Microsoft has reshuffled its release calendar, opting to delay the launch of the highly anticipated fantasy RPG, Avowed. While the game was initially scheduled for a fall release this year, new reports suggest it will now be available in early 2025. This move appears to be part of a broader strategy to manage the release dates of major Xbox titles, ensuring each has ample time to shine in a crowded marketplace.
Strategic Shifts
Microsoft’s decision to delay Avowed comes on the heels of another significant change in its release lineup. The Xbox console exclusive, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, has been rescheduled from September to November. This shift has prompted Microsoft to adjust its release strategy, providing more breathing room for each title. According to insider Tom Warren, Avowed is currently in good shape, implying that the delay is not due to development issues but rather a tactical decision to optimize its launch.
Upcoming Major Releases
The delay of Avowed allows Microsoft to better align its slate of major releases for 2024. Noteworthy titles such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred, Starfield: Shattered Space, Towerborne, Ara: History Untold, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are all on the horizon. By spacing out these releases, Microsoft aims to maintain a steady stream of high-profile games, keeping player engagement high throughout the year.
Previous announcements indicated a November launch for Avowed, based on leaks and even an accidental declaration from Obsidian Entertainment. However, the delay now aligns with Microsoft’s attempt to strategically manage its release calendar. The company plans to share further details about Avowed at this year’s Gamescom, adding clarity to the new release timeline.
Xbox has undergone similar strategic shifts in the past. Game delays and rescheduling have been common as companies aim to optimize their launch windows. Additionally, the competitive landscape of gaming makes it crucial for companies like Microsoft to carefully consider the timing of major releases. This ensures that each title has the best chance of commercial and critical success, unhindered by overlapping releases.
Shifting Avowed to early 2025 may also be a move to avoid the traditionally crowded holiday season, giving it a standout release period. Adjusting release dates has often proven effective in maximizing a game’s market performance, a strategy Microsoft appears to be employing once again.
Given the competitive nature of the gaming industry, Microsoft’s decision to delay Avowed seems pragmatic. By spacing out the release of its major titles, the company is likely aiming for sustained player engagement throughout the year. This approach can help each game achieve its full potential without being overshadowed by simultaneous releases.
