In the latest news about Obsidian's RPG "Avowed," game director Carrie Patel discussed the absence of romance options in the game. While romance has become a staple in many modern RPGs, Patel emphasized that creating meaningful romantic interactions is complex and requires characters to maintain their individuality. The team aimed to foster relationships organically rather than through a system of metrics that quantifies affection. Avowed does offer a companion relationship that players can discover through regular interaction, aligning with the game's focus on natural, unexpected connections rather than structured romance mechanics.
Why did Obsidian decide to exclude romance options in Avowed?Obsidian chose to exclude romance options in "Avowed" to ensure that character integrity and individuality are preserved. Game director Carrie Patel explained that meaningful romance requires compelling paths that do not reduce characters to mere tools for player relationships, highlighting a desire for organic interactions over structured gameplay mechanics.
"Avowed" is a first-person RPG set in the Pillars of Eternity universe that enhances the immersive storytelling and character-driven gameplay for which Obsidian is known. Released in February 2025, the game has received positive feedback for its adventurous spirit and unique approach to characteristics beyond romantic connections, allowing players to build relationships in more varied and dynamic ways.
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Comments
I dig Obsidian's decision to skip the romance mechanics in *Avowed*—it’s a bold move in an era where romance options often feel like a checklist rather than a meaningful feature. Focusing on organic relationships and character integrity could make the connections in the game feel more authentic and less like a minigame.
It's refreshing to see a game prioritize character depth and organic relationships over ticking the romance option box. Obsidian's approach in *Avowed* feels like a return to letting storytelling breathe, rather than forcing mechanics that might dilute the narrative.