Obsidian Entertainment is doubling down on customization and freedom in their upcoming first-person RPG, Avowed. According to Berto Ritger, the game’s environment region designer, nearly every quest can be started in multiple ways, shaped by player choices and natural exploration within the game world.
A Flexible Approach to Questing
In an interview with GamesRadar, Ritger shared how this innovative approach emphasizes exploration and discovery.
“Almost every mission—if not all—has more than one way to begin. You can do things out of order, collect items before activating the quest, or even kill a related character. We want players to progress organically, exploring the world as they see fit,” Ritger explained.
While Avowed doesn’t feature a massive open world akin to The Witcher 3 or Skyrim, its interconnected areas offer ample opportunities to stumble upon items and quests in unexpected ways. This design philosophy reinforces Obsidian’s goal of delivering a tailored experience filled with hidden content and unique moments for thorough explorers.
Exploration and Freedom at the Core of Avowed’s Gameplay
Ritger further highlighted how non-linear gameplay and creative alternatives are central to Avowed’s RPG experience.
“The essence of RPGs lies in missable content—it makes the experience feel personal and unique,” Ritger noted.
“We want to constantly encourage exploration, fostering a sense of adventure and the joy of getting pleasantly lost.”
– Berto Ritger, Environment Region Designer, Avowed
However, Obsidian advises fans to temper their expectations regarding the size of the game world. Unlike sprawling open-world titles, Avowed seeks to balance guided exploration with player freedom, focusing on meaningful choices and their consequences.
Release Date and Strategy
Set to launch on February 18, 2025, Avowed will be available on Xbox Series X|S and PC, and included in the Game Pass catalog. The studio revealed that the game’s delay was strategic, avoiding the crowded holiday season and ensuring a stronger launch window. According to Obsidian, the game is essentially complete, and the extra time allows for polishing and refinement.
Whether you prefer uncovering secrets, blazing through quests, or taking your time to savor the world, Avowed promises a deeply personal and rewarding RPG experience.
