The upcoming RPG Avowed from Obsidian Entertainment is generating buzz not only for its gameplay but also for its decision to exclude romance options. Game director Carrie Patel explained that the absence of romance allows the dev team to focus on deeper companion relationships, creating a more meaningful experience whether players engage romantically or not. Patel stressed that every companion will play a crucial role in the story, enriching the player’s journey through the Living Lands. Originally scheduled for release this year, Avowed has been postponed to February 18, 2025, and will be available on Xbox Series X/S and PC.
Why doesn’t Avowed include romance options?Avowed does not include romance options to allow more time and resources to shape more profound and meaningful companion relationships. The dev team believes that a true friendship narrative can create just as engaging an experience without the complexities of romance.
Avowed is set in the world of Eora, the same universe as Pillars of Eternity, a well-established RPG series. This game promises to combine rich storytelling and character development while allowing players to explore the intricacies of companionship and narrative depth without the distraction of romance, setting it apart from other genre titles.
Casey Loh
Casey Loh is a tech-savvy writer who specializes in the intersection of gaming and technology. With a background in computer science, Casey brings a technical lens to her reviews, breaking down the nuts and bolts of game engines, graphics, and AI innovation.
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Comments
It's interesting to see Obsidian prioritizing deep companion dynamics over romance in Avowed; this could lead to a richer narrative experience that resonates with players on different levels. Sometimes, stripping away the fluff allows for more meaningful connections, and I’m curious to see how that plays out in the Living Lands
I love that Avowed is taking a different approach by focusing on deeper friendships rather than romantic options; it really opens up new avenues for character development. It's refreshing to see a game prioritize meaningful connections in a way that can resonate just as powerfully with players
It's intriguing to see Obsidian focus on deepening companion relationships instead of going the traditional romance route; it really reflects their commitment to narrative depth. This could set a new standard for RPG storytelling, emphasizing authentic friendships that resonate just as powerfully as romance does.