When it comes to the realm of RPGs, Obsidian Entertainment has certainly made a name for itself, and “Avowed” promises to be another compelling chapter in that legacy. Set in the same universe as the acclaimed Pillars of Eternity games, this title is gearing up to provide players with an immersive experience, bringing a once top-down perspective world into a richly detailed, more intimate view. It allows fans to revisit the consequences of past narratives while diving deeper into its intriguing storylines. Ever since its announcement nearly five years ago, “Avowed” has been eagerly awaited by fans anticipating another narrative masterpiece from Obsidian.
Before the game hits shelves, Game Rant sat down with some of the creative minds behind “Avowed” to understand their vision for gameplay, story, and character development. The game’s adventure unfolds in the Living Lands, a wild and untamed area that’s central to the plot. Senior Narrative Designer, Kate Dollarhyde, revealed to Game Rant that this island setting is pivotal, embodying the core themes of the game.
### Weaving the Living Lands, Characters, and the Pillars of Eternity Legacy into Avowed’s Story
In “Avowed,” players have the opportunity to craft a godlike persona reminiscent of the Pillars of Eternity’s character creation, but the connections to its predecessors go beyond just mechanics. The lingering echoes of former events prominently shape the world of Eora and the player’s journey within it. Players assume the role of the Envoy, tasked with aiding the Aedyran Empire in establishing a presence in the Living Lands. True to its name, the Living Lands is dynamic and ever-evolving, creating resistance against any who attempt to conquer it. The game’s heart beats with the pulsating theme of “change,” as Dollarhyde explains:
“Change is at the heart of Avowed… Although the events of Pillars of Eternity: Deadfire aren’t common knowledge yet, their influence is beginning to ripple through the world… The great empires of Eora are in decline. Their colonies are revolting, seeking their independence, and carving their own paths. Back home, civil unrest threatens to spiral into war. The advent of animancy—the science of souls—is broadening both horizons and moral boundaries. Meanwhile, the gods, whose plans stretch over centuries, are plotting to ensure their continued relevance, or perhaps their very existence.”
Exploring metaphysical elements was a deliberate choice, as explained by Dollarhyde, drawing inspiration from the complex narrative threads that Pillars of Eternity games are known for.
The narrative lens focuses on themes of soul affliction and political motives, layered with the consequences of player choices and their allies’ tribulations. As players traverse through the Living Lands, forming bonds and facing challenges, they might encounter the existential questions at the heart of Avowed, as Dollarhyde suggests:
“Despite this strife, there exists in the Living Lands a desire to discover, a yearning to connect. Would we be stronger together? Could we grow into something new? How the people of the Living Lands—and the Envoy—endure change, and the choices they make to survive it, reveals their values. It reveals who they are. Change poses challenges, and no one, least of all the Envoy, comes out of it untouched.”
Given Obsidian’s expertise in crafting decision-heavy RPGs, the consequences of player choices in Avowed will significantly influence its world. Players will grow alongside their Envoy, carefully considering each decision’s implications. Sticking with the theme of choice-driven gameplay, Obsidian has designed Avowed so that players can customize their character extensively, using a mix of skill trees and unique weaponry to overcome both narrative and gameplay challenges.
While Avowed might not match the vastness of recent blockbuster RPGs, its scope is likened to The Outer Worlds, providing ample opportunity for players to delve into the story and feel the weight of their actions. As a successor to two cherished RPGs known for their rich lore, Avowed looks to offer players a captivating narrative filled with thought-provoking choices when it drops on February 18, with early access starting on February 13.
