Obsidian Entertainment is actively working on its upcoming fantasy-with-firearms roleplaying game, Avowed, set to release later this year. The developers are aiming to move beyond the conventional “black-and-white” moral dichotomy in the game.
Director Carrie Patel, in an interview with GamesRadar, discussed their distinctive approach to choice and consequences. Patel emphasized their intention to steer clear of a simplistic, good-versus-evil morality scale. Instead, they aim for a more nuanced representation that mirrors real life.
According to Patel, the decision-making process in the game won’t always have an obvious moral balance, and sometimes, the right choice may seem apparent, but the outcomes can be surprising, justified, or unexpected.
For Patel, the allure of this moral challenge lies in its capacity to engage players in complex decision-making within the safe confines of a game. She sees it as an opportunity for players to grapple with intricate choices and explore diverse outcomes.
Patel draws attention to the Mass Effect 2 game, citing its pulpy paragon and renegade binary but highlighting the memorable Legion loyalty quest as an example of a dilemma that players continued discussing for years.
She believes that such thought-provoking scenarios establish a strong connection between players and their in-game counterparts, as well as the characters and companions accompanying them on their journey.
Obsidian Entertainment has a track record of delivering games with tough decisions that prompt players to ponder existential questions. Titles like KOTOR 2, Pentiment, The Outer World, and Pillars of Eternity, which share a setting with Avowed, showcase the studio’s proficiency in crafting narratives that resonate with players.
Although Avowed has only offered a glimpse of its depth through a brief side quest in the Xbox Developer Direct 2024, anticipation remains high for more revelations in the upcoming months.
