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Introduction
In 2025, the gaming world is preparing for a wave of role-playing titles, and among the most anticipated is Avowed, the next big RPG from Obsidian Entertainment. Set in the world of Eora, the same universe as Pillars of Eternity, Avowed is pitched as a first-person fantasy RPG that promises deep choice-based storytelling, magical combat, and a world teeming with lore.
However, Avowed also sits at a crossroads. The RPG genre has undergone dramatic shifts over the last decade, balancing between narrative complexity and action-oriented gameplay. As Obsidian moves from the isometric roots of Pillars into the more mainstream first-person format, a central question emerges: can Avowed maintain its role-playing soul, or will it be swallowed by action-first game design?
This article explores the growing identity crisis in Avowed, examining the game’s evolution, design decisions, and how it fits—or doesn't—within the modern RPG landscape.
1. Origins in Pillars of Eternity
Avowed is not born from a vacuum. It stems from Pillars of Eternity, a spiritual successor to Baldur’s Gate and other CRPGs of the ‘90s and early 2000s. That game was deeply rooted in dialogue-driven storytelling, complex mechanics, and isometric party-based combat.
Obsidian’s decision to set Avowed in the same world brings with it immense expectations from long-time fans of the franchise. Eora is known for its philosophical themes, political nuance, and rich lore. To maintain continuity, Avowed needs to preserve not just the surface aesthetics, but also the intricate systems and moral ambiguity that define the setting.
The shift in perspective, from an overhead camera to a first-person view, immediately alters how players interact with the world. This change introduces more immersion but potentially reduces strategic depth.
2. First-Person Shift and Its Implications
Moving to first-person was a deliberate choice by Obsidian, likely influenced by the commercial success of games like Skyrim and The Outer Worlds. In a gameplay demo, players wield spells and weapons in real-time, dodging and attacking like in an action RPG.
This shift signals a move toward accessibility and mass appeal. However, it also raises questions: can a first-person perspective truly capture the nuanced party dynamics and tactical decision-making that made Pillars of Eternity stand out? Or is Avowed trading its soul for a broader audience?
In doing so, it enters direct competition with Skyrim, The Witcher 3, and even Elden Ring. But what made those games work was a clear identity. The concern with Avowed is not that it's first-person, but that it risks becoming indistinct in a sea of similar-looking titles.
3. Combat Philosophy: Magic and Melee
One of the most exciting reveals from Obsidian is the dual-wielding system, allowing players to mix and match magic with melee. Gameplay footage shows a character casting spells with one hand and parrying with the other.
While this offers variety, it also indicates a tilt toward more action-heavy combat. This raises the question: is combat being simplified to appeal to casual players? If so, what is sacrificed in the process?
Previous Obsidian titles excelled in layered combat systems: spells with area-of-effect mechanics, turn-based positioning, and status effects. If Avowed leans too heavily into real-time, reflex-based systems, it risks alienating its core audience—those who crave thoughtful, tactical depth.
4. Dialogue Systems and Consequences
Dialogue and player choice are core to Obsidian’s identity. From Fallout: New Vegas to The Outer Worlds, the studio is known for complex branching narratives.
In Avowed, the studio claims these features will be preserved. Dialogue choices will impact factions, quests, and character relationships. But the format of first-person, action-heavy gameplay raises concerns about how much room is left for storytelling. Will players have extended conversations with NPCs, or will exposition be relegated to audio logs and short cutscenes?
If Obsidian cannot integrate its signature dialogue systems seamlessly into the gameplay loop, the soul of Avowed could be compromised. The game needs to walk a fine line between fluid pacing and meaningful choice.
5. Exploration and Environmental Storytelling
Eora is a world teeming with culture, history, and religious strife. In a first-person game, exploration becomes a vehicle for storytelling. Developers have hinted at environmental details—books, inscriptions, ruins, and visual cues—playing a large role in understanding the world.
This is promising, but it demands precision. Without the guidance of text-based exposition common in CRPGs, Avowed must rely on world design and player intuition to convey its lore. If done poorly, this could result in a game that feels hollow despite having rich source material.
Exploration should not just be about collecting resources or checking boxes. It should reveal layers of the world, challenge moral beliefs, and immerse players in Eora’s depth.
6. RPG Mechanics and Player Progression
Character building is a hallmark of the RPG genre. In Pillars of Eternity, players managed attributes like Might, Intellect, and Resolve, influencing everything from dialogue to spell power.
Early impressions of Avowed suggest a streamlined system. There’s leveling, skill trees, and possibly perks. But it's unclear how deep these systems run. Will stats influence interactions beyond combat? Can players build wildly different characters with different moral compasses?
If progression is too linear or focused solely on combat effectiveness, the RPG label becomes shallow. For Avowed to succeed, it must provide a role-playing experience, not just a loot-and-slash simulator.
7. Comparisons with Skyrim: Inspiration or Imitation?
Every preview of Avowed mentions Skyrim. That game’s formula—first-person, open-world, fantasy setting—is the template. But Avowed is at risk of being seen as a clone unless it establishes its own identity.
Where Skyrim excelled in freedom and exploration, it was light on meaningful choice. Obsidian, by contrast, is known for consequence-heavy gameplay. If Avowed merely imitates Skyrim, it will disappoint those expecting a deeper experience.
To stand out, Avowed must embrace what makes it unique: faction politics, layered ethics, and the philosophical questions that define the world of Eora.
8. Identity Crisis: Is It an RPG or an Action Game?
This brings us to the central issue: Avowed is showing signs of identity confusion. Is it a CRPG in a new coat? A spiritual successor to Skyrim? Or something entirely different?
The marketing speaks to multiple audiences—hardcore RPG fans, action gamers, even casual players. This can be a strength if executed properly. But more often than not, games that try to be everything to everyone end up being forgettable.
A strong identity is the backbone of any lasting game. If Avowed wants to be remembered, it must choose what it is—and embrace it fully.
9. What Obsidian Needs to Get Right
To navigate this identity crisis, Obsidian needs to focus on three pillars:
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Narrative Integrity: Deep branching stories that reward player choice.
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Meaningful Systems: Mechanics that support role-playing, not just combat.
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Distinct World-Building: Lean into Eora’s complexity, not away from it.
Moreover, Obsidian should not fear alienating certain audiences. Games with a clear identity build stronger, more loyal fanbases than those chasing trends.
10. The Verdict So Far
Avowed has the potential to be one of 2025’s standout RPGs. It carries the legacy of one of the genre’s best studios and a rich, underutilized world in Eora. But the shift toward mainstream design choices has created tension in its identity.
Will it be another Skyrim with better writing? Or will it rise as a new pillar of the RPG genre—bold, complex, and unapologetically deep?
Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: Avowed must decide who it wants to be.
Conclusion
Avowed is a game of immense promise, but also great risk. Its attempt to modernize the CRPG experience could either redefine what the genre can be or dilute the qualities that made it great. The identity crisis it currently faces—caught between legacy and mainstream appeal—is not unique, but how Obsidian navigates it will determine whether Avowed becomes a classic or a footnote.
