Avowed Unveils Central Theme Driving Its Narrative

Avowed, the upcoming RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, is shaping up to be another fascinating addition to the studio’s impressive lineup. Set in the same universe as the Pillars of Eternity series, Avowed offers players an immersive experience in a world previously seen only from an isometric perspective. This game promises to let players delve into the effects of past events and dive deeper into the intertwining stories and themes set by its predecessors. Given Obsidian’s knack for crafting rich, narrative-driven RPGs, it’s no shock that Avowed has been eagerly awaited since it was first unveiled nearly five years ago.

Before Avowed officially hits the shelves, Game Rant had the chance to talk with some key developers involved in bringing this world to life. They shared insights about the design philosophy behind the game, touching on aspects like gameplay mechanics, storytelling approaches, and character development. Players can look forward to forging relationships with various companions and uncovering the mysteries of the Living Lands. As explained by Avowed Senior Narrative Designer Kate Dollarhyde, this untamed landscape plays a crucial role in highlighting the core themes of the game.

The narrative of Avowed intricately ties the Living Lands, its characters, and the Pillars of Eternity series. Players can once again step into the shoes of a godlike character, where connections to the earlier series go far beyond mere game mechanics. Events from past installments significantly shape Eora’s state and the player’s journey. You take on the role of the Envoy, tasked with aiding the Aedyran Empire in establishing a presence in this ever-changing land. True to its name, the Living Lands are in constant motion, evolving and resisting those who seek to conquer it. Dollarhyde describes everything in Avowed as being in “flux,” with change being the game’s central theme. She expands on this idea:

“The heart of Avowed is captured by change… While the repercussions of the Pillars of Eternity: Deadfire aren’t fully realized yet, the world slowly starts to feel these ripples… The dominant empires of Eora are waning, facing rebellion and quests for independence. Meanwhile, internal strife threatens to ignite wars at home. Advancements like animancy—the exploration of souls—have opened both innovative and dangerous frontiers. Even the gods, orchestrating plans spanning centuries, are making strategic moves to ensure their continued relevance and perhaps even survival.”

Additionally, Dollarhyde revealed that the Dreamscourge concept was inspired by a desire to dive into metaphysical themes within Avowed, similar to how the Pillars of Eternity games meshed various story strands that occasionally intersect.

The intricate layering of a soul plague, political drama, and the player’s own evolving story and relationships form the backbone of Avowed’s narrative. The choices you make, alongside your companions’ journeys, drive the unfolding drama. Exploring the Living Lands, you’ll encounter characters and face questions integral to Avowed’s themes:

“Despite turmoil, the Living Lands harbor a relentless quest for discovery and connection. Would we gain strength from unity? Could we evolve into something unprecedented? How the Living Lands’ inhabitants – and the Envoy – navigate change reflects their core values. It unveils their true nature. Change brings challenges, reshaping everyone, including the Envoy,” Dollarhyde remarked.

With Obsidian’s reputation for crafting choice-driven RPGs, expect the decisions you face in Avowed to be impactful. Your journey with the Envoy will be shaped by adapting to these pivotal choices. The game allows players the freedom to define their characters uniquely, mixing skills and weaponry as they see fit. Obsidian Entertainment gave Game Rant an exciting look into how Avowed lets players navigate both narrative and gameplay challenges by embracing change.

Although Avowed may not be as vast as the largest RPGs released recently, it offers a depth similar to The Outer Worlds in terms of playtime. Still, there’s ample opportunity to become fully engaged in its world and to feel the weight of your decisions. Building on the rich foundation laid by its predecessors, Avowed promises thought-provoking choices and an engaging world to explore when it launches on February 18, or February 13 for those with early access.