Obsidian, the renowned game development studio, has shared insights into the narrative design of its upcoming title, Avowed. Focusing on player choice and meaningful storytelling, the studio aims to deliver an engaging experience. By eschewing a fully open world, Obsidian seeks to create more structured and impactful narratives.
Previously, Obsidian was celebrated for its complex narratives in titles like Pillars of Eternity. The approach in Avowed appears to build on this legacy by refining the balance between player freedom and narrative coherence.
How Does Avowed Handle Player Choices?
Avowed emphasizes decisions that feel both satisfying and believable, avoiding simplistic good or bad choices. According to narrative designer Kate Dollarhyde, the game focuses on the context surrounding decisions, ensuring outcomes are influenced by the game’s setting and character beliefs.
What Sets Avowed’s Narrative Design Apart?
The game’s narrative design prioritizes the material realities of its world over traditional character archetypes.
“When we’re designing characters, quests, and content, we’re not looking at them and saying, ‘What type of character is this?’ or ‘What’s this person’s trope?’ It’s more about what they believe in,”
said Dollarhyde, highlighting the depth of character motivations.
Why Did Obsidian Opt Against An Open World?
Obsidian chose a structured world to ensure consistent narrative pacing and meaningful consequences.
“Pacing is really tough in open-world games,”
Dollarhyde noted, explaining that a sequenced approach allows for better integration of player actions into the story.
Avowed’s structured regions enable the development team to craft quests and storylines that reflect the player’s progression, enhancing the overall coherence of the gameplay experience. This method contrasts with open-world designs, where maintaining narrative consistency can be challenging.
The decision to move away from an open world allows Obsidian to focus on delivering personalized and impactful stories. By controlling the environment and the sequence of events, the studio can ensure that each player’s journey feels unique and tailored to their choices.
Avowed is set to launch on February 18, promising a rich narrative experience built on Obsidian’s expertise in storytelling and game design. Players can expect a meticulously crafted world where their decisions have meaningful and varied outcomes, enhancing immersion and engagement.
