Avowed Developer Explains Decision Against Open-World Design

In a recent reveal, Kate Dollarhyde, the narrative designer behind Avowed, shared insights into why Obsidian decided against making their new RPG a sprawling open-world. Instead, they have chosen a design reminiscent of The Outer Worlds, with the game set across expansive zones for players to explore as the story unfolds.

Anticipation is building as Avowed’s release approaches, marking one of the key highlights in 2025’s gaming schedule. Obsidian Entertainment has a stellar track record with RPGs such as Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds, so the launch of a new game always stirs excitement. However, some fans have been curious about certain design choices, like the omission of romance options— a staple in modern RPGs. Yet, for many, it’s refreshing to see a developer prioritize the best decisions for the game rather than conform to industry trends.

Kate Dollarhyde’s conversation with Xbox Wire sheds light on the decision to forego an open-world format for Avowed. She pointed out, “Pacing is really tough in open-world games. You never know where the player is and what they’re doing at any given time. So having these zones that happen in sequence means we always know what content you’ve just come from on the critical path. Maybe not what side quests you’ve done, but we always know you’ve just had this [core] experience.” This setup mirrors The Outer Worlds, where zones guide the narrative while allowing players to revisit areas later.

Avowed isn’t just reimagining pacing; it’s offering a well-structured semi-open-world, which many players will find engaging. You’ll still be able to backtrack to wrap up any side missions you might have missed. The core experience that every player goes through simplifies the crafting of later stages in the game, ensuring a consistent experience for everyone. Such thoughtful design choices explain why Avowed is one of 2025’s most anticipated games.

Looking ahead, 2025 is poised to be a remarkable year for Obsidian Entertainment. The debut of Avowed is eagerly awaited, but that’s not the only title on the horizon. At The Game Awards 2024, it was announced that The Outer Worlds 2 is slated for a late 2025 release. Of course, schedules can shift with unexpected delays, potentially pushing launches into 2026, but if everything stays on track, Obsidian is set for an unforgettable year.

Step into Eora’s Living Lands in Avowed—a world of adventure, secrets, and danger. In this first-person fantasy RPG crafted by Obsidian’s award-winning team, players assume the role of an Aedyr envoy. On a mission to investigate a burgeoning plague across a mysterious island, players will navigate choices that reveal personal connections and ancient threats. As the story unfolds, only you can decide the fate of the Living Lands and your soul in this thrilling frontier.