Summary
The latest upcoming fantasy RPG from Obsidian Entertainment,Avowedis set to launch next year, but discussion about the game has already been in full force. Following its gameplay reveal, the true scale and scope ofAvowed’s world was showcased, disappointing some fans' expectations for the title. A closer look at the title may have revealed how it isn’t striving to occupy the same niche as the epic RPGs of recent years, but this more focused vision could be one ofAvowed’s strongest aspects.
An adaptation of the world established in thePillars of EternityCRPGs,Avowedis set to bring Eora into a first-person perspective for the first time ever. With the fleshed out lore of thePillarsseries guiding the creation of its beautiful landscapes and unique creatures, it wasn’t totally inappropriate for fans to expect an offering reminiscent of the open-world RPG triumphs of the past few years. Between the game’s latest footage and clear statements from the developer, however, it has become clear thatAvowedis instead shaping up to be something with far more potential in other areas.
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The Expectations Placed on Avowed’s Open World
Revealed back in 2020 with a cinematic trailer,Avowedinstantly generated hype within the RPG community. A project by Obsidian, a studio known for working with IPs from prolific developers like Bethesda, was seen as the next game to be on the scale of titles such asThe Elder ScrollsandFallout. Conveying an epic scale, dark aesthetic and familiar mix of magic and weapons, the initial reveal naturally caused many viewers to anticipate an experience comparable to a modern daySkyrim. Many months then passed with no news of the title, butAvowedhas recently returned with a much clearer vision that has subverted these expectations.
Premiering its gameplay earlier this year, the style and scope ofAvowed’s world and settingwas presented to mixed reception. Seemingly having shifted to a fantasy aesthetic that is far more lively than the gloomy tone originally shown, the game has drawn some criticism from outspoken fans of grittier-looking entries in the RPG genre. Colorful elements like glowing fungi and magical effects encompassed much of the visuals presented in its latest trailer, reflecting the brighter aspects of the world introduced inPillars of Eternityinstead of a more grim darkness. As more news ofAvowedhas continued to come, discussion about the game’s presentation has found a rival in an even bigger matter: the title’s scale.
Avowed Doesn’t Need to be Huge to be Good
It has been confirmed thatAvowed’s scaleis set to be smaller and more story-centric, in a surprising turn for many fans anticipating a huge open world similar to those of Bethesda’s past, but staying true to Obsidian’s strengths could actually make for a better game in the end. Broken up into separate zones instead of taking place within a singular sprawling landscape,Avowedhas the potential to feature denser areas with more richly developed NPCs and unique quests. Amidst several recent major successes that have achieved unprecedented levels of scale, an adventure crafted with more purpose could turn out to be a welcome change.
The massive wealth of content seen in recent open world RPGs has become a successful formula, but forgoing that style of design doesn’t mean that a game can’t be great. Characters and story are at the heart of some of the most memorable and influential entries in the genre, andObsidian’s focuson these elements could allowAvowedto feature a depth that truly sets it apart.
Avowedreleases in 2024 for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
