Avowed Director Explains Absence of Romance Options: ‘It’s a Ton of Work’
Unlike other fantasy RPGs like Baldur’s Gate 3 or Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Obsidian Entertainment’s upcoming title Avowed won’t feature romance options. During an interview with GamesRadar at the recent EGX convention, Avowed Game Director Carrie Patel explained the decision, emphasizing the significant effort required to implement meaningful romance mechanics.
Patel acknowledged that romance can be rewarding for players, but creating complex relationships that feel authentic—whether romantic or platonic—requires a major investment of resources. She explained, “You want to make sure you do it right... you want to ensure that a player who opts not to romance still gets a thorough and meaningful experience on a friendship or ally path.”
Patel noted that the four companions in Avowed play crucial roles in the narrative, each offering unique perspectives, personalities, and story contributions. One companion, for example, is already engaged, adding a different dynamic to her interactions with the protagonist. Patel mentioned that this storyline allows players to explore how she balances her duty with her commitment to her partner, a narrative rarely seen in RPGs.
While many RPGs are known for their romance options, Obsidian has historically leaned away from including them. Games like Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds had limited romance or no romance paths at all, though Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire was an exception, offering a few romance choices in its isometric cRPG format.
For players more interested in exploration, lore, and relationships built on camaraderie rather than romance, Avowed promises a rich experience. Patel emphasized that the team prioritized storytelling and the companion dynamics that contribute to the Living Lands’ immersive world.
Avowed is set to launch on February 18, 2025, for PC and Xbox Series S|X. Stay tuned to Duck-IT Tech News for more insights as the release date approaches.
News Sources : GameRadar
