These days, RPGs have become something of a treasure trove, bursting with intriguing tidbits that are all too easy to overlook. For one developer working on Avowed, this very aspect is what he considers to be the essence of the genre.
In today’s gaming landscape, there’s an increasing craze for completionism. Trophies and achievements have given players the chance to dive deep into every corner of a game. However, in the early days of role-playing games, it was quite common for gamers to miss a lot along the journey. According to Berto Ritger, Obsidian Entertainment’s region director and senior area designer, this is precisely what makes RPGs enchanting. In a conversation with GamesRadar about the upcoming Avowed, Ritger conveyed his belief that “the core of RPGs that makes them special is the missable content, to be honest, and it makes the experience feel so much more personal to how you play the game.”
Ritger argues that the multitude of options in RPGs fuels conversations about them, as each player’s journey is unique. “When you chat with someone, and they tell you, ‘Oh, I stumbled upon this secret under the docks on the east side,’ and share their discoveries—that sparks an intriguing exchange. It gets even more fascinating if your friend, in turn, discovered something entirely different.”
Naturally, there are elements in the game that Obsidian wants to ensure players encounter. Ritger explained, “We aim to steer your attention toward things we hope you’ll engage with. Take the lighthouse, for example—it’s towering and noticeable. Everyone’s likely going to want to climb it. So we support those instincts. You can even leap into the ocean from up there if you fancy. That’s how we subtly guide your attention.”
I, for one, am nostalgic for those times when not every detail of a game was uncovered. There’s an undeniable thrill in discussing surprise findings with friends, especially when you’ve seen something they haven’t. So, if you’re planning to explore Avowed, perhaps venture off the beaten path and uncover something truly memorable.
