Avowed
Obsidian Entertainment - Release - February 18, 2025
Avowed: Navigating Controversy in Obsidian’s Latest RPG Adventure
By James OP
November 26, 2024
As the release of Avowed, Obsidian Entertainment’s highly anticipated RPG, draws near in February 2025, it finds itself embroiled in a whirlwind of controversies. Set in the same world as Pillars of Eternity, Avowed has generated both excitement and backlash, with issues ranging from design choices to political undertones. Below is an overview of the key points stirring debate in the gaming community.
Pronoun Options in Character Creation
One of the most divisive features in Avowed is the inclusion of pronoun selection during character creation. While some view this as a necessary step toward inclusivity in gaming, others argue it disrupts the fantasy immersion that many expect from RPGs. Critics have voiced frustration on social media, claiming that such features serve as an unnecessary reflection of contemporary social issues rather than enhancing the game’s traditional fantasy narrative.
Political Messages and Development Choices
The controversy surrounding Avowed deepened when Matt Hansen, the game's art director, openly admitted to intentionally trying to provoke a reaction from Elon Musk. Known for his outspoken criticism of politically correct content in media, Musk’s views have often sparked debates across various cultural sectors, including gaming. Hansen, according to reports from Fandom Pulse and other sources, expressed satisfaction in making Musk "mad" with the game’s progressive elements. This sentiment has been reflected in posts on social media, with some speculating that these design choices may be a deliberate marketing tactic to stir up buzz or to challenge certain political viewpoints within the gaming community.
Hansen’s comments have only fueled the fire, leading to accusations that Avowed is more focused on making a political statement than on crafting a rich, engaging gaming experience. Some players feel that the game is prioritizing progressive messaging over traditional RPG storytelling, with the art director’s remarks adding fuel to the growing narrative that Avowed is a vehicle for challenging conservative views in gaming.
Gameplay and Design Shifts
Another significant point of contention is the shift from a planned cooperative multiplayer experience to a single-player-focused game. Fans who were excited by the prospect of a multiplayer Avowed are disappointed by the change, which has raised questions about the game’s direction. On the other hand, some long-time fans of Obsidian’s work appreciate the return to the studio’s roots, which have always been centered on single-player narrative experiences.
Additionally, the decision to forgo romance options in favor of "thoughtful relationships" has drawn mixed reviews. While some players applaud the innovation, others feel that removing romance from the game diminishes potential player engagement and role-playing opportunities.
Performance Expectations and Technical Concerns
Performance has also become a sticking point, particularly with the announcement that Avowed will target only 30 FPS on Xbox Series X/S consoles. This decision has sparked debates within the gaming community about what players should expect from next-gen games in terms of graphical fidelity and performance. While some believe that Avowed's RPG depth will compensate for the lower frame rate, others argue that the game could face backlash if it doesn’t meet the technical expectations set by other major titles.
Collector’s Edition Controversy
Collectors of physical media have also voiced dissatisfaction with the Premium SteelBook edition of Avowed, which will be sold without a physical disc. This marks a further move towards digital distribution, a trend that has become more prevalent in the gaming industry. However, for fans who enjoy owning physical copies of games, especially as part of a collector’s set, the absence of a disc is seen as a step backward, diminishing the overall experience.
Conclusion: Will Controversy Affect Avowed's Reception?
With Avowed's release just a few months away, these ongoing controversies highlight the complex relationship between game design, player expectations, and cultural narratives. While some of the debates—such as the inclusion of pronouns or the game’s political undertones—may alienate certain sections of the gaming community, they also help to spark wider conversations about the direction of the industry and the role of video games in shaping societal values.
The real question is whether these controversies will ultimately harm or help Avowed’s reception. As the game draws closer to its February 2025 launch, it has already captured attention, ensuring that it will be one of the most talked-about RPGs of the year—whether for its gameplay, its politics, or the discussions it sparks. Whatever the outcome, one thing is clear: Avowed will be a game that garners a lot of conversation, both in and out of the gaming community.
By James OP
November 26, 2024
As the release of Avowed, Obsidian Entertainment’s highly anticipated RPG, draws near in February 2025, it finds itself embroiled in a whirlwind of controversies. Set in the same world as Pillars of Eternity, Avowed has generated both excitement and backlash, with issues ranging from design choices to political undertones. Below is an overview of the key points stirring debate in the gaming community.
Pronoun Options in Character Creation
One of the most divisive features in Avowed is the inclusion of pronoun selection during character creation. While some view this as a necessary step toward inclusivity in gaming, others argue it disrupts the fantasy immersion that many expect from RPGs. Critics have voiced frustration on social media, claiming that such features serve as an unnecessary reflection of contemporary social issues rather than enhancing the game’s traditional fantasy narrative.
Political Messages and Development Choices
The controversy surrounding Avowed deepened when Matt Hansen, the game's art director, openly admitted to intentionally trying to provoke a reaction from Elon Musk. Known for his outspoken criticism of politically correct content in media, Musk’s views have often sparked debates across various cultural sectors, including gaming. Hansen, according to reports from Fandom Pulse and other sources, expressed satisfaction in making Musk "mad" with the game’s progressive elements. This sentiment has been reflected in posts on social media, with some speculating that these design choices may be a deliberate marketing tactic to stir up buzz or to challenge certain political viewpoints within the gaming community.
Hansen’s comments have only fueled the fire, leading to accusations that Avowed is more focused on making a political statement than on crafting a rich, engaging gaming experience. Some players feel that the game is prioritizing progressive messaging over traditional RPG storytelling, with the art director’s remarks adding fuel to the growing narrative that Avowed is a vehicle for challenging conservative views in gaming.
Gameplay and Design Shifts
Another significant point of contention is the shift from a planned cooperative multiplayer experience to a single-player-focused game. Fans who were excited by the prospect of a multiplayer Avowed are disappointed by the change, which has raised questions about the game’s direction. On the other hand, some long-time fans of Obsidian’s work appreciate the return to the studio’s roots, which have always been centered on single-player narrative experiences.
Additionally, the decision to forgo romance options in favor of "thoughtful relationships" has drawn mixed reviews. While some players applaud the innovation, others feel that removing romance from the game diminishes potential player engagement and role-playing opportunities.
Performance Expectations and Technical Concerns
Performance has also become a sticking point, particularly with the announcement that Avowed will target only 30 FPS on Xbox Series X/S consoles. This decision has sparked debates within the gaming community about what players should expect from next-gen games in terms of graphical fidelity and performance. While some believe that Avowed's RPG depth will compensate for the lower frame rate, others argue that the game could face backlash if it doesn’t meet the technical expectations set by other major titles.
Collector’s Edition Controversy
Collectors of physical media have also voiced dissatisfaction with the Premium SteelBook edition of Avowed, which will be sold without a physical disc. This marks a further move towards digital distribution, a trend that has become more prevalent in the gaming industry. However, for fans who enjoy owning physical copies of games, especially as part of a collector’s set, the absence of a disc is seen as a step backward, diminishing the overall experience.
Conclusion: Will Controversy Affect Avowed's Reception?
With Avowed's release just a few months away, these ongoing controversies highlight the complex relationship between game design, player expectations, and cultural narratives. While some of the debates—such as the inclusion of pronouns or the game’s political undertones—may alienate certain sections of the gaming community, they also help to spark wider conversations about the direction of the industry and the role of video games in shaping societal values.
The real question is whether these controversies will ultimately harm or help Avowed’s reception. As the game draws closer to its February 2025 launch, it has already captured attention, ensuring that it will be one of the most talked-about RPGs of the year—whether for its gameplay, its politics, or the discussions it sparks. Whatever the outcome, one thing is clear: Avowed will be a game that garners a lot of conversation, both in and out of the gaming community.
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Obsidian art director openly admitting to illegal racial discrimination in hiring on his own social media account. Didn't have that on my 2024 Bingo card.
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Update 11/29/2024
Apparently Xbox is denying people review codes if they where critical of Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
Apparently Xbox is denying people review codes if they where critical of Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
Translation:
The original post:
I was denied a review code for #Avowed since my critique to #DragonAgeTheVeilguard was too “harsh”…
— ɴᴀᴛᴀʟʏᴀ (@NatalyaSirinova) November 29, 2024
And got blocked by the staff over at @Xbox…
Something smells fishy and rotten…
The game will be a disaster… mark my words… only saved by #GamePass… pic.twitter.com/cTKcBpKf3I
