Obsidian Talks Avowed: From Skyrim's Grit to Fantasy Joy

The recent discussions around Obsidian's Avowed reveal an intriguing journey of game development that emphasizes focused storytelling and design clarity. Initially viewed with skepticism due to its old-fashioned promotional trailers, Avowed has rapidly gained positive acclaim. Rather than attempting to create a sprawling open-world RPG like its contemporaries, Obsidian has chosen a more contained and ambitious approach, targeting a rich narrative experience without overwhelming players. Under the direction of Carrie Patel, the game has shifted its tone and scope, focusing on immersive gameplay devoid of some common RPG mechanics like extensive romance options but ensuring that player choices resonate throughout the game. This simplification seems to be a deliberate strategy to deliver a cohesive experience, especially in the wake of their previously ambitious but unfocused developmental phases.

Avowed focuses on creating a dense, narrative-driven experience rather than a vast, open-world playground. It emphasizes player decisions and impactful storytelling while foregoing some common RPG mechanics like extensive romance systems. The game is built around exploring beautiful environments and making choices that deeply affect the narrative, encouraging players to engage with the game on a more personal level.

Avowed is set in the same universe as Obsidian’s acclaimed Pillars of Eternity series but takes a different approach with its narrative and gameplay mechanics. The game's development cycle included a significant reboot in 2021, moving away from a multiplayer and larger open-world structure to a more manageable design. The colorful aesthetic and focused storytelling speak to a major shift in how Obsidian wants to navigate the RPG landscape, indicating a strong desire for innovation in the genre. This reinvented formula has struck a chord with players seeking fresh fantasy experiences, especially given the current appetite for new IPs within the gaming community.