Penumbra: Overture - Episode 1

Okay guys, I am only now installing Penumbra (having just finished Psychonaust, one of the best games ever!) and see that part 2 is coming next year. But it looks like it's being advertised as the final part. I thought Overture was the first of a trilogy?

I didn't read the other thread (I was told not to if I haven't played the first part) but without spoilers, why was it cut from three parts to two?

You're right, it was changed from 3 to 2. The first game landed them a publisher's deal, which they weren't sure of during development, and that has probably influenced it.

But one shouldn't really bother. According to Frictional Games, the last game will include the content of both planned episodes and will be much longer than original Penumbra.

As for the reasons, it was stated that Paradox (publisher) was unwilling to financially support a long-term deal for two more games, thus it resulted in a compromise.