Obsidian Aims for Nuanced Choices, Departing from Traditional RPG Morality
Obsidian Entertainment is striving to deliver a roleplaying game (RPG) experience with Avowed that transcends the traditional “black-and-white” moral dichotomy. The developers aim to provide players with a more nuanced approach to choices and consequences, departing from the clear-cut, good-versus-evil morality often seen in RPGs.
Carrie Patel, the director of Avowed, explained in an interview with GamesRadar that the team’s approach to morality in the game is designed to mirror real-life decisions. Instead of a straightforward moral scale, Patel wants players to face choices that may not have an obvious moral balance, resulting in surprising outcomes. This complexity, she believes, allows players to grapple with intricate decisions in the safe space of a game.
Patel cites Mass Effect 2 as an example, acknowledging its binary paragon and renegade system but highlighting the memorable Legion loyalty quest that sparked discussions among players for years. She emphasizes that such moral dilemmas create a strong connection between players and the in-game characters and companions.
Obsidian Entertainment has a track record of delivering RPGs with challenging decisions, evident in titles like Knights of the Old Republic II, The Outer Worlds, and Pillars of Eternity. Avowed, set in the same universe as Pillars of Eternity, is anticipated to continue this tradition, offering players a thought-provoking and morally complex journey. While details about Avowed remain limited, fans are eager to explore the game’s narrative intricacies as more information becomes available in the coming months.