Avowed Dev Says Missable Content Is Core to What Makes RPGs Special
As the release date for Avowed approaches, Obsidian Entertainment is revealing more insights into the game and its design philosophy. In a recent interview with GamesRadar, Berto Ritger, Obsidian's Region Director and Senior Area Designer, emphasized that missable content is a fundamental aspect that enhances the RPG experience. This design principle will be a key feature in Avowed.
Ritger stated, "I think the core of RPGs that makes them special is missable content, to be honest. It makes the experience feel so much more personal to how you play the game." He illustrated this by sharing how players can have unique experiences, such as discovering hidden secrets in different locations, which fosters engaging conversations about the game.
Key points from the interview include:
Engagement with the Environment: The design encourages players to explore and interact with the world, such as climbing a prominent lighthouse or discovering secrets beneath the docks.
Personalized Experiences: The presence of missable content allows for varied player experiences, leading to interesting discussions among friends about their unique discoveries.
Hands-On Preview Insights: Although the initial preview of the game’s first area, Dawnshore, didn’t reveal much missable content, Ritger hinted that such elements may be more prevalent in later areas.
Overall, the hands-on experience left players feeling optimistic about the final version of Avowed. While it may not reach the monumental success of titles like Skyrim or Baldur's Gate 3, it promises to be an engaging RPG that builds on Obsidian's previous work. The extensive worldbuilding from the Pillars of Eternity series is expected to enrich the experience for both returning fans and newcomers alike.
Release Date: February 18, 2025 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X.
