Avowed Can’t Replace The Anticipation for Elder Scrolls 6 by Bethesda

The anticipation for Obsidian’s Avowed has quietly intensified since its announcement in 2020. Positioned as the next major fantasy RPG, the game unfolds in the well-established universe of the Pillars of Eternity series. As Obsidian transitions from a classic Infinity Engine-style CRPG to a sprawling first-person RPG, challenges are expected, but positive developments hint at a promising release set for February. However, persistent delays have tempered excitement, leading to uncertainties around the game’s launch.

A significant driver of Avowed’s popularity is the inevitable comparisons to The Elder Scrolls franchise. Both titles share a first-person perspective and captivating fantasy settings. Obsidian has prior experience working on a Bethesda production, notably Fallout: New Vegas, further fueling these parallels. As fans await The Elder Scrolls VI—announced in 2018 and still pending—expectations for Avowed to serve as a substitute have grown. Nevertheless, Obsidian seems committed to distancing Avowed from direct associations with Skyrim, despite the struggle against these heightened expectations.

Avowed: A Different Scale from Skyrim

Focusing on a More Experience-Centric Design

An impressive crystal display in Avowed.

In a recent discussion with PCGamesN, Carrie Patel, the game’s director, acknowledged that due to its genre, comparisons with Skyrim are inevitable. However, she envisions Avowed as a fantasy iteration of The Outer Worlds, implying a more focused and curated experience rather than the expansive world associated with Bethesda’s titles. With its level design and storytelling, Patel emphasizes the importance of pacing and constraints, further indicating that the richness of the narrative will be at the forefront of Avowed.

While Elder Scrolls titles often boast expansive maps—Daggerfall being the most prominent example at around 161, 600 square kilometers—Avowed is anticipated to take a different approach. The game will likely favor a denser, more designed landscape over the vast but sometimes repetitive openness characteristic of Bethesda’s creations, enabling deeper storytelling and moral complexities.

Avowed: A Unique Fantasy Experience

Crafting a Distinct RPG Identity

Avowed's key art featuring a colorful skeleton wielding a sword.

Throughout the interview, Patel reiterated the influence of The Outer Worlds on Avowed’s design. Although the external aesthetics and thematic tone may diverge from The Outer Worlds, players familiar with Obsidian’s unique storytelling will likely find familiar terrain. Instead of mimicking Bethesda’s structure, Obsidian aims to establish its own RPG framework, further distancing Avowed from being branded as mere Elder Scrolls clone.

The development on Unreal Engine 5 signals further differentiation, lacking the extensive modding capabilities found in Bethesda’s Creation Engine. This mirrors Bethesda’s gradual evolution of its core game structure across multiple franchises. As Obsidian simultaneously works on a sequel to The Outer Worlds, it appears the studio is both confident in its established formula and eager to innovate within Avowed while leveraging its heightened resources from Microsoft.

Despite the studio’s clear vision, Patel highlighted that there is still a significant desire for expansive, open-world RPGs. Although Avowed may cater to a different audience, its structured narrative approach might attract gamers looking for rich storytelling experiences akin to those in the expanding RPG landscape. With recent titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 embracing distinct acts, the prevalence of curated storylines might be ushering a new era of RPG design.

The Dual Edge of Avowed’s Smaller Scale

Not a Replacement for Elder Scrolls

Comparison image showing skeleton imagery from Avowed against gameplay from Pillars of Eternity. — Custom Image by: Tom Wilson

While smaller-scale games can offer numerous advantages over their massive counterparts, Avowed is expected to provide an extensive gameplay experience. One notable benefit is its manageable file size—estimated at 75GB—making it appealing in an industry where titles often exceed 100GB. Compared to titles like Starfield and Baldur’s Gate 3, Avowed’s compact nature could be welcomed by players, particularly in areas with limited bandwidth.

The denser map design may allow Obsidian to maximize narrative quality, avoiding stark, empty expanses often found in larger RPGs. This focus could enhance storytelling and decision-making, elements at which Obsidian excels. However, a potential drawback lies in long-term replay value. If Avowed fails to naturally appeal to Elder Scrolls enthusiasts, it may struggle to secure the enduring longevity seen in titles like Skyrim, which has thrived largely due to its openness and robust modding community.

Ultimately, while Avowed may provide some relief to players seeking a first-person fantasy RPG, it is unlikely to serve as a direct substitute for the eagerly anticipated Elder Scrolls sequel that fans have been longing for since the 2018 announcement. As the gaming community looks for the next expansive RPG experience, it seems clear that while Avowed brings hope, it stands as its own unique entity rather than a mere answer to The Elder Scrolls legacy.

Source: PCGamesN

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