When you think of Obsidian Entertainment and their knack for crafting immersive RPGs, Avowed is shaping up to be a stellar addition to their impressive lineup. Set in the same universe as The Pillars of Eternity series, this game gives fans a chance to explore its grand world from a whole new perspective. Unlike its isometric predecessors, Avowed lets players dive deeper into its rich history, encounter the ramifications of past games, and delve into intricate story arcs that have defined its legacy. It’s no surprise that anticipation has been building ever since the game’s announcement almost five years ago.
Before Avowed hits the shelves, Game Rant had a chance to chat with members of the development team, gaining insights into their approach to its gameplay, story, characters, and much more. Players will find themselves forging friendships with companions and uncovering diverse regions, all within the captivating realm of the Living Lands. This wild and almost mythical island is central to Avowed’s core theme. Senior Narrative Designer Kate Dollarhyde shared with Game Rant how this untamed land stands as a metaphor for the game’s central theme.
### Weaving Together the Living Lands, Characters, and the Pillars of Eternity Legacy
Players returning to this universe have the option to once again create a godlike character in Avowed, but the connections to the Pillars of Eternity series run deeper than just character creation. The events from earlier titles heavily influence the current state of Eora and shape the player’s journey. As a player, you step into the shoes of the Envoy, tasked with aiding the Aedyran Empire in establishing a presence in the Living Lands. True to its name, the Living Lands constantly adapts and shifts, resisting invaders at every turn. This constant state of flux is a focal point of the RPG. Dollarhyde explains:
> “Change is at the heart of Avowed… The events of Pillars of Eternity: Deadfire are not yet widely known, but the world is just beginning to feel their effects… The great empires of Eora are in decline. Their colonies are revolting, seeking independence, and becoming powerful forces in their own right. While at home, civil conflicts threaten to erupt into war. New technology in the form of animancy—the science of souls—is broadening the horizons of innovation… and cruelty. The gods, who plan on the scale of centuries, are making moves to secure their relevance and perhaps even their existence.”
The Dreamscourge, a unique aspect of the Living Lands, reflects Obsidian’s interest in exploring deeper metaphysical concepts within Avowed, reminiscent of the thematic layers in the Pillars of Eternity games.
The overarching tale involves a soul plague, political schemes, and the unfolding drama driven by player choices and companion dynamics. As players navigate the Living Lands and grow closer to the characters they meet, they are prompted to reflect on the very questions that Avowed brings to the fore, as Dollarhyde highlights:
> “Despite this strife, there exists in the Living Lands a desire to discover, a yearning to connect. Would we be stronger together? Could we grow into something new? How the people of the Livings Lands – and the Envoy – endure change, and the choices they make to survive it, reveals their values. It reveals who they are. Change poses challenges, and no one, least of all the Envoy, comes out of it untouched.”
In keeping with Obsidian’s legacy of creating rich, choice-driven RPGs, decisions made in Avowed carry significant implications, allowing players to grow alongside their Envoy. Taking this concept further, players can personalize their characters with a diverse array of skill trees and a unique arsenal to best tackle challenges both in terms of gameplay and narrative.
Even though Avowed may not boast the scale of other vast RPG epics, similar in size to The Outer Worlds, there’s plenty of depth to get lost in its world and to feel the weight of your choices. As a continuation from two acclaimed RPGs rooted in deep world-building, Avowed promises thought-provoking decisions within an engaging new landscape when it launches on February 18—or February 13 for those eager enough to dive in with early access.
