Game director Carrie Patel for the upcoming RPG, Avowed, highlights the extensive amount of content within the game that players may easily overlook if not careful. She acknowledges the common occurrence of games featuring substantial missable content but draws a parallel to Larian Studios’ achievement with Baldur’s Gate 3.
In a detailed discussion on Xbox Wire, Patel expresses the joy of developing a game with abundant discoveries, acknowledging that not every player will actively seek out or stumble upon all the content.
However, she emphasizes the satisfaction for those who do as they delve into the hidden secrets carefully crafted within the game.
While many games include skippable and missable content, Patel’s particular emphasis on this aspect of Avowed brings to mind the approach taken by Larian Studios.
Swen Vincke, the head of Larian, previously emphasized the importance of investing significantly in elements that only a small percentage of the audience might encounter, a sentiment that aligns with Patel’s perspective.
A recent podcast, part of Xbox’s in-depth coverage on Avowed, discloses that the showcased quest from the gameplay presentation is “absolutely missable,” underscoring the game’s commitment to providing diverse experiences based on player choices.
Carrie Patel reiterates the significance of discoverability and empowering players to shape their own experiences. The content showcased, including quests, stories, and adventure snippets, is designed for players who actively seek and engage with it.
Beyond featuring optional quests and expansive map areas, Avowed places a substantial emphasis on player choice and a branching narrative. This focus aims to ensure that multiple playthroughs offer unique and distinct experiences for players.