Obsidian Entertainment is preparing to release its highly anticipated RPG title, Avowed, in the near future. Drawing comparisons to The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, this first-person action RPG takes place in the same universe as Pillars of Eternity. Players will embark on a journey through the world of Eora, wielding powerful spells and weapons, and encountering a diverse range of inhabitants and professions along the way. Although Avowed may have a more modest scope compared to Obsidian's other upcoming RPG, The Outer Worlds 2, it still promises to satisfy the fantasy RPG cravings of many players.
While an exact release date for Avowed has yet to be announced, it is slated for a 2024 launch. The latest trailer shows promising development progress after several years of silence, and it is currently the largest first-party Xbox title confirmed for next year. Considering the release calendar, the success of Avowed could have significant implications not only for Microsoft but also for the high-budget fantasy RPG genre as a whole. Like The Witcher 3, Avowed has the opportunity to launch in a period with minimal competition and capitalize on this advantage.
Many RPGs Are Coming, But They Won't Hit In 2024
Several notable fantasy RPGs are on the horizon, including a new slate of Witcher titles, Dragon Quest 12, Persona 6, the new Fable, Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, and The Elder Scrolls 6. However, only Atlus' Metaphor: ReFantazio and Avowed are currently confirmed for a 2024 release. It is uncertain if any other AAA fantasy RPGs will join them.
Game development times are increasing, making it difficult to estimate release dates for such titles. While players have recently received major first-person science fiction RPGs like Starfield and Cyberpunk 2077's Phantom Liberty expansion, no recent updates have been provided for Avowed. Dragon's Dogma 2 and the rumored next Monster Hunter installment may arrive in 2024, but their confirmation is still pending. As there is a shortage of similar titles like Avowed in the upcoming year of gaming, Obsidian must seize this opportunity.
Avowed Can Dominate Modern Fantasy RPG Discussion
Releasing without much direct competition would give Avowed a significant boost in publicity, highlighting its sales and reputation among players. Despite the influence of Skyrim on Starfield, there hasn't been a major competitor to Skyrim for quite some time, not even The Elder Scrolls Online could surpass its frequently re-released predecessor. Avowed has the potential to genuinely compete with its inspiration, Skyrim, if given the opportunity, and it could even become a serious contender in discussions about the best Elder Scrolls-style game if its strengths shine through.
With a clear path to success already paved, it is now up to Avowed to seize the opportunity it has been presented with. By refining Skyrim's mechanics and providing an engaging world with diverse gameplay options, Avowed can attract a large and dedicated community, solidifying its status as an instant classic. If Avowed can fulfill its full potential, Obsidian Entertainment has the chance to reclaim its reputation as one of the top RPG studios in the West, and fans of the Elder Scrolls series wouldn't have to wait for TES6 to experience a true successor to the phenomenon that was Skyrim.
Avowed is due out in 2024 for PC and Xbox Series X/S.