2025.