Ready at Dawn's co-founder, Andrea Pessino, recently revealed that Sony rejected a proposed sequel to their PlayStation 4 title, The Order: 1886, citing the original game's underwhelming critical reception. Despite this, Pessino claims Ready at Dawn pitched a compelling sequel, even willing to accept unfavorable terms to deliver it to fans.

Speaking with MinnMax, Pessino described the planned sequel as "incredible," stating they would have "signed [their] life away" for the opportunity. The Order: 1886, released in 2015, was visually stunning but received mixed reviews, criticized for its restrictive gameplay despite its impressive graphics.

Pessino explained that the development of the original game was fraught with challenges, including a strained relationship with Sony. The initial high-fidelity visuals set unrealistic expectations for subsequent builds, leading to withheld payments when Ready at Dawn prioritized other aspects of development, temporarily compromising graphical quality. While Pessino acknowledged this as a common practice for third-party publishers, it created a tense dynamic.

Despite this difficult experience, the team was eager to create a sequel, even under less than ideal conditions. Pessino stated they were prepared to accept a "terrible budget" and limited negotiating power, solely driven by a desire to provide fans with a satisfying conclusion. He emphasized the strong foundation laid in the first game, highlighting significant potential for expansion.

The original game ended on a significant cliffhanger, fueling fan demand for a sequel. Unfortunately, those hopes were ultimately extinguished with Ready at Dawn's closure by parent company Meta in 2024. IGN's review of The Order: 1886 (6/10) summarized the game as a "stylish adventure" hampered by limited gameplay freedom. Ten years later, the possibility of a sequel remains unrealized.