Tim Cain joins Obsidian, working on Arcanum 2?

If nothing else, the setting of Arcanum is ambitious and unique. I'd say that this quality alone made Arcanum less accessible than Fallout; its setting was too obscure, occupying too specific of a niche. People are familiar enough with post-apocalyptic speculation to know where to compartmentalize that in their fiction spectrum. It would be uncommon enough for somebody to recognize steampunk, let alone high-fantasy steampunk.

I'd say the setting was fleshed out well enough. The industrial revolution challenging the magickal establishment made for a fitting backdrop to advance the dwarf versus elf plot. This setting was not only a convenient plot device, but also allowed for the game mechanics to highlight the dichotomy of Magick and Technology.

 

"at first I was like: Agreed."

"but then I was like: lolwut"
I don't know if you're trying to refer to bethesda or Obsidian in that remark, but it doesn't make sense in any case: publishers don't give a fuck about the hardcore fans and Obsidian didn't do that to please anyone, they just see him as a very valuable asset and probably a good friend too since some of them already worked together.
Also you are wrong at the hardcore fans reception of NV. NV is indeed perceived as a worthy successor to FO, it's the real FO3 so to speak. Check NMA.


The important thing to remember here is:

What matters is that he'll be able to contribute to any game he gets his hands on.
Even if there is no Arcanum 2 in the works, it won't surprise me at all if they eventually work on another steampunk game in the future.

 

Very informative i like it.