When Avowed was first unveiled in the Xbox Games Showcase back in 2020, it sparked a wave of comparisons to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The trailer showcased a dark fantasy world, complete with a muted color scheme, first-person action, and magical combat, all of which bore a strong resemblance to Bethesda’s iconic RPG. People began speculating that Avowed might follow in Skyrim’s footsteps in terms of gameplay and scale, especially since it was being developed by Obsidian Entertainment—a studio with a track record for crafting games in the style of Bethesda, like Fallout: New Vegas.
At the outset, Obsidian did envision Avowed as a kind of spiritual successor to Skyrim. However, as development progressed, the game took on a unique identity. While still boasting all the hallmarks of a high-budget RPG, its scope is more measured compared to expansive titles like Skyrim or Fallout: New Vegas. Contrary to what some fans initially thought, Avowed isn’t set in a sprawling open-world with countless companions to woo or a massive array of side quests. Instead, it adopts a hub-based structure similar to Obsidian’s previous project, The Outer Worlds. Despite its seemingly smaller scale, don’t underestimate the volume of optional content Avowed offers. A developer from Obsidian noted there’s plenty to discover, much like in games such as Baldur’s Gate 3.
Both Avowed and Baldur’s Gate 3 manage to weave substantial amounts of missable content into their narratives. Bergo Ritger, a senior area designer at Obsidian, recently shared with GamesRadar+ that one of their goals in Avowed was to incorporate content that players might miss, thereby personalizing each playthrough. This design choice encourages players to explore different paths and areas, leading to intriguing conversations about what various adventurers might have missed. Ritger emphasized how essential missable content is, saying it’s what gives RPGs their distinctive spark.
Avowed’s approach echoes the structure seen in Baldur’s Gate 3, the incredibly popular Dungeons & Dragons-based RPG launched in 2023. For those less familiar, BG3 is chock-full of optional paths and hidden details, and most players won’t see everything on a single run. Although its main story rounds out at about 70 hours, diving into every corner of its richly layered world can easily double that playtime. BG3’s narrative is heavily influenced by player choices, inviting multiple playthroughs to uncover all its secrets.
This type of game structure has its perks and drawbacks. If Avowed mirrors Baldur’s Gate 3 in this respect, it promises a wealth of replayability through missable content. Many players see this as a boon; having quests and outcomes that depend on your decisions makes those choices feel significant. If every player could access all content on their first go, replaying the game would lose much of its appeal.
Nevertheless, some gamers might prefer fewer branching paths. Not everyone can dedicate hundreds of hours to a single RPG, especially given the plethora of high-quality games available today. For such players, a game where you can experience most of what it offers in one go may be more appealing. While Obsidian’s approach in Avowed might not suit everyone, fans of choice-heavy RPGs will likely find a lot to love.
Avowed drops players into the Living Lands, a realm brimming with danger and intrigue, within the expansive world of Eora first visited in Pillars of Eternity. This first-person fantasy RPG invites players to step into the shoes of an envoy from Aedyr, on a mission to investigate a mysterious plague threatening these untamed lands. As you unravel the mysteries of this new frontier, a personal connection and a sinister secret come to light. The fate of the Living Lands—and possibly your own soul—hangs in the balance. Are you ready to take on the challenge?
