Why Obsidian Canceled Co-Op in Avowed
Key Points About Avowed
- Obsidian Entertainment’s 20th Anniversary documentary revealed new details about Avowed’s development.
- Initially, Avowed was planned to include a co-op multiplayer feature to attract publishers, but this was ultimately canceled.
- The developers decided to focus on creating a solid, single-player RPG to play to Obsidian’s strengths.
- Avowed is scheduled to release in 2024 for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Xbox Game Pass.
Obsidian’s Vision for Avowed
On August 9, 2023, Obsidian released the final episode of its 20th Anniversary documentary series on YouTube. The episode dives deep into the studio’s journey, including its acquisition by Microsoft and the development of recent titles like Grounded, Pentiment, The Outer Worlds, and the highly anticipated Avowed. The video also provides insights into Obsidian’s future direction.
During the segment on Avowed (highlighted by @Klobrille), the developers revealed that the game was initially designed with a co-op multiplayer mode. This feature was included early in development as a way to appeal to publishers. However, as the project progressed, Obsidian recognized that the multiplayer element detracted from their core expertise: crafting engaging quests, complex characters, and immersive storytelling.
Realizing that co-op could compromise the game’s quality, the team made the decision to cancel it and focus on making Avowed a polished single-player RPG. The developers aimed to deliver a game that felt like a natural extension of Obsidian’s signature style and strengths.
Why Canceling Co-Op Was the Right Move
Focusing on single-player gameplay was a smart decision. Adding multiplayer systems to a large-scale RPG often risks diluting the core experience, making it feel less focused and impactful. By sticking to their roots, Obsidian is following the path that made their games beloved in the first place.
This strategy has proven successful in the RPG genre, as seen with Baldur’s Gate 3, which became a massive hit by prioritizing depth and quality over trends. Time will tell if Avowed can achieve a similar level of acclaim, but its single-player focus could resonate strongly with fans of story-driven RPGs.
What’s Next for Avowed
Scheduled for release in 2025, Avowed will be available on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC. It will also launch day-one on Xbox Game Pass, making it easily accessible for players. With its emphasis on classic RPG elements, Avowed is shaping up to be a standout addition to Obsidian’s legacy and a potential highlight among Xbox titles.
