The upcoming action RPG “Avowed” has drawn attention over its frame rate limitations on Xbox consoles. This issue has already been a point of contention among gamers, as several high-profile Xbox titles have faced criticism for not supporting 60 FPS on the Xbox Series X/S. “Avowed” joins this list, raising questions about the console’s performance capabilities and the priorities of developers.
When comparing the situation to earlier instances, it becomes evident that gamers have consistently expressed dissatisfaction with the frame rate performance of first-party titles on Xbox Series X/S. Titles like “Redfall,” “Starfield,” and “Forza Motorsport” faced similar backlash, highlighting a trend that continues with “Avowed.” Despite Microsoft’s assurances about the console’s capabilities, the recurrence of this issue suggests a persisting challenge in meeting performance expectations.
“Avowed” Director’s Explanation
During a recent appearance on the Iron Lords podcast, Matt Hansen, the art director for “Avowed,” confirmed that the game would not support a 60 FPS frame rate on consoles. He emphasized that the game’s design as a first-person, single-player experience made a 30 FPS target more suitable. Hansen elaborated,
“It’s a first-person, single-player game, you don’t necessarily need that 60 frames.”
This decision allows the development team to enhance visual effects and lighting.
Microsoft’s Console Performance Claims
Microsoft has often maintained that the Xbox Series X/S can comfortably deliver 60 FPS gameplay or higher. However, the repeated failure of first-party titles to achieve this standard at launch continues to disappoint fans. The potential for “Avowed” to receive a post-launch update enabling 60 FPS remains uncertain. Historically, other Microsoft titles have added such updates, but no confirmation has been provided for “Avowed” at this time.
Scheduled for release on February 11, 2025, for Xbox Series X/S and PC, “Avowed” has already stirred discussions about its performance. As gamers await its launch, the debate over frame rate performance on Xbox consoles persists. Given the expectations and the console’s marketed capabilities, the upcoming release will be closely scrutinized by both fans and industry observers.
The ongoing issue of frame rate limitations in Xbox titles points to a broader challenge within the gaming industry. Developers must balance visual fidelity with performance, and the choices they make are often scrutinized by a demanding audience. For “Avowed,” the decision to target 30 FPS prioritizes visual richness over fluidity, reflecting a trade-off that the development team deems beneficial. Whether gamers will agree with this assessment remains to be seen.
