Why GreedFall 2’s Prequel Status is a Double-Edged Sword

Developer Spiders’ GreedFall 2: The Dying World is the second entry in its Age of Exploration meets dark fantasy franchise. The first title in 2019 impressed audiences with its ambition and presentation, and while the studio isn’t quite in the AAA leagues, GreedFall hit many of the marks of an engaging action-RPG with mature themes and storytelling. For the followup, Spiders took a different release approach than the original, with GreedFall 2 having been in early access on PC since September 2024, and the rest of its content and features are being staggered out in the course of this year.

Another key difference is that, despite its naming convention, GreedFall 2: The Dying World is a prequel rather than a direct continuation. GreedFall‘s distinct world was ripe for further fleshing out, and Spiders’ decision to take it in this direction holds a lot of promise to do so. However, due to its nature, this also comes with some risks that it needs to navigate in order to avoid being anticlimactic and ensure meaningful connections to the first by delivering its own coherent tale. ​​

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GreedFall 2 Needs to Capitalize on a Natural Advantage of Prequels

As a prequel, GreedFall 2: The Dying World has a chance to do something its predecessor couldn’t, likely broadening its demographic in the process.

GreedFall 2’s Prequel Status Makes It a Tough Balancing Act

Prequels Often Face An Obvious Problem

Any story that sets out to precede well-established events from prior works has to carefully consider how it will address them while simultaneously providing a new and compelling experience. Since fans familiar with the original have the foreknowledge of certain outcomes, it can be tricky to incorporate and manage the existing canon while introducing other aspects. There are many examples of prequel projects that have missed the mark in this regard. These can have the effect of making them feel superfluous at best and negatively impacting the IP’s reputation at worst. On the other hand, a well-executed prequel can enrich the world building and story already in place with greater context and elevate them as a whole.

How GreedFall 2 Seeks to Walk the Fine Line of Being a Great Prequel

Being set only three years prior to GreedFall gives The Dying World a much narrower creative window to work with beyond the normal constraints of prequels. It obviously can’t shake up too much or retcon major moments. But it also has a framework and other elements that help account for this. Firstly, GreedFall 2‘s protagonist is a notable change in perspective, being a native of the exotic island of Teer Fradee unwillingly brought to the Old Continent. It’s a smart choice on Spiders’ part, as this setup provides leeway to pivot from De Sardet’s worldview while expanding on the world, as well as being a natural gateway for newcomers while remaining recognizable to returning fans.

The timeline also places GreedFall 2 during the onset of the Malichor plague central to the original’s plot. This gives it the opportunity to more deeply explore the details of the situation in the lead-up to De Sardet’s adventure without contradicting them. The Dying World’s focus on the Old Continent and its workings will likely be a key factor in fleshing out its prequel story, as players only saw a smaller slice of both in GreedFall before setting off for Teer Fradee, where most of the action takes place.

The last item of note is that Spiders has a history of not creating direct sequels for its properties. It thus has more experience in this specific area, which provides confidence that it will be able to successfully follow through on this pattern for GreedFall 2. Though it may have its work cut out, and the full final product is yet to be seen, given the above factors, many of the pieces are in place for The Dying World to result in a quality and satisfying prequel so long as Spiders can stick the landing.

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September 24, 2024