Summary
Hype is growing around Obsidian Entertainment’s upcoming projectAvowed, with its recent appearance at the Xbox Developer Direct making the game finally feel within reach for many fans. As a bold fantasy RPG set in the same universe as the popularPillars of EternityIP, the project has already captured the hearts of many fans who cannot wait to get their hands on the release.
For some time,Avowedhas been billed as releasing in 2024, with this launch window being maintained at the recent Xbox Direct. Modern games are no stranger to delays, however, and the growing slate of upcoming releases in 2025 means thatAvowedneeds to make absolutely sure that its 2024 release window is met while the time is right.
Any Delays to Avowed’s 2024 Release Window Could Be Disastrous For the Title
Avowedwas first announced to the gaming industry at the Xbox Games Showcase in 2020, arguably being the most ambitious project that Obsidian has undertaken since joining the Microsoft family in 2018. The project has always stayed firm on a release window of 2024, which initially drew skepticism due to the initial scale of the game intendingto emulate the likes ofThe Elder Scrolls: Skyrim.
Since then, however, Obsidian has been transparent about the reality ofAvowed’s scale, as the title is aiming to be asmaller-scale experience in-line with other Obsidian projects, withFallout: New VegasandThe Outer Worldsbeing great examples of the success this formula can bring. A reduced size forAvowedmakes it all the more likely that the game will hopefully meet its 2024 release window, which is good news considering just how detrimental any delays could be for the title.
Avowed Would Have to Contend With Some Massive Releases in 2025
Avowedis currently slated to release in the third or fourth quarter of 2024, meaning any delays would likely push the title back to a 2025 launch. Of course, the gaming industry is set to be dominated bythe launch ofGrand Theft Auto 6in 2025, which is quickly gearing up to be one of the most anticipated releases of all time. Away from this, other massive titles likeMonster Hunter Wildsare set for 2025 releases, andAvowedwould do well to avoid encroaching on these projects.
A 2025 release also runs the risk ofAvowedlaunching too closely to other fantasy RPG projects, withDragon Age: Dreadwolfpotentially releasing next year. Even the unofficial fan-made projectSkyblivioncould step onAvowed’s toes in 2025, with this andDreadwolfgiving fans a huge dose of fantasy RPG content that may reduce the impact thatAvowedwould otherwise have with a 2024 release.
While some theories point towardDragon Age: Dreadwolfreleasing in 2025, the game has not yet revealed an official release window.
A lot ofAvowed’s hype stems from the lack of fresh RPG experiences that the industry has seen recently, especially fromThe Elder Scrolls, soreleasing too close toSkyblivioncould see the game lose a lot of potential players, at least closer to launch. When considering the additional presence ofGrand Theft Auto 6andMonster Hunter Wildsin 2025,Avowedsticking to its 2024 release window may be one of the most important elements of a successful debut.
Avowed
WHERE TO PLAY
Welcome to the Living Lands, a mysterious island filled with adventure and danger. Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment.You are the envoy of Aedyr, a distant land, sent to investigate rumors of a spreading plague throughout the Living Lands - an island full of mysteries and secrets, danger and adventure, and choices and consequences, and untamed wilderness. You discover a personal connection to the Living Lands and an ancient secret that threatens to destroy everything. Can you save this unknown frontier and your soul from the forces threatening to tear them asunder?
