Avowed Developer Explains Why It’s Not Open-World

Avowed is following in the footsteps of The Outer Worlds with its unique approach to story pacing, opting for expansive zones rather than a traditional open-world setting. This design choice by Obsidian aims to improve the flow of the narrative, providing players with a vivid yet structured world to explore.

As the anticipation for Avowed’s release in 2025 mounts, fans of Obsidian Entertainment are eager to see what this renowned studio, known for gems like Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds, will bring to the table. While some might be surprised by the absence of standard RPG elements like romance options, others find it refreshing to see developers prioritize the essence of the game over ticking conventional boxes.

Speaking with Xbox Wire, Avowed’s narrative designer, Kate Dollarhyde, shed light on why the game isn’t going the open-world route. She explained the difficulty in managing pacing within open-world settings, as players can engage with the content in unpredictable orders. By opting for segmented zones, Obsidian can ensure a consistent narrative experience, similar to how they crafted The Outer Worlds.

In explanation, Dollarhyde pointed out that having a semi-open structure allows developers to guarantee that players have undergone certain essential experiences. This approach makes it easier to craft endgame content that resonates with all players, given the shared core experiences.

2025 looks set to be a landmark year for Obsidian. With Avowed kicking things off and The Outer Worlds 2 slated for a release later that year, the studio is gearing up for a powerhouse year. While release dates can shift, if everything goes to plan, Obsidian is poised to leave a significant imprint on the gaming landscape.

Avowed promises an intriguing dive into Eora with its rich environments of the Living Lands, filled with mystery and adventure. Players step into the shoes of an Aedyr envoy investigating a mysterious plague, uncovering deep secrets that could alter the future of this captivating world. As the game rolls out in February 2025, players can expect a visually stunning experience powered by Unreal Engine 5, meticulously crafted to Captivate both new and seasoned RPG fans.

Overall, what Obsidian has in store for Avowed reflects its dedication to delivering a fresh and tailored RPG experience, challenging the norms and offering gamers something uniquely thrilling to look forward to.