The Outer Worlds: upgrade confusion and apologies from Obsidian

In the world of gaming, poor communication and technical issues can quickly lead to frustration among players. That was recently the case for the popular RPG The Outer Worlds, developed by Obsidian Entertainment. The problem began when players who owned the original version of the game were unable to access the promised free upgrade to the Spacer's Choice Edition.

The promise of a free upgrade

The Spacer's Choice Edition of The Outer Worlds was announced on 29 May 2026, several years after the game’s original 2019 release. The developer had promised that players who owned the original version of the game in their digital library before 27 May 2026 would receive a free upgrade. The offer applied across all platforms, including PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Steam, and the Epic Games Store.

However, on the day the upgrade was supposed to go live, reports began to surface from players experiencing problems. Many Xbox One and PlayStation 4 users were told that they would also need to own all DLC in addition to the base game to qualify for the upgrade, something that had not been communicated beforehand.

Obsidian's apology and player reactions

Obsidian Entertainment publicly apologised for the confusion and the frustration it caused. The studio said the upgrade was intended as a “thank you” to players who had purchased the original version of the game. Due to unexpected platform restrictions and technical issues, that promise could not be fulfilled as hoped.

Players who bought the base game between 30 April and 27 May felt misled. On social media, many fans said they felt cheated. Comparisons were made to a “bait and switch” situation, which is considered unlawful in the US. Players called on Obsidian to offer some form of compensation. Suggestions included free DLC or discounts on future purchases.

Changes in availability

With the original version of The Outer Worlds delisted on 27 May 2026, the Spacer's Choice Edition became the only version available for new purchases. This edition offers improved graphics and gameplay, and is priced at $39.99. Players with the original version are still eligible for the free upgrade, but only if they met the correct conditions.

In problem cases, players are advised to contact Obsidian customer support for further assistance. However, this applies only to console versions; no upgrade issues have been reported on Steam and other PC platforms.

Conclusion

The recent confusion surrounding the free upgrade to the Spacer's Choice Edition has put pressure on the relationship between Obsidian Entertainment and its players. While the studio is working to resolve the issues and take its community’s concerns seriously, the situation remains a reminder of how important clear communication is in the gaming industry.

With the new Spacer's Choice Edition still fresh in players’ minds, how Obsidian handles this challenge will be crucial to its reputation and fan satisfaction.