When Obsidian Entertainment first pulled back the curtain on Avowed during the Xbox Games Showcase in 2020, it was hard not to notice the parallels to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The game’s reveal trailer showcased a dark fantasy realm, with a muted color scheme and a focus on spell-casting combat from a first-person viewpoint, features that prompted comparisons to Bethesda’s iconic RPG. Given Obsidian’s track record with similar games like Fallout: New Vegas, it seemed a reasonable guess that Avowed might walk a similar path as Skyrim in both gameplay and scope.
However, as development progressed, Obsidian shifted gears, steering Avowed in a new direction. The ambition of a gigantic open-world similar to Skyrim gave way to a more refined and intimate experience. Unlike many of its contemporaries, Avowed is not expansive in the traditional open-world sense, nor does it shower players with an overwhelming number of companions to romance or endless side quests to tackle. Instead, it’s designed more as a hub-based RPG, reminiscent of The Outer Worlds, another game under Obsidian’s belt. While this streamlined scope might initially suggest a lack of optional content, rest assured, Avowed is designed to surprise players with its depth, according to insights from a developer interview.
Interestingly, Avowed takes a page from the playbook of Baldur’s Gate 3 when it comes to crafting missable content. In a chat with GamesRadar+, Obsidian’s senior area designer, Bergo Ritger, shed some light on the studio’s intention to create a sense of personalization in gameplay. By integrating a wealth of content that players might miss on their first run, the studio encourages players to explore varied paths and engage in conversations about what they might have overlooked, making each playthrough uniquely theirs. Ritger highlighted that having missable content brings out the essence of what makes RPGs truly exceptional.
Baldur’s Gate 3 has set a benchmark with its sprawling, choice-driven narrative where missing content isn’t just possible – it’s inevitable. Even though its main storyline wraps up in around 70 hours, it demands twice that time if players aim to uncover everything the game offers. For those who relish the idea of decision-centric gaming, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a treasure trove waiting to be explored countlessly.
However, the presence of missable content in games comes with both ups and downs. On the upside, such design creates a compelling reason for replaying the game, deepening player engagement and ensuring choices carry significant weight. If all paths lead to the same conclusion, the thrill of decision-making fades. On the flip side, not everyone has the hours to devote to exhaustive playthroughs when drawn to multiple games, causing some to prefer a more linear experience that offers the majority of its engagement in a single playthrough. For these gamers, Avowed’s approach might not hit the mark, but for others who thrive on the intricate webs of choice and consequence, it could be a thrilling adventure.
Set against the backdrop of the mysterious Living Lands in the fictional world of Eora, Avowed positions players as envoys sent to investigate the emergence of a plague. This sprawling island promises adventures brimming with secrets, dangers, and far-reaching choices. As players navigate this untamed wilderness, they’ll unravel a personal connection and an ancient secret poised to dismantle everything in its path. The question remains: can you save this enigmatic frontier and your very soul?
Slated for release on February 18, 2025, Avowed will be available for Xbox Series X|S and PC. With mature themes of blood, gore, and strong language, players can expect a deeply immersive and narrative-rich experience that promises to set a high bar for RPG storytelling.
