Avowed, slated for a 2025 release, promises a deeply immersive RPG experience, according to its game director. This sneak peek reveals a complex narrative with significant player agency.
Avowed: A Deep Dive into Complex Gameplay and Multiple Endings
Navigating Political Intrigue in The Living Lands
Obsidian Entertainment's Avowed offers players continuous opportunities to shape their character's path and ideology. Game director Carrie Patel emphasizes that every decision, no matter how seemingly insignificant, contributes to the overall narrative arc.
"It's about providing players with constant opportunities to express themselves and explore their character's alignment," Patel explains. She highlights the game's focus on mindful gameplay, encouraging players to consider their motivations and reactions: "When are you engaged? When are you curious? When does your interest wane? What keeps you invested?"
Patel further explains that the consequences of choices in Avowed are intricately linked to exploration within Eora's Living Lands, a region rife with political power struggles. "I've enjoyed weaving together the narratives that connect these two worlds," she adds.
Players assume the role of an Aedyran Empire envoy, tasked with investigating a spiritual plague while simultaneously pursuing their own political ambitions. "Giving players rich content to explore—that's what makes for meaningful roleplay," Patel notes. "It's about defining who you want to be in this world and how the game's situations allow you to express that identity."
Beyond the intricate RPG mechanics, Avowed features strategic combat blending magic, swords, and firearms. "The abilities and weapon combinations you select drastically alter each playthrough," Patel confirms.
In a conversation with IGN, Patel revealed a multitude of endings, each a unique culmination of player choices. "We have a double-digit number of ending slides, with numerous combinations possible," she explains. "True to Obsidian's style, your ending is a direct reflection of your choices throughout the game, shaped by the content you encountered and your actions within it."