Avowed's intricate gameplay and multiple endings are highlighted by its game director in a recent preview ahead of its 2025 release.
Avowed: A Deep Dive into Complex Gameplay and Multiple Endings
Navigating Political Intrigue in The Living Lands
Obsidian Entertainment's Avowed promises players a rich, multifaceted experience where every decision shapes their journey. Game director Carrie Patel emphasizes the game's focus on player agency, stating that "moment-to-moment opportunities to express and explore where they're leaning" are central to the design. The game encourages players to reflect on their engagement, prompting them to consider questions like: "When am I excited? When am I curious? When is my attention starting to wane?"
Patel explains that choices and outcomes are deeply intertwined with exploration of Eora's intricate world, particularly within The Living Lands, where political power is fiercely contested. The narrative threads connecting these elements are a key focus for the development team.
Players assume the role of an Aedyran Empire envoy tasked with investigating a spiritual plague while simultaneously pursuing their own political ambitions. Patel underscores the importance of player agency in shaping their character and their impact on the world. "Giving players things to dig into—that's what makes it meaningful roleplay," she states. "It's about who you want to be in this world, and how these situations prepare you to express that."
Beyond the robust RPG mechanics, Avowed features strategic combat blending magic, swords, and firearms, offering diverse gameplay experiences with varied abilities and weapon combinations.
IGN confirmed with Patel that the game boasts a multitude of endings, with numerous combinations possible. She reveals that the ending slides are in the double digits, and the final outcome is a direct result of the player's cumulative choices throughout the game. "This is an Obsidian game," she emphasizes, "so your ending really is the sum total of your choices across the game."