Game Director of Avowed Departs Obsidian After 12 Years, Joins Netflix’s Night School Studio
Veteran Game Director Leaves Obsidian After Over a Decade
Kerri Patell has announced her departure from Obsidian Entertainment after dedicating 12 years to the studio. She is now joining Night School Studio, a subsidiary of Netflix focused on narrative-driven games.
Her Journey at Obsidian
Patell’s professional journey with Obsidian began in 2013 when she joined as a writer for the critically acclaimed RPG Pillars of Eternity. Over the years, she contributed significantly to the development of downloadable content (DLC) and game expansions, including work on The Outer Worlds and leading the development of the Peril on Gorgon expansion.
Her latest project was Avowed, where she served as the game director. Under her leadership, the game aimed to deliver a rich, immersive fantasy experience, aligning with her reputation for narrative excellence.
Reasons Behind the Career Shift
While Patell previously shared that Microsoft was pleased with the performance of Avowed, she decided to move on after its release to explore new opportunities. Her move to Night School Studio may seem unusual given the current challenges faced by Netflix’s gaming division, yet the studio’s focus on storytelling aligns well with her expertise and interests.
About Night School Studio
Founded in 2016, Night School Studio gained fame with the release of their adventure game Oxenfree. The studio was acquired by Netflix in 2021, and in 2023, they released Oxenfree II: Lost Signals. Their emphasis on narrative-driven experiences makes it a fitting environment for Patell’s talents and creative vision.
Industry Trends and Notable Moves
Recently, industry insiders have observed similar shifts, such as the departure of a lead director from a new PlayStation project after testing phases. That game, named Fairgames, aims to be a live-service title akin to Concord. These moves highlight the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the gaming industry, especially as studios experiment with new formats and storytelling approaches.
Alex "Pixel" Petrov
Gaming journalist & industry insider. Covers the latest game releases, updates, and behind-the-scenes dev stories. Knows every Easter egg, patch note, and upcoming title worth hyping. Always gaming, always analyzing.