The world established by theDishonoredgames and theDeathloopsequel is already set to continue in the next games from Arkane Studios, particularly thanks to the ending ofDishonored: Death of the Outsider. With the absence of the Outsider as a vessel for bestowing magic, it’s only a matter of time before the next source of manifesting Void magic falls into the wrong hands. IfDeathloopis anything to learn from, the Void’s magic could be more impactful to future Arkane games beyondDishonored: Death of the Outsiderthan ever.
Given how powerful Void magic from the Arkane games’ universe has been, Void magic becoming normalized could spell a disaster forthe shared universe of Arkane games. With uncontrolled limits to who can wield magic, more than just key figures could become powerful foes or allies. Not to mention, the development of the universe’s entire civilization is bound to be affected by an inevitable power struggle to possess Void magic.
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The (Void) Magic of Arkane Games
The Outsider of theDishonoredseries was a man who was ritually sacrificed into becoming the vessel of all magic in the world, eventually becoming an outlawed god. In this divine state, the Outsider could grant supernatural powers to persons of his choosing, by granting his mark to them. Throughout theDishonoredgames, the Outsider is known to have marked many characters, including Granny Rags, Daud, Delilah Copperspoon, Corvo Attono, and Emily Kaldwin. With a few of these characters having competing ambitions, it was apparent that the Outsider was methodical in granting his mark, though very little of his reasoning can be easily interpreted. Ultimately, the Outsider’s role as the gatekeeper of Void magic throughout theDishonoredseries makes him a contender for one of thestrongest god-like characters in video games.
Regardless of the choices that Billie Lurk makes in the finalDishonoredgame, the Outsider ultimately loses his divine status and ability to bestow his mark. However, the Outsider’s absence is not correlated with the eradication of magic, since his powers were drawn from the Void, which exists unaffected by the Outsider’s existence. In any version ofDishonored: Death of the Outsider’s multiple endings, Billie Lurk talks about how the Void’s magic remains and could affect anyone unpredictably now. With this cliffhanger, theDishonoredseries seemingly comes to an end. However, for the world of the next Arkane games, either directcontinuations of theDishonoredseriesor in-universe sequels, the story foundation is already established.
DespiteDeathloophaving minimal relation to theDishonoredseries' state of technology, culture, and history, it supportsDishonored: Death Of The Outsider’s segue into future Arkane games. InDeathloop, magical powerssimilar to magic from the Void are possessed by characters of extreme wealth or knowledge, and magical charms were achieved through scientific invention. The player character inDeathloop, Colt, is able to wield magic powers simply by encountering them as physical artifacts.Deathloopgoes to show that the Void’s magic exists long after the Outsider’s divine intervention, and that magic can be harnessed by additional methods.
Inthe next Arkane Studios game, even basic characters could have remnants of Void magic from unforeseen sources. Whether a new divine sacrifice will be pursued to establish another “Outsider,” or if the Void will once again be tapped by scientific minds remains to be seen. Ultimately, magic will be far more normalized, and ifDishonored’s macabre tone is still persistent, the next in-universe Arkane game will also be far more chaotic.
Dishonored: Death Of The Outsideris available now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One
