Avowed Director Discusses Game’s Unique Fantasy Approach Amid Skyrim Comparisons
Carrie Patel, the director behind Obsidian’s much-anticipated RPG Avowed, addressed inevitable Skyrim comparisons, asserting that while challenging to avoid in the fantasy RPG genre, Avowed aligns more with Obsidian’s “fantasy take on The Outer Worlds.” In a recent conversation
with PCGN, Patel delved into Avowed’s design philosophy, drawing inspiration from The Outer Worlds rather than Skyrim. She emphasized a focused and intentional experience, noting, “It’s hard in 2024 to escape some comparison to Skyrim if you’re making a first-person fantasy action RPG.” Patel highlighted the benefits of a world with zones that, while not small, offer a curated and intentional design, promising players a unique and immersive adventure.
Acknowledging the demand for both sprawling open RPGs and curated experiences, Patel expressed excitement about Obsidian’s approach to blending these elements in Avowed. She stated, “I think there’s an appetite for big sprawling RPGs with a ton of openness,” adding that Avowed aims to integrate choice, character building, and progression in a deliberate manner.
Avowed’s gameplay director, Gabe Paramo, expanded on the game’s design, describing it as a mix between a fully open sandbox and “something more curated.” Drawing parallels with Fallout: New Vegas, Paramo emphasized moments where player choices and skills lead to diverse challenges, enriching the overall experience. He explained, “There are creatures you might stumble upon in Avowed that you’re maybe not ready for, but perhaps you’ve found an ability that helps you manipulate that creature, and then you get an item.”
In summary, Avowed strives to deliver a distinct RPG experience by navigating between Skyrim’s massive open-world structure and a more curated approach, taking inspiration from The Outer Worlds’ intentional design and Fallout: New Vegas’ emphasis on player agency.