Title: Obsidian’s Avowed: Transition from Multiplayer to Single-player RPG Revealed
Byline:
Hollywood Crap
Date:
In a surprising revelation, Feargus Urquhart, the studio head and founder of Obsidian Entertainment, recently disclosed that Avowed, the highly anticipated first-person fantasy RPG, was initially envisioned as a multiplayer game. The decision to shift gears and focus on a single-player experience occurred after the studio’s acquisition by Microsoft. This tidbit was shared in the final episode of the Obsidian 20th Anniversary documentary.
Obsidian’s motive behind developing Avowed as a multiplayer RPG was primarily driven by the need to attract publishers during their independent days. However, as development progressed, the studio realized that this approach didn’t align with their core strengths. The team decided to make a significant pivot, refocusing on delivering an “Obsidian game” that would captivate RPG enthusiasts.
Interestingly, this turnaround occurred relatively late in the project’s life, with a tight timeframe of approximately eight months. Despite this challenge, Obsidian managed to successfully transition Avowed into a single-player RPG, thereby showcasing their adaptability and expertise in the genre.
Avowed is set in the same fantasy world as Pillars of Eternity, a critically acclaimed CRPG that holds a noteworthy position as the 18th best RPG on the list. Fans of the previous game can anticipate a similar immersive experience with Avowed, albeit with its own unique storyline and gameplay elements.
Drawing parallels, the success of Obsidian’s recent game, Grounded, which seamlessly blended solo and multiplayer experiences, might offer valuable insights into Avowed’s development. The studio is actively considering incorporating lessons learned from Grounded into their iconic fantasy franchises. This strategic move showcases Obsidian’s commitment to continuously refining and enhancing their beloved RPG titles.
Moreover, industry experts are speculating on the potential impact of changing market trends on the decision to initially prioritize multiplayer functionality in Avowed’s early pitch. With the rise of single-player RPGs dominating the gaming landscape, Obsidian may have made a crucial decision to align their game with prevailing market preferences.
As Avowed’s release date draws nearer, the anticipation among avid RPG fans continues to grow. With Obsidian’s previous titles enjoying significant success in the genre, the question remains whether Avowed has the potential to break into the highly coveted top 10 of best RPGs. As the game’s development progresses, fans eagerly await further updates and glimpses into the immersive world that Obsidian is crafting.
In conclusion, Obsidian’s transition from a multiplayer focus to a single-player RPG in Avowed demonstrates the studio’s commitment to deliver captivating gaming experiences. With their impressive track record and adaptability, it’s no wonder that RPG enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the release of this highly anticipated game.
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