Avowed Revolutionizes RPGs by Modifying a Key Feature

Avowed, the next high-octane RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, has been eagerly awaited by fans after an extended buildup filled with anticipation and delays. As the launch date approaches, excitement is palpable, and glimpses from early previews and gameplay iterations reveal a polished experience that meets high expectations. This latest title is poised to become one of the marquee RPGs of 2025, especially given its debut on Game Pass, which positions it advantageously in the competitive gaming landscape.

Many players are looking for Avowed to fill the gap left by Bethesda, particularly in the absence of any updates regarding The Elder Scrolls 6. However, while Avowed may draw some parallels with the Elder Scrolls series, it introduces a distinct approach that could redefine the RPG genre for players.

A More Compact Experience

Resembling The Outer Worlds More Than Skyrim

Unlike traditional open-world games, Avowed employs a zone-based format. This technique mirrors the success of Obsidian’s previous title, The Outer Worlds. Players will explore expansive zones that prioritize freedom while allowing developers to carefully tailor the pacing of content delivery. According to insights shared by Berto Ritger, the region director, and narrative designer Kate Dollarhyde in a recent interview with Gamespot, this design allows for a guided yet explorative experience.

Ritger and Dollarhyde explained that having sequential zones enables the developers to track players’ progress, creating a personalized journey through the game. As Dollarhyde emphasized:

“You never know where the player is and what they’re doing at any given time. So having these zones that happen in sequence means we always know what content you’ve just come from on the critical path. Maybe not what side quests you’ve done, but we always know you’ve just had this [core] experience.”

This approach necessitates the creation of smaller maps.A larger world akin to Skyrim wouldn’t effectively support Obsidian’s narrative-driven pacing. For many players, Avowed’s design may feel different from the sprawling settings of TES6, but it opens the door to a fresh take on RPG development that further distinguishes itself from other titles.

Intricately Designed Maps

Brimming with Secrets and Quests

A player in Avowed aiming their sword at a creature while holding a book open.

Early gameplay demonstrations promise that Avowed’s smaller maps are rich in detail and packed with content.The game resembles the densely populated regions of titles like Yakuza or the recently showcased Indiana Jones projects, rather than the expansive yet occasionally sparse settings of Skyrim. Each area teems with narrative-driven environmental storytelling and numerous activities for players to engage in.

For instance, in its opening regions, players can explore a bustling town filled with quests—both visible and hidden—treasures to discover, and formidable foes to challenge. A wealth of NPCs to interact with adds depth to each area, while verticality in the environment encourages thorough exploration. Importantly, Avowed compresses these elements skillfully, allowing players to encounter new experiences continuously rather than through sporadic intervals.

As a result of its structured pacing and rich environments, Avowed has strong potential to become one of 2025’s standout RPGs. Should it succeed, this approach could pave the way for a new generation of RPGs, similar to how Breath of the Wild reshaped the perception of open-world gameplay. This innovation positions Avowed as one of the most exciting Xbox exclusives on the horizon.

The Trend of Overly Expansive RPGs

A Daunting Experience for Players

Assassin's Creed Valhalla protagonist Eivor witnessing an aurora over a snow-covered house.

While it’s essential to acknowledge the merits of open-world RPGs, the rising trend of excessively large game worlds can dilute immersive experiences. Fast, massive expansions in RPG size, particularly from developers like Ubisoft, often neglect meaningful content within those spaces.

Todd Howard notably touted that Fallout 76 would surpass its predecessor by four times in size and 16 times in detail. However, the result was a vast world that failed to deliver on promised intricacies, ultimately plagued by numerous bugs and glitches. Similarly, Cyberpunk 2077, which faced much criticism, launched with a gigantic yet flawed environment, especially on older console hardware.

Though expansive worlds can flaunt impressive scale, they often lack the immersive quality found in more compact, detail-rich environments like those in Yakuza’s Kamurocho district. This makes Avowed’s approach particularly appealing. Rather than seeking to emulate the expansive worlds of titles like Elden Ring or Breath of the Wild, the developers opted to prioritize engagement over sheer size.

Ultimately, while Avowed’s world may not rival that of Skyrim, Cyberpunk 2077, or the Assassin’s Creed series in terms of scale, it promises to offer a more meaningful and interactive experience, making it a thrilling development for RPG enthusiasts.

Source: Gamespot, Mr Mayhem/YouTube

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