Avowed: A Deep Dive into Meaningful Roleplay and Multiple Endings
Avowed, Obsidian Entertainment's highly anticipated fantasy RPG launching in 2025, promises a richly complex gameplay experience with far-reaching consequences. Game director Carrie Patel recently offered insights into the game's intricate systems, highlighting the impact of player choices on the overall narrative.
A World of Political Intrigue and Consequential Choices
In a discussion with Game Developer, Patel emphasized the game's focus on player agency. Every decision, no matter how seemingly insignificant, contributes to a cohesive and personalized experience. "It's about giving the player moment-to-moment opportunities to express and explore their inclinations," she explained. The game encourages players to reflect on their engagement, prompting them to consider what excites them, piques their curiosity, and ultimately shapes their journey.
The Living Lands, the game's central region, serves as a battleground for political power. The choices players make while navigating this intricate world, uncovering secrets, and vying for influence directly impact the outcome. Patel highlighted the interwoven narratives, stating, "I've enjoyed finding the stories that thread both of those worlds together."
Players assume the role of an Aedyran Empire envoy tasked with investigating a mysterious spiritual plague while simultaneously pursuing their political ambitions. This blend of investigation and political maneuvering forms the core of Avowed's "meaningful roleplay." Patel further elaborated: "It's about who you want to be in this world, and how these situations prepare you to express that."
Strategic Combat and a Multitude of Endings
Beyond its rich narrative, Avowed boasts strategic combat blending magic, swords, and firearms. The customizable abilities and weapon loadouts ensure a unique experience with each playthrough. Patel confirmed to IGN that the game features a substantial number of endings, with numerous combinations stemming from player choices throughout the game. "I can tell you our ending slides number in the double digits, and you can end up with a lot of different combinations of them," she revealed, emphasizing the cumulative effect of player decisions on the final outcome. This is a true Obsidian game, where the ending is a direct reflection of your actions and choices.
