Set to arrive this year,Avowedrepresents a bold shift toward action RPG gameplay over itsPillars of Eternitypredecessors. By bringing the CRPG setting of Eora into a genre with more mass market appeal, Obsidian Entertainment could potentially see this title become the new flagship IP of the studio. When considering how heavily recognizable characters can factor into the long-term success of a series, however, it seems increasingly likely that the cast ofAvowedwill be fighting an uphill battle to match the standard set byBaldur’s Gate 3.
Given their ongoing relevance long after the dust has settled, it’s clear that theparty ofBaldur’s Gate 3has resonated particularly strongly with audiences. The effort and charm of designers, writers, and voice actors factored into that accomplishment, but it’s also important to bear in mind that the Forgotten Realms is a well-worn setting that was merely built upon with their inclusions. While it’s true that thePillarsseries is an existing foundation thatAvowedcan iterate on as well, the challenge of introducing larger audiences to Obsidian’s unique worldbuilding shouldn’t be underestimated.
The Bar Set by Baldur’s Gate 3’s Companions is Challenging for Any New RPG to Surpass
Larian Studios Created Party Members Who Have Transcended the Niche Status of the Genre
It’s not uncommon for RPG companions to become fan-favorites in popular titles, but thepopularity of characters fromBaldur’s Gate 3is especially notable. Considering the degree of depth afforded to each of their arcs paired with the dedication their voice actors have shown, the fact that they’ve become so well-known despite being relegated to a traditionally niche isometric format manages to make sense. They manage to be compelling through bonds platonic or romantic alike, but the level of detail to their interactions also means that a significant portion of development was focused on them alone.
It’s similarly worth noting that Larian allowed its voice actors practically unprecedented creative input when it came to developing their characters, seemingly contributing to the appreciation they’ve continued to show for the opportunity and fan base. While that development environment is highly commendable, it might not be the most practical for the circumstances ofObsidian Entertainment’s upcomingAvowed.
Avowed Will Deal with the Dual Task of Establishing Its Cast and World Simultaneously
It’s true that thetwoPillars of Eternitytitleshave technically already laid the groundwork for Eora to be delved into for years to come, but that can hardly compare to the decades of licensedDungeons and Dragonscontent thatBG3had the privilege of starting with. Marius being a Dwarf Ranger and Giatta being a Human Wizard might be similar enough concepts to grasp, but Yatzli’s status as an Orlan, for instance, is likely to make her the first ever encounter with that race for many players. In a setting where the factions and cultures are not nearly as ubiquitous or established, Obsidian is facing the demanding trial of balancing lore and interaction.
The Party of Avowed Can Still Be Worthwhile with This Split Focus
Although it’s a bit unrealistic to expect thecast of companions inAvowedto be as iconic as those ofBG3, they don’t need to meet that lofty standard to be compelling parts of the title. Not every character in an RPG has to serve as an emotional core to the story, with a staggering number of voice lines forming their complexity, a rule that especially applies to the more linearAvowed. If the upcoming title manages to see its own companions become beloved, said companions will have achieved that status with far less support from existing media.
Avowed
WHERE TO PLAY
Welcome to the Living Lands, a mysterious island filled with adventure and danger. Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment.You are the envoy of Aedyr, a distant land, sent to investigate rumors of a spreading plague throughout the Living Lands - an island full of mysteries and secrets, danger and adventure, and choices and consequences, and untamed wilderness. You discover a personal connection to the Living Lands and an ancient secret that threatens to destroy everything. Can you save this unknown frontier and your soul from the forces threatening to tear them asunder?
