Obsidian Developers Explore the Freedom of Choice in Avowed Gameplay

Your Worlds, Your Way

When you hear the phrase “Your worlds, your way,” it’s clear that Obsidian isn’t just throwing around a catchy slogan. This mantra is woven into the very fabric of how they approach game design. Freedom is the name of the game, and it shapes everything from quest design to combat mechanics. It’s this commitment to player agency that has made the term “Obsidian RPG” synonymous with immersive storytelling and meaningful choices. With the highly anticipated release of Avowed set for February 18, 2025, I had the chance to chat with the team behind this fantasy role-playing adventure to dive deeper into their philosophy of player agency and how they’re amplifying it in this new title.

Choices That Matter

As I stepped off the boat into the vibrant world of Dawnshore, the sense of exploration was palpable. Berto Ritger, the Region Director, emphasized that every decision you make—or don’t make—can ripple through the game world. “There are choices you can make and consequences of actions you can take or not take,” he explained. It’s not just about your character’s journey; it’s about the fate of entire settlements and the people who inhabit them. This became immediately clear as I wandered the port city of Paradis, where every crumbling house and bustling market was an invitation to interact with the world around me.

One quest that stood out involved a group of xaurips (think reptilian creatures) that were forcing a local settler from her home. I could have taken the direct approach and charged in for a fight, or I could have opted for a sneakier route, scouting the area first. But true to Obsidian’s style, the deeper I dug, the more layers I uncovered. I learned about a surprising spiritual connection between the settler and the xaurips—something I definitely didn’t expect. This is the heart of what makes an Obsidian RPG special: the more you engage, the richer your experience becomes.

A Conversation With Players

Narrative Designer Kate Dollarhyde shared her insights on the design philosophy behind player choices. “My inclination is always to leave as much as possible for the player to discover,” she said. When a game hands everything to you on a silver platter, it strips away the mystery and excitement. The goal is to keep players guessing and engaged. “We provide tools for that but leave room for you to play the way you want,” she added, emphasizing that the relationship between designers and players is a two-way street.

The team breaks down choices into three categories: short-term, medium-term, and long-term. Short-term decisions might lead to an NPC revealing crucial information or changing the quest’s outcome. Medium-term choices can shift the trajectory of a quest, while long-term decisions have the potential to shape the entire game. It’s a complex web of interactions that they carefully craft, and as Dollarhyde noted, “Design is iterative.”

Balancing Guidance and Freedom

Through their iterative design process, Obsidian has learned that not all players will immediately grasp the nuances of their choices. To address this, they’ve gradually introduced hints and suggestions to help players navigate the intricate world. However, they’re careful not to make players feel like they’re being led around by the nose. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between guidance and freedom, a balancing act that requires meticulous playtesting and attention to detail.

Get Ready for Avowed

If you’re as excited about Avowed as I am, mark your calendars for February 18, 2025. The game will be available on XBOX Series X|S, the Xbox app for Windows PC, Battle.net, Steam, and even in the cloud. Plus, it’ll be available on day one with Game Pass. If you pre-order the game on the Xbox Store, Battle.net, or Steam, you can snag the Premium Edition, which offers up to five days of early access, two premium skin packs, and access to the Avowed Digital Artbook & Soundtrack.

So, are you ready to dive into a world where your choices shape the narrative? Because I know I am!