Summary
Obsidian Entertainment’sAvowedis its upcoming FPS RPG title set to release later this year, and has been in the works since its reveal in 2020. Prior to that, 2019’sThe Outer Worldswas a bit of a surprise for the studio, and in many ways, a pleasant one. Fans felt it was a return to form for the developer, channeling its work on classic beloved titles likeFallout: New Vegasas well as its reputation for making quality first-person RPG experiences, after producing a handful of well-received, but more niche CRPG titles, likeTyrannyand the twoPillars of Eternitygames (whichAvowedis broadly based in) between them.
GivenAvowed’s general setting, and Obsidian’s previous relationship with Bethesda Studios, it was almost inevitable thatcomparisons betweenAvowedandSkyrimwere made. Obsidian has pointed outAvowed’s smaller scale and scope on multiple occasions, as well as other details that separate it from being too alike. After showcasing more ofAvowedat the Xbox Developer Direct presentation earlier in January, though, it does look to have a lot in common withThe Outer Worldsin terms of design and Obsidian’s trademark touch. But even if it is the case thatAvowedis essentially “just a fantasy-flavoredOuter Worldsexperience,” that does not denote a negative connotation, and, in fact, may be exactly the angle that will make it a great game with all the hallmarks of Obsidian’s expertise.
Avowedcurrently has a confirmed Fall 2024 release window, but no firm date yet. It will also be a day oneGame Pass/Microsoft exclusive.
If Avowed is the Fantasy Equivalent to The Outer Worlds, It Will Still be Solid
The Outer Worlds' Success Story
The Outer Worldsshowcased Obsidian returning to its roots within a modern framework and in its signature style and approach. By leaning into dystopian sci-fi trappings, but with a more humorous and satirical bent, as opposed to “standard” fare likeCyberpunk 2077, the healthy dose of comedy balanced with its other darker absurdities and interesting choice-driven narratives madeTOWa hit with both players and critics. It received two DLCs that expanded its lore and world, capping off its positive reception, andThe Outer Worlds 2was officially announced in 2021, which Obsidian has stated will be next in line for development afterAvowedis shipped.The Outer Worldswas considered an overall success, and proved that Obsidian still had the chops to produce a AAA FPS RPG that could deliver a satisfying and engaging experience.
Avowed’s Promise to Be the Fantasy Version of The Outer Worlds is a Good Thing
Obsidian has long been well-known for its meticulous world-building and engrossing narratives, in addition to fun combat and player-driven plot agency. Given that bothAvowedandThe Outer Worldsfeature these in widely popular genres and settings, but with a more scaled-back approach and philosophy as compared to some of the moremassive open-world gamesout there, their similarities are quite apparent.
But again, this could shape up to be one of the biggest advantagesAvowedhas going for it, since based on everything seen so far, it looks like it will feel and play very much likeThe Outer Worlds,at least in terms of broad design elements and other aspects, most of which were embraced by audiences. Withthe reception ofThe Outer Worldsand the anticipation forAvowed, there are a number of good reasons to expect it to be just as compelling, if not more so, even if it might reductively be labeled as “The Outer Worlds, but fantasy.”
