Avowed: Obsidian's Bold Shift Towards Concise Storytelling in RPGs

In the ever-evolving landscape of role-playing games (RPGs), the anticipation surrounding upcoming titles reaches fever-pitch levels. As players await the next great adventure, understanding a game's scope and structure is often paramount. Recently, Obsidian Entertainment has provided fresh insights into their upcoming RPG, Avowed, revealing that it will offer a more concise experience compared to sprawling RPGs like Skyrim. Through a dialogue with Game Informer, Carrie Patel, Game Director of Obsidian, shed light on what gamers can expect from Avowed, both in terms of gameplay length and narrative approach.

Chapter 1: A New Benchmark in RPG Length

Prior to this revelation, it was commonly assumed that Avowed would not reach the vastness of Skyrim. However, the confirmation that the game is set to be shorter than many traditional RPGs has sparked discussion among enthusiasts. Patel articulated that players should anticipate a journey akin to Obsidian's previous title, The Outer Worlds, in terms of overall duration and engagement.

For those familiar with The Outer Worlds, the experience was relatively brief. Players could expect to complete the main storyline within approximately 13 hours, with additional side quests extending gameplay to about 26 hours. Comparatively, many other notable RPGs, such as The Witcher 2 or Dragon Age II, generally require upwards of 24 to 37 hours to fully explore. Given the tighter gameplay scope of Avowed, it invites players to reflect on their exploration style, as the game’s length can fluctuate based on individual approaches to missions and challenges undertaken.

Chapter 2: Influences and Inspirations

Linking to past creations, Patel mentioned influences from The Outer Worlds as well as the narrative techniques found in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II. While the latter boasts a more expansive gameplay experience, requiring over 30 hours for its main narrative, Patel's correlation with Avowed highlights a focused intent on streamlined engagement rather than sheer volume.

The announcement of Avowed aligns with current trends in gaming where depth and narrative complexity are often chosen over the pursuit of vast world sizes. The decision to favor shorter gameplay aims to enhance player experiences without overwhelming or diluting the story's impact.

Chapter 3: The Tonal Landscape

As players immerse themselves in the world of Avowed, they will find its narrative fuse elements of serious themes with moments of light-heartedness. Patel elaborated on the tonal similarities between Avowed and the studio's earlier title, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire. The narrative will delve into grounded and serious political narratives, while also incorporating metaphysical and divine elements that may intrigue players in unexpected ways.

This narrative strategy strikes a balance where character-driven moments shine through, engaging players at various levels. Unlike The Outer Worlds, which offered a more humorous tone, Avowed aims to create a grounded atmosphere. Nevertheless, moments of levity will be woven throughout the plot, fostering character development and relationships among players and their companions.

Chapter 4: Companion Relationships and Development

In a reflective turn, Patel discussed the absence of romance options in Avowed's gameplay. This decision stemmed from thorough deliberations among the narrative team. Creating meaningful relationships that resonate emotionally with players often necessitates dedicated thought and investment from the writing team. Patel explained that a well-rounded narrative must ensure players do not feel coerced into pursuing romantic arcs to deepen their understanding of characters.

Instead of concentrating on romance, Obsidian is directing its efforts toward establishing equally compelling non-romantic relationships with the game's four companions. This approach aims to enrich player engagement through diverse bonds that do not revolve exclusively around romance, allowing for a more inclusive character interaction experience.

Chapter 5: Anticipation and Availability

The excitement surrounding Avowed is palpable, but as of now, the game does not bear a fixed release date. Recent updates from Obsidian hinted at a potential launch on November 12, though this remains fluid. Once available, Avowed will be accessible on both PC and Xbox Series X|S platforms, extending its reach to subscribers through Game Pass from day one—a strategic move expected to enhance its player base significantly.

As we await more revelations about Avowed, the insights shared by Carrie Patel reveal a nuanced approach to the RPG genre, prioritizing narrative depth and character development over traditional expansive gameplay. By forging a path that strikes a balance between brevity and engagement, Obsidian is explicitly responding to contemporary gaming preferences while maintaining its identity in creating thought-provoking RPGs. It remains uncertain if Avowed will captivate its audience as prior games from Obsidian have, yet one aspect is undeniable: the excitement mounts as gamers keenly await the forthcoming installment of their interactive journeys.