Avowed Early Access Raises Worries About Xbox Game Pass Future

Avowed, developed by Obsidian Entertainment, is gearing up for a highly anticipated launch on Xbox Game Pass, available right from its release date. This action RPG, reminiscent of The Elder Scrolls and set in the same universe as the Pillars of Eternity series, is a key offering for both Xbox Series X/S and PC gamers. However, the presence of a dual-edition system—Standard and Premium—alongside an optional premium upgrade raises some eyebrows regarding gaming industry practices.

The pricing structure is as follows: the Standard Edition is priced at $70 USD, while the Premium Edition comes at a steeper $90 USD. For Game Pass subscribers, there is an option to purchase a Premium Edition upgrade for $25 USD, which promises additional bonus content similar to that offered in the Premium Edition. Yet, the question remains—does this extra content justify its cost?

Assessment of Avowed’s Premium Edition Value

Limited Incentives Beyond Early Access

The Avowed Premium Edition upgrade, as outlined in its official listing on Xbox.com, includes cosmetic skins for in-game companions, a digital artbook, and a soundtrack—alongside five days of early access prior to the game’s official launch on February 18. While these features have appeal, one critical aspect is significantly lackluster: there is no additional gameplay content included in the Premium Edition.

The offered skins are merely aesthetic, having no bearing on actual gameplay mechanics. While the digital artbook and soundtrack may enhance the overall experience, they do not integrate into the game itself. Indeed, the standout feature of the Premium Edition appears to be the early access period, letting eager players immerse themselves in Avowed beginning February 13. However, relying solely on this early access to justify a higher price point feels inadequate, particularly when compared with offerings from major titles in recent years.

Notable Comparisons with Other 2024 Game Pass Releases

Last Year’s Premium Content Delivered Greater Value

The past year has seen a slew of prominent titles added to Xbox Game Pass, many showcasing premium upgrades that included comprehensive bonuses. In contrast to Avowed’s offering, several other deluxe editions not only featured cosmetic enhancements but also promised future DLC expansions alongside early access. When juxtaposed with these other titles, Avowed’s primary incentives seem rather limited.

Premium Bonus	Starfield	Indiana Jones and the Great Circle	S. T.A. L.K. E.R.2	Avowed
Early Access	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Skin(s)	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Artbook/Soundtrack	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Campaign DLC	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Other Content	Yes	No	Yes	No

While several titles released in 2024 did include early access as a bonus, it was generally paired with significant additions like campaign DLC or in-game resources—substantial components that enhance player engagement. In contrast, Avowed’s cosmetics and soundtrack seem more like afterthoughts rather than essential additions to justify the premium upgrade’s cost.

The Fallout of Community Division as a Marketing Strategy

An Unfair Burden on Players

Launching a game is often about sharing an engaging community experience—players discovering new aspects together as the game releases. However, the inclusion of early access as a premium bonus creates factions within the gaming community, rewarding those with additional funds while sidelining others who wish to experience the game at the same time.

By positioning early access as the centerpiece of the Premium Edition offering, Avowed risks making players feel compelled to spend extra money simply to synchronize their experiences with the wider community. Given the financial investment typically required for gaming, it seems unreasonable to charge subscribers an additional $25 for the privilege of early gameplay.

As one of the first major titles to launch on Game Pass in 2025, Avowed is positioned to influence how future releases handle premium content offerings. If this trend persists, gamers may find themselves squeezed financially, expected to meet elevated costs without corresponding value. While Avowed is undoubtedly one of the year’s most anticipated games, it also raises concerns that could have far-reaching implications for the gaming landscape.

Source: Xbox

Source & Images