Avowed, the upcoming RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, has made the notable decision to forgo a romance system, setting itself apart from Baldur’s Gate 3, which became widely popular for its in-depth romance options. Obsidian’s decision was explained by the game’s director, Carrie Patel, who expressed confidence in this approach.
Patel argues that the absence of romance allows Avowed to focus more on its narrative depth and companionship dynamics without the additional complexity of romance options, which can require significant development resources to execute well.
In Avowed, players will interact with only four primary companions, each deeply woven into the story and designed to provide meaningful experiences without romantic entanglements. Patel emphasized that the design decision was made to ensure that players could still form strong bonds with these characters, fostering rich friendships and alliances.
This allows the narrative team to create detailed, impactful stories for each companion, where players feel equally rewarded in exploring friendships as they would in romantic paths, enhancing the storytelling of Avowed’s world.
Patel noted that implementing romance systems in games demands considerable effort, and Obsidian chose to invest that effort into ensuring non-romantic interactions remain as profound and fulfilling. By focusing on the companion characters’ backgrounds and personalities, the team aims to deliver deep relationships that resonate with players.
This design philosophy allows for an experience where friendships are not overshadowed by the pressure or distraction of romance, supporting a more inclusive approach to character interaction.
One particular companion storyline illustrates this approach: a character traveling with the player is already in a committed relationship. This aspect is significant to her character development, offering players a unique storyline about balancing duty and personal attachments. Patel highlights that such narratives are rare in gaming, where a companion has an established relationship outside the player’s involvement, allowing players to explore themes of love and loyalty without direct romantic entanglement.
Ultimately, Avowed is embracing its distinct identity by focusing on deep, narrative-driven relationships rather than romance, in contrast to games like Baldur’s Gate 3. Patel acknowledges that romance mechanics can be a powerful tool in RPGs, but she believes Avowed’s focus on well-crafted characters and their interwoven stories will attract players looking for a unique experience.
This decision underscores Obsidian’s confidence that Avowed’s narrative and character depth will stand on its own, resonating with players who value meaningful character-driven storytelling.
