Obsidian Entertainment released the initial trailer for their upcoming RPG, Avowed, in 2020. While little information was shared at the time, it seemed to be a response to The Elder Scrolls series. Over the past three years, Obsidian has gradually disclosed more details about the game. However, it remains unclear if Avowed will feature companion characters.
The latest trailer for Avowed offers gamers a better understanding of what to anticipate. It showcases the Pillars of Eternity universe, reveals the game's setting, introduces the main character, and outlines the primary conflict. Nevertheless, there are still numerous aspects of the game that have yet to be unveiled. If companion characters are included, they will undoubtedly be among Obsidian's finest creations.
Obsidian's History With Companion Characters in RPGs
RPGs have always been the core focus of Obsidian Entertainment, even prior to the studio's formation. Founded by former Black Isle Studios employees, who notably worked on Fallout 2, the studio initially took on projects for sequels to BioWare games such as Neverwinter Nights 2 and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2. Eventually, Obsidian began developing its own original IPs in the mid-2010s. In 2018, Microsoft acquired Obsidian Entertainment, providing the company with increased resources for its projects.
As a result of their extensive RPG experience, Obsidian has earned a reputation for crafting enjoyable and captivating supporting characters. The Outer Worlds, for instance, features a diverse group of companion characters, each with their own unique qualities, making it difficult to identify any as objectively subpar. Similarly, both Pillars of Eternity games offer a wide array of characters with conflicting interests, whose allegiance to the player's character can shift depending on their actions. However, it's worth noting that this style of RPG companion character has become somewhat commonplace since 2009.
The Companion Characters of Bethesda and BioWare Games
In 2009, BioWare launched Dragon Age: Origins, a game that revolutionized the industry by introducing a diverse group of companion characters whose destinies were shaped by the player's choices. The game offered the possibility of both dreadful consequences and prosperous outcomes for these companions. This groundbreaking approach continued to influence subsequent BioWare releases, while Obsidian also adopted similar concepts in games like Fallout: New Vegas and later the Pillars of Eternity series.
Similarly, Bethesda was also exploring innovative companion systems. In Fallout 3, players encountered companion characters who accompanied them in the Capital Wastelands, but never posed a threat of betrayal. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim also introduced companion characters, primarily serving as NPC bodyguards.
Companion characters in Fallout 4 began reacting to the player's actions, impacting their relationship. In Starfield, companions and romantic interests are expected to respond to the player's choices. To make companion characters in Avowed stand out, the developer may need to do something unique.
It is uncertain how the developer will handle companions in the upcoming game. Including companion characters would be a logical progression from Pillars of Eternity, but their approach remains unknown. The developer has hinted that Avowed will be smaller in scale compared to Skyrim, so it may not aim to be groundbreaking. Only time will reveal the role of supporting characters in Avowed.
Avowed is currently in development for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
