Formally revealed in 2020, Avowed might be one of the most anticipated projects in Obsidian Entertainment's development pipeline. After a few years of production, along with the confirmation of the title's first-person view into the Pillars of Eternity universe, fans may be expecting an update on the new fantasy RPG relatively soon. Avowed could be a turning point for the developer, and the game should attempt to construct a fictional world that is not only explored by players but also altered through their decisions all as an extension of Obsidian's proficiency in classic role-playing systems.
If the team is comfortable with its current rate of progress, 2023 is quite possibly the year that everyone can get a closer look at Obsidian's first AAA RPG as a part of Xbox Game Studios. After all, Obsidian should not feel pressure in showing Avowed gameplay too early; a disappointing presentation might do more harm than good at indulging fans' collective enthusiasm. The outlook is looking positive for those that expect Avowed in the near future though, as there are credible sources that believe that an internal release window has already been decided.
Possible Release Rumors for Avowed
With the backing of Microsoft, Obsidian has the potential to execute successfully on its most ambitious title yet by propelling an original IP into a larger, more immersive scope than its previous games. Current buzz indicates a 2024 launch date for Avowed, and if these estimates are correct, it is very possible that fans might be seeing the game at a major gaming event before the end of the year. Following the release of Redfall and Starfield in 2023, Xbox will have greater leeway for another Western RPG if Obsidian's project can fill that slot in its next marketing beat.
Traditionally, there is an expected window of promotion for games, particularly in less established franchises, before they release. Understanding that there are hints of Avowed targeting Q2 2024, then the approaching summer season would be a perfect period to introduce the RPG properly through gameplay footage and details. While Avowed shares a setting with Pillars of Eternity, the previous games may lack the mainstream popularity to carry the title all the way to launch. Obsidian and Xbox will have to dedicate time to spotlight this new take on an existing universe, and a big showcase remains fans' best bet if it is truly ready to take the stage.
Where Avowed Could Fit into Xbox's Lineup
Xbox has confirmed the return of its yearly showcase in Los Angeles this summer, but there have been reports of Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox skipping E3 altogether. This news could make some question whether this event will be entirely independent of the ESA's E3 format or not, however unlikely it is that Microsoft's participation would affect its overall marketing schedule. Whatever the case may be, the brand should have at least one new RPG featured in 2023, and all signs seem to point toward an updated look at Avowed.
In terms of other forthcoming RPGs in the Xbox lineup, fans might have to check their expectations given the circumstances of each studio. There is a general feeling that both The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fable are further away, knowing Bethesda is finishing Starfield first and Playground Games being a newcomer in the role-playing genre; Obsidian, working under different circumstances, could be further along in contrast with its colleagues at Xbox. That is not to count out any surprises, though Avowed is perhaps more of a known quantity. Other than Grounded and Pentiment, The Outer Worlds was the studio's last high-profile RPG release - a project completed back in 2019.
The larger teams at Obsidian have been focused on Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2 for a while, with Avowed expectedly launching before the dystopian sci-fi sequel. This fact, coupled with a launch target before the next round of reveals in 2024, would imply that the odds are high for Avowed's re-appearance in 2023.
Avowed is in development for PC and Xbox Series X/S.