Obsidian's Avowed Launches to Mixed Reception but Highlights Bold RPG Innovations

The new fantasy RPG from Obsidian Entertainment faces criticism and praise for its gameplay, narrative decisions, and unique features.

Avowed, released by Obsidian Entertainment, is being compared to Skyrim but distinguishes itself with a more narrative-driven and zone-based structure.
The game introduces innovative features, such as contextual lore explanations and environmental magic mechanics, which players are praising for enhancing immersion.
Criticism includes limited player freedom, perceived 'safety locks' in decision-making, and the absence of traditional romance options, which were deliberate design choices by the developers.
Avowed's launch has been marked by online backlash, including controversy over character pronoun options, but it has still achieved strong sales and engagement on platforms like Steam and Xbox Game Pass.
The game’s reception highlights Obsidian's commitment to evolving RPG mechanics, though comparisons to Skyrim and debates over its creative direction remain prominent.