Obsidian’s upcoming RPG, Avowed, promises to bring lively combat, large, sprawling levels, and companions exploring the same universe as Pillars of Eternity. However, it has been revealed that, despite the presence of companions in the game, romantic relationships will not be an aspect of the gameplay. This decision to exclude romances from the game comes as a surprise, considering Obsidian’s history with similar elements in previous games.
The game was first announced in 2020 but details about it were only recently revealed, drawing comparisons to Dark Messiah of Might & Magic in terms of gameplay style. Obsidian is known for its story-heavy approach to RPGs but has created a diverse array of games, from Neverwinter Nights 2 to Grounded to South Park: The Stick of Truth. Due to this variety, it is difficult to predict the specific style of game that Avowed will be, considering the company’s propensity to trailblaze in different directions.
Although players have come to expect romances as a part of RPGs through games from developers such as BioWare and Larian, Obsidian’s decision not to include romantic relationships in Avowed is attributed to a desire to focus on other aspects of the game, such as ensuring a fulfilling and complete experience with companions regardless of the romance path chosen. Despite this decision, the game, set to release in Fall 2024, is highly anticipated for its unique take on the RPG genre.
