The upcoming game Avowed from Obsidian Entertainment is continuing a controversial trend in gaming where players can pay extra to gain early access. Specifically, for $90, the premium edition grants players the ability to start playing the game five days before its official release. Although this package includes additional benefits such as two skin packs, a digital artbook, and soundtrack, many critics argue that this practice is merely a cash grab. Players subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate can access the game for free on launch day, but even they will need to pay for the premium edition if they wish to play early. The mounting criticism over such monetization strategies reflects a growing frustration within the gaming community regarding the increasing costs associated with accessing content.
What is the early access pricing for Avowed?The early access pricing for Avowed is set at $90 for the premium edition, which allows players to start playing five days before the official release date.
Avowed is an action RPG set in the fantasy world of Eora, the same universe as Obsidian's acclaimed Pillars of Eternity series. The game is positioned as a spiritual successor to The Elder Scrolls, promising deep storytelling, complex character-building mechanics, and a vast world to explore. Players can look forward to an immersive experience that emphasizes choice and consequence, familiar themes in Obsidian's previous works. With its expansive lore and rich gameplay systems, Avowed is one of the most anticipated titles for the upcoming year.
Casey Loh
Casey Loh is a tech-savvy writer who specializes in the intersection of gaming and technology. With a background in computer science, Casey brings a technical lens to her reviews, breaking down the nuts and bolts of game engines, graphics, and AI innovation.
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Comments
It's a bummer to see the whole early access pricing thing turning into a trend; it feels like a bit of a money grab, especially when loyal fans are already investing in subscriptions. I'm all for supporting developers, but $90 for a five-day head start just feels a bit excessive, especially with Xbox Game Pass users still needing to fork out for the perks.
It’s a bummer to see the early access trend creeping into games like Avowed, especially when it's tied to such a hefty price tag. While everyone loves to support developers, these cash grab tactics might just end up alienating a big chunk of the community that feels priced out.
It’s a bummer to see early access pricing creeping up again—$90 is a steep hurdle for many players, especially with Game Pass on the table. As much as I’m hype for Avowed, it's hard to shake the feeling that the gaming community is being asked to pay more for things that were once standard.