Avowed Developer Explains Decision Against Open-World Format

Kate Dollarhyde, the narrative designer at Obsidian Entertainment, recently shed some light on why Avowed isn’t adopting a traditional open-world structure. Instead, the game will echo the design approach of The Outer Worlds, where the action unfolds in expansive zones that players can navigate through as they progress in the storyline.

The 2025 gaming scene is abuzz with anticipation for Avowed. Obsidian Entertainment has a storied legacy of crafting remarkable RPGs, with highlights like Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds. Naturally, a new release from this studio is a cause for excitement. However, as more information about Avowed becomes available, some of its design decisions are stirring up discussions. One notable choice is the lack of romance options, which is somewhat unexpected in modern RPGs. Yet, there’s also something refreshing about a developer prioritizing the game’s needs over conforming to what’s typically expected from the genre.

In an interview with Xbox Wire, Dollarhyde discussed why Avowed won’t feature a sprawling open world. She explained, “Pacing is really tough in open-world games. You never know where the player is and what they’re doing at any given time. So having these zones that happen in sequence means we always know what content you’ve just come from on the critical path. Maybe not what side quests you’ve done, but we always know you’ve just had this [core] experience.” Essentially, it’s structured more like a semi-open-world RPG, reminiscent of The Outer Worlds’ format.

Dollarhyde’s reasoning becomes quite clear once you understand the intention behind it. Assuming these zones function like they did in The Outer Worlds, players will likely have the opportunity to revisit areas later to wrap up any unfinished side quests. The approach also simplifies the creation of late-game content by building on experiences that are consistent for all players. Avowed is positioned as one of the standout titles in the 2025 gaming lineup, showcasing the aptitude and foresight of its experienced developers.

The upcoming year promises to be monumental for Obsidian Entertainment. Avowed’s release is certainly thrilling, but it’s just a part of the studio’s grand plans. At The Game Awards 2024, it was announced that The Outer Worlds 2 is slated for a late 2025 release. Of course, timelines may shift, and unforeseen delays could push the date to 2026. Yet, if everything goes smoothly, Obsidian’s offerings in 2025 will be remarkable.

Venturing into the world of Eora once more, Avowed invites players to the enigmatic Living Lands, bursting with danger and discovery. Set as a first-person fantasy action RPG, it stems from the creative minds behind the acclaimed Pillars of Eternity series. As the envoy from the nation of Aedyr, you’re tasked with unraveling the mystery of a spreading plague across this island. Throughout your journey, you’ll uncover personal connections and ancient secrets that threaten widespread destruction. The question is, can you protect both this untamed frontier and yourself from impending devastation?