Tag: Obsidian Entertainment

  • Obsidian’s Avowed 2 Safe Despite Xbox Layoffs, Leaker Says

    Obsidian’s Avowed 2 Safe Despite Xbox Layoffs, Leaker Says

    Key Takeaway

    – Obsidian Entertainment’s *Avowed 2* is in production and likely safe from Microsoft’s studio closures.
    – Multiple Xbox Game Studios, including Ninja Theory and Double Fine, face closure risks under CEO Asha Sharma’s cost-cutting reset.
    – A leaker’s “joke” about *Avowed 2* being canceled caused panic, but was quickly denied.
    – Microsoft has a history of canceling high-profile Xbox games amid poor profitability.
    – Despite positive reviews, *Avowed*’s Game Pass debut and disappointing sequel sales may delay *The Outer Worlds 3*.

    As CEO Asha Sharma “resets” Microsoft’s gaming business, several Xbox Game Studios are in danger. However, Obsidian Entertainment will likely avoid closure. Co-founder of the company, Chris Avellone, recently reiterated that Avowed 2 was in the works. While a rumor of a sudden cancellation emerged, a leaker has now denied the report.

    Leakers Joke Causes Confusion

    Shpeshal_Nick, aka XboxEra’s Nick Baker, has an uneven track record but correctly predicted Game Pass additions like Persona 5. A social media post caused confusion before he corrected readers. Shpeshal_Nick shared an article about the Avowed sequel, with a South Park “And It’s gone” meme above it.

    Fan Panic Was Understandable

    After supporters of the Obsidian RPG began to panic, the leaker put their fears to rest. His initial post was a “joke”, but the reaction of these fans is understandable. With Sharma contending with meager profits, Xbox Game Studios, including Ninja Theory and Double Fine, may be at risk. Microsoft also has a history of axing high-profile Xbox games.

    In the case of Ninja Theory, the Hellblade maker had just announced Senua at the June 7th Games Showcase. Regardless, Bloomberg is one of several sources reporting that the company now faces closure. The scenario shows how volatile the situation at Microsoft’s gaming division is.

    Obsidian’s Eora Universe Expands

    Obsidian Entertainment hasn’t officially unveiled Avowed 2, but it previously hinted at its existence. In February 2026, it teased that more titles would take place in the RPG’s fantasy world of Eora.

    Avellone Speaks Out

    Outspoken game designer and writer Chris Avellone is also confident in the sequel. When discussing the potential closures and layoffs on social media, he said, “There most certainly is an Avowed 2 in production.” It’s believed that Fallout: New Vegas writer George Ziets is leading development.

    Avellone admitted he was a “little surprised” that the Xbox game is getting a follow-up. Although its predecessor enjoyed positive reviews, a day-one Game Pass debut may have cannibalized sales. Yet, after the second entry posted disappointing numbers, Obsidian’s The Outer Worlds 3 is not expected anytime soon.

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  • Story-Driven RPG with 86% Reviews Now 75% Off on Steam

    Story-Driven RPG with 86% Reviews Now 75% Off on Steam

    Key Takeaway

    1. Tyranny is an acclaimed RPG set in a world where evil has already won, focusing on player choices and their impact on the story and world.
    2. The game features turn-based combat, crafting, and a rich narrative, although it is known for being challenging and text-heavy.
    3. Despite its positive reception, it has numerous bugs and unresolved issues from the developers.
    4. Currently, it is available at a significant discount on Steam, with additional DLCs also on sale until April 13, 2026.

    Introduction to Tyranny

    Since its debut on Steam on November 10, 2016, Tyranny has become a notable RPG created by the talented team at Obsidian Entertainment and published by Paradox Interactive. The game’s setting is in the harsh, war-ravaged land of Terratus, where players take on the role of a law enforcer navigating a conflicted and dangerous world. You, as the player, are tasked with resolving disputes across the different regions, making choices that shape your journey.

    Role and Decision Making

    • Unlike typical heroes, your character is a Fatebinder operating in a universe where evil has already triumphed.
    • Your main job involves quelling rebellions and deciding whether to follow orders from your superiors or to attempt to rebuild the kingdom on your own basis.
    • Every decision and move you undertake influences not just your personal fate but also the factions, local villagers, and the overall universe.

    Gameplay Mechanics

    This game involves engaging in tactical turn-based combat, where allies can team up with you in battling foes. Players can also customize their combat style with a rich variety of weapons, special abilities, and spells that can be crafted to suit your needs. The mix of strategic planning and character customization adds depth to the overall experience.

    Reception and Challenges

    Despite its age, Tyranny remains highly praised by gamers, with 86% positive reviews based on over 13,125 feedback entries. Critics and players alike appreciated the compelling story, clever writing, and vintage style, reminiscent of classic RPGs. Nonetheless, it’s not without its flaws—it’s quite tough and has a good number of bugs, many of which the developers haven’t resolved yet. Plus, it has a lot of dialogue, which might not suit every gamer’s taste.

    Pricing and Offers

    Currently, Tyranny is on a significant sale on Steam, with a 75% discount valid till April 13, 2026, lowering its price to just $7.49 from the original $29.99 according to SteamDB. The game’s downloadable content (DLC) packs are also discounted during this period, encouraging new players to explore additional content.

    Note on Price and Availability

    This promotional deal was available at the time of writing but, as always, prices or offers may change due to retailer policies or stock availability. The specifics may vary over time, so be sure to check current details before purchasing.

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  • Xbox Studios Launches Cross-Platform PS5 Games for Profit

    Xbox Studios Launches Cross-Platform PS5 Games for Profit

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft’s CFO, Amy Hood, initially set a 30% profit margin target for Xbox Game Studios, but this has been denied by the company, suggesting a more realistic goal of 17-22%.

    2. Obsidian Entertainment’s CEO, Feargus Urquhart, highlighted the challenges faced by developers, with only one out of three launched titles meeting sales expectations.

    3. To cut costs and improve efficiency, Urquhart plans to shorten development times and outsource parts of projects, while also reusing technology from previous games.

    4. Microsoft’s aggressive acquisition strategy, including the purchase of Obsidian, has faced criticism, with concerns about price hikes and studio shutdowns.

    5. The shift to cross-platform gaming, allowing Xbox titles on PS5, may help meet profit targets but could weaken loyalty to the Xbox ecosystem.

    Bloomberg first reported that Microsoft’s CFO, Amy Hood, has set a target of a 30% profit margin for its Xbox Game Studios. However, the company has since denied this statement, while Obsidian Entertainment’s CEO, Feargus Urquhart, hints at a different story. A new piece has also indicated that cross-platform Xbox games are being launched on the PS5 to achieve this ambitious goal.

    Developer Challenges

    In an interview with Jason Schreier, Urquhart discussed a busy time for his team, who launched Avowed, The Outer Worlds 2, and Grounded 2 all in the same year. Sadly, only the latter, which is a survival game riddled with bugs, has managed to meet sales expectations. Urquhart has expressed some worries but believes that through experimentation, they can create more successful titles.

    Cutting Costs

    The CEO aims to shorten the lengthy development times for Xbox titles, which can annoy gamers and increase budgets. By outsourcing various parts of projects to other studios, they can enhance efficiency. Urquhart is also open to reusing technology from previous games when it makes sense.

    Despite efforts to lower costs, Urquhart acknowledges, “maybe where we are going to be from a profitability standpoint isn’t going to be 30%.” Even though Amy Hood has rejected the claim, it appears that certain Xbox Studios are still expected to meet this elevated bar. A target of 17-22% seems to be a more realistic goal within the gaming sector.

    Microsoft’s Acquisition Strategy

    After acquiring Obsidian in 2018, Microsoft has continued to aggressively pursue acquisitions. Critics argue that this approach is reckless. Analysts have pointed to price hikes and the shutdown of some Xbox Studios as evidence of misguided strategies. Another controversial move highlighted in the Bloomberg report is the shift towards supporting cross-platform gaming.

    A number of Xbox-exclusive titles are now also accessible on the PS5, with Forza Horizon 6 and Fable set for release on the console in 2026. While this decision may help in reaching the 30% profit margin target, it has also contributed to challenges for the Series X|S. Some fans feel there are fewer incentives to remain loyal to the Xbox ecosystem, which could have negative consequences for Microsoft’s long-term gaming ambitions.

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  • Obsidian Confirms No Plans for Outer Worlds 3, Focus on Avowed 2

    Obsidian Confirms No Plans for Outer Worlds 3, Focus on Avowed 2

    Key Takeaways

    1. Chris Avellone announced there will not be a sequel to The Outer Worlds 3, but an Avowed sequel is in the works.
    2. The Outer Worlds 2, released on October 29, 2023, received positive feedback for its enhanced gameplay and the return of the Flaw system.
    3. Obsidian Entertainment operates with a multi-team structure, so it’s possible that future projects, including The Outer Worlds 3, are not completely off the table.
    4. Avowed, released on February 18, 2025, earned a Metacritic score of 80/100, but was considered an “OK RPG” by players.
    5. Avowed had a peak of 19,198 concurrent players shortly after launch, but daily player numbers declined to around 200 on Steam.

    Chris Avellone, who co-founded Obsidian Entertainment and was the lead designer for beloved games like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II, The Sith Lords, and Fallout: New Vegas, shared some intriguing news on November 6. He announced that while there won’t be a sequel to The Outer Worlds 2, there are plans for an Avowed sequel.

    Statement on Future Plans

    In a post on X, Avellone, who has not been part of the studio since 2015, mentioned, “It appears that aside from DLC for The Outer Worlds 2, Obsidian isn’t working on Outer Worlds 3 (but they are making Avowed 2).” This news comes as a surprise, especially since The Outer Worlds 2 was just released on October 29 for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series S|X. The new game has been well-received, praised for its enhanced gameplay that allows for more freedom of choice compared to the original released in 2019.

    Gameplay Features

    Players also welcomed back the Flaw system, which introduces trade-offs that can significantly impact gameplay through debuffs based on player choices during the game. It seems that Obsidian is busy with post-launch updates and downloadable content for The Outer Worlds 2. However, the idea that an Outer Worlds 3 might not be in the works should be taken lightly, given the recent release and the studio’s focus on their latest title, making it unlikely for them to discuss future projects.

    Development Structure

    For some context, it’s noted that Obsidian operates with a multi-team structure, meaning resources and staff are allocated across various ongoing projects. Therefore, it might be premature to declare that The Outer Worlds 3 is off the table. In contrast, the greenlighting of Avowed 2, which is based on the Pillars of Eternity series, indicates that there is strong internal belief in the project.

    Avowed was launched on February 18, 2025, for PC and Xbox Series S|X, and it earned a Metacritic score of 80/100 from 80 critic reviews, along with an average user score of 6.8 from 2,049 player reviews. Many players described Avowed as an “OK RPG,” noting that it didn’t particularly stand out in the already crowded fantasy RPG genre.

    Player Engagement

    The game reached a peak of 19,198 concurrent players on February 23, but this number steadily dropped to an average of around 200 daily players on Steam. Microsoft assessed Avowed’s performance through Game Pass engagement, celebrating it as the second-most-played day one Game Pass launch of the year in early 2025, just behind Oblivion: Remastered.

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  • Everyday Office Life Transformed into Real-Life RPG Experience

    Everyday Office Life Transformed into Real-Life RPG Experience

    Key Takeaways

    1. Long-Term Commitment: Obsidian Entertainment aims to create a workplace culture that encourages employees to stay for ten or twenty years.

    2. Gamified Onboarding: New hires choose from three character classes (warrior, wizard, rogue) during onboarding, earning themed rewards that reflect their class over time.

    3. Rewards as Identity Markers: The physical rewards serve as symbols of identity and belonging, reinforcing a sense of community among employees.

    4. Logistical Complexity: The implementation of the gamified reward system involves significant planning, but its symbolic value is considered worthwhile.

    5. Long-Term Vision: Obsidian has a 100-year plan focused on fostering a culture that resonates with employees, encouraging them to remain with the company.

    Most updates from the gaming world often focus on negativity, like job cuts, overwork, or bad treatment of employees. However, this time, Obsidian Entertainment, a studio based in the US, is making news for positive reasons. They have transformed the typical workday into a sort of “real-life RPG.” In a chat with The Game Business, Marcus Morgan (VP of Operations) and Justin Britch (VP of Development) discussed how this system functions and what motivated them.

    Embracing Long-Term Commitment

    “We hope this is a place where people want to stay for ten or even twenty years,” Britch states. Their aim is to create a workplace culture that promotes lasting dedication. To achieve this, Obsidian has adopted a strategy that aligns with its origins: gamification inspired by traditional role-playing games.

    Class Selection and Rewards

    During the formal onboarding process, new hires select one of three classes – warrior, wizard, or rogue. Over the subsequent years, they earn physical rewards that reflect their chosen class. For instance, a warrior might gain a shield, axe, or helmet, while a wizard could gather themed items like a cloak or a wand.

    The rewards are specially crafted and intended to be more than mere fun additions – they act as visible markers of identity and belonging. After two decades, seasoned employees can “multiclass,” opting for a second class and unlocking additional rewards. “If you wanted to experience all three classes,” Britch chuckles, “you’d need to stick around for about 60 years.”

    Logistical Challenges and Symbolic Value

    Marcus Morgan acknowledges that this system is logistically complex – creating, producing, and distributing the items requires meticulous planning. Nevertheless, the symbolic significance makes the effort worthwhile. “Our roots are in Dungeons & Dragons. We all view ourselves as Dungeon Masters,” Morgan shares. For perspective, many of Obsidian’s founders came from Black Isle Studios, the famous team behind titles like Baldur’s Gate, Icewind Dale, and Planescape: Torment – games that were intricately linked to Dungeons & Dragons rulebooks.

    Shaping the workplace like a role-playing game seems like a natural fit for Obsidian’s identity. This distinctive reward system is part of a larger, long-term vision – one that the studio describes as a 100-year plan. “We want people to remain for a long time because they resonate with our culture,” Morgan elaborates.

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  • Brandon Adler: Players Desire Deeper RPGs in The Outer Worlds 2

    Brandon Adler: Players Desire Deeper RPGs in The Outer Worlds 2

    Key Takeaways

    1. Players desire deeper and more complex RPG mechanics rather than simplified gameplay, according to Game Director Brandon Adler.
    2. The Outer Worlds 2 aims to enhance player choices with significant consequences that affect gameplay, character builds, and storylines.
    3. The sequel will address feedback on the original game’s simplistic mechanics, which were a concern for experienced gamers.
    4. Adler emphasizes player agency, allowing for diverse character builds and detailed number crunching, reflecting Obsidian’s history with choice-rich games.
    5. The renewed focus on intricate RPG mechanics aligns with recent successful RPGs like Baldur’s Gate 3, indicating a shift in player expectations.

    In the time leading up to the release of The Outer Worlds 2 on October 29, 2025, Brandon Adler, the Game Director at Obsidian Entertainment, has shared a distinct message with the RPG community. There’s a strong desire among players for more complex and meaningful experiences that reflect the genre’s foundational elements.

    A Shift in RPG Design

    During a podcast interview with Danny Pena on Gamertag Radio, Adler expressed that many contemporary RPGs tend to simplify and smooth out their mechanics to reach a broader audience. Yet, he believes players are still looking for richer mechanics instead of straightforward gameplay. He clearly stated, “Players want deeper RPGs” during their conversation.

    Obsidian Entertainment aims to deliver just that with The Outer Worlds 2. The sequel is anticipated to be more expansive and responsive, enhancing player choices with consequences that affect gameplay, character builds, and storylines in significant ways.

    Learning from the Past

    The approach for The Outer Worlds 2 marks a thoughtful departure from the original game released in 2019. While the first installment was widely acclaimed and achieved impressive sales of over 5 million copies by late 2023, it received some feedback for its relatively simplistic RPG mechanics, which felt lacking to experienced gamers.

    Adler’s comments arrive during a pivotal moment for Obsidian, concluding what the studio calls the “Year of Obsidian” in 2025. This period has seen the launch of the first-person RPG Avowed in February, an unexpected early access version of Grounded 2, followed closely by The Outer Worlds 2.

    Bold Inspirations

    As a first-time director on a AAA title, after previously leading DLC for Pillars of Eternity: Deadfire, Adler has drawn from Obsidian’s history of choice-rich games, including the Pillars series and the beloved Fallout: New Vegas.

    He spoke about The Outer Worlds 2’s broad approach to diverse character builds, detailed number crunching, and the core RPG tools that the industry has gradually moved away from. Adler stated, “Let’s give players those options,” emphasizing the importance of player agency.

    The studio has taken into account feedback from the original game, realizing that fans wish to experiment with “all the different types of builds they can,” without unnecessary guidance that can diminish the joy of creating unique builds.

    A New Era for RPGs

    This renewed emphasis on intricate RPG mechanics is particularly pertinent given the recent success stories in the RPG space, like Larian’s Baldur’s Gate 3, which has sold an astounding 15 million copies globally since its release in 2023, generating a pre-tax profit of $260.9 million.

    As Obsidian gears up for The Outer Worlds 2’s release, the game will be available on PC, Xbox Series S|X, and PS5, offering players a satirical sci-fi adventure through the corporate dystopia of the Halcyon colony, with enhanced exploration options and much-anticipated RPG depth.

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  • Leonard Boyarsky Reacts to Microsoft’s Acquisition of Obsidian Entertainment

    Leonard Boyarsky Reacts to Microsoft’s Acquisition of Obsidian Entertainment

    Key Takeaways

    1. Obsidian Entertainment was acquired by Microsoft in 2018, surprising the creators of The Outer Wilds while they were working on a game critiquing corporate power.
    2. The acquisition did not impact Obsidian’s creative freedom, allowing them to maintain their vision for The Outer Worlds.
    3. Microsoft’s support has provided stability for Obsidian, helping them grow from 200 to over 300 staff members by 2025.
    4. The Outer Wilds 2 is set to release on October 29, 2025, with aims to expand gameplay, new planets, and factions.
    5. The Outer Wilds 2 Premium Edition will cost $99.99 and includes early access and a DLC Pass, while Xbox Game Pass subscribers will have day-one access.

    In a development that feels like it’s straight from their own narrative, the creators of The Outer Wilds found themselves being taken over by a large company while they were working on a game that humorously critiques corporate powers.

    Leonard Boyarsky, one of the minds behind The Outer Wilds and its sequel set for launch later this year, shared his thoughts on this surprising situation in a recent chat with Edge magazine’s Issue 414. He remarked, “It was quite a shock,” when Microsoft bought Obsidian Entertainment in 2018, putting Obsidian and its associated teams under the management of Xbox Game Studios.

    Creative Freedom Maintained

    Boyarsky did mention that this acquisition did not alter their vision for The Outer Worlds, clarifying to Edge that Microsoft’s engagement “didn’t and hasn’t impacted Obsidian’s creative freedom at all.” This freedom enabled the team to craft a game that critiques corporate avarice, with gameplay elements resembling sponsorships of factions akin to real-world large companies. He pointed out that the themes of the game mirror human behavior:

    “Sadly, the corruptive nature of power has always been a problem throughout history, and I doubt it will change anytime soon.” Boyarsky added, “We aim to concentrate on themes that are much more universal and not just tied to our current era.”

    Stability for Growth

    Tim Cain, the co-director who also helped create Fallout back in 1997, echoed similar sentiments in past discussions, noting that Microsoft’s acquisition brought stability to the team without hindering their creativity. This support has helped Obsidian Entertainment grow from 200 staff members in 2018 to over 300 by 2025.

    Now looking ahead, this ironic story has sparked aspirations for a more ambitious sequel. The Outer Wilds 2 was first revealed during E3 2021 at a joint event with Xbox and Bethesda.

    Release Information

    The game is set to launch on October 29, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S|X, and PC. Boyarsky expressed that the goal is to “go much bigger and deeper,” expanding on the gameplay of the first game while adding new planets and factions.

    The Outer Wilds 2 Premium Edition will be available for $99.99, giving players up to five days of Early Access along with a DLC Pass for two upcoming story expansions. Additionally, subscribers of Xbox Game Pass will have day-one access to The Outer Wilds 2.

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  • Xbox announces 10-foot red ant buggie giveaway for Grounded 2

    Xbox announces 10-foot red ant buggie giveaway for Grounded 2

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox is hosting a sweepstakes for a chance to win a 10-foot red ant buggy-mount from Grounded 2, open until August 31, 2025.
    2. Grounded 2 will be priced at $29.99 for the Standard Edition and $39.99 for the Founder’s Edition, which includes additional content.
    3. The sequel expands the game’s map to nearly three times the size of the original and introduces rideable mounts called “Buggies.”
    4. The addition of mounts was a highly requested feature from fans of the first game and is a key element in the new game.
    5. Future updates will follow a roadmap with substantial content drops every few months, differing from the monthly updates of the first game.

    Xbox has done a pretty interesting publicity stunt to increase excitement for Obsidian Entertainment’s upcoming Grounded 2, which will be available for Game Preview on Xbox Series S|X, PC, Xbox Cloud, Steam Early Access, and Xbox Game Pass.

    Sweepstakes for Gamers

    Players can join Xbox’s sweepstakes for a chance to win a giant 10-foot red ant buggy-mount from Grounded 2. To enter, they need to follow Xbox on X or Instagram and use the hashtag #Grounded2Sweepstakes. This giveaway is open until August 31, 2025. Additionally, those going to Gamescom 2025 in Cologne, Germany, can check out the life-sized red ant plushie on August 20 at the Xbox Fanfest.

    The announcement came via an Xbox Wire news post, where Aaron Greenberg, the Vice President of Games Marketing, shared:

    “We turned the in-game Red Ant Buddy into a real-world, mountable, ultra-soft, totally bonkers gaming plush. It’s part furniture, part Buddy, and all awesome.”

    Pricing and Features

    The price for Grounded 2 is set at $29.99 for the Standard Edition, and $39.99 for the Founder’s Edition. The Founder’s Edition comes with four cosmetic skins, a digital artbook, a soundtrack, and unique emotes. Furthermore, the game supports Xbox Play Anywhere, enabling players to transfer saves between Xbox and PC seamlessly.

    This sequel builds on the 15 million players of the original Grounded, shrinking them into Brookhollow Public Park. It enhances the original’s cooperative survival experience by expanding the map to nearly three times the size of the first game’s backyard. This time around, players can utilize rideable mounts called “Buggies,” which include Orb Weavers and Red Ant Soldiers.

    Fan-Favorite Mounts

    Fans of the first game had long asked for mounts, and they are finally making their debut in this sequel. Greenberg emphasized the importance of these new buggies, saying, “The most requested addition from the Grounded community is the cornerstone of the new game.”

    The Game Preview launch is set to deliver a roadmap for future updates, with substantial content drops every few months, which is a shift from the monthly updates seen in the first game. Currently, the game is exclusive to Xbox and PC, but Obsidian Entertainment hasn’t dismissed the idea of a release on PlayStation or Nintendo platforms, following Grounded 1’s multi-platform launch on April 16, 2024.

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  • Avowed Update: Steam Deck Verified, New Weapons & Abilities

    Avowed Update: Steam Deck Verified, New Weapons & Abilities

    Key Takeaways

    1. A new patch for Avowed upgrades the software from version 1.4 to 1.5 and introduces new features, weapons, and abilities.
    2. Avowed has achieved Steam Deck Verified status, ensuring smooth performance on the handheld device without setup.
    3. New gameplay features include additional weapons like a two-handed hammer and unique abilities for Ranger and Fighter classes.
    4. Performance improvements include an FPS cap option, expanded language support, and resolved GPU crash issues.
    5. Avowed is available for purchase on Steam and Xbox for $69.99, and can also be accessed via Xbox Game Pass.

    A new patch has been launched for Avowed (check out our review), the action RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, which was released earlier this year and is published by Xbox Game Studios. This patch introduces a variety of new features, including additional weapons and abilities, enhancements for both software and hardware, along with numerous fixes for bugs.

    Update Details

    This latest update comes two months after the previous one, upgrading the software from version 1.4 to 1.5. According to the changelog shared on the official Obsidian Forums, a significant highlight of this update is that Avowed has now achieved Steam Deck Verified status. This indicates that the game has been evaluated and is capable of running smoothly on Valve’s handheld device right away, without requiring any setup, and it supports full controller functionality. With this verification, players can expect it to also perform seamlessly on other handhelds like the Lenovo Legion Go S, which can be found on Amazon for $649.99.

    New Gameplay Features

    The changelog notes the addition of new weapons across various locations, including a two-handed hammer, a distinctive mace, and robes in Dawnshore and Emerald Stair. Additionally, Shatterscarp features a new unique two-handed axe. New abilities and passive skills for both Ranger and Fighter classes have also been introduced. Furthermore, players will encounter upgraded foes as some enemies are now capable of utilizing player abilities like Blizzard, Returning Storm, and can create either physical or magical barriers.

    Performance Improvements

    Obsidian has included a feature that allows players to set the FPS cap to 40FPS and introduced ‘Native AA’ as an option in the FSR Quality settings. Language support has expanded, now including Japanese and Korean. The changelog also indicates that problems that could potentially lead to GPU crashes have been resolved, and quest objectives are now visible on all maps, regardless of the player’s current location.

    Avowed can be purchased on Steam and the Xbox store (via Xbox Play Anywhere) for $69.99. Additionally, it’s available on Xbox Game Pass if you have a subscription.Avowed on X, Obsidian Forums

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  • This Week’s New Xbox Game Pass Release: Major RPG Launch

    This Week’s New Xbox Game Pass Release: Major RPG Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Only one new game announced for Xbox Game Pass this week, with more titles expected mid-month.
    2. “Avowed,” an action RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, is set to release on February 18 on Xbox Game Pass.
    3. The game has received positive early reviews, with 81% favorable ratings on Steam and a Metascore of 80 on Metacritic.
    4. Avowed features a versatile combat system that includes traditional weapons and elemental magic.
    5. Players can experience the game in both first-person and third-person views, though it emphasizes first-person gameplay.

    Only one new game has been announced for Xbox Game Pass this week. Nevertheless, Microsoft often shares new additions to the subscription service in the middle of the month, which means more titles could be on the way. Regardless, subscribers have something to look forward to – Avowed, a fresh action RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, the team known for Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds.

    Early Reviews and Availability

    The first review of Avowed was leaked even before the official review period ended. On February 15, the game became available in Early Access, allowing those who purchased the $90 Deluxe Edition to jump in ahead of its full launch. Since then, this action RPG has gathered over 1,800 reviews on Steam, with 81% being favorable. On Metacritic, it boasts a respectable Metascore of 80, while the user score is yet to be determined. For genre enthusiasts, this is a fantastic addition to Microsoft’s gaming subscription. Beginning February 18, Avowed will be accessible on Xbox Game Pass.

    Gameplay Experience

    Avowed transports players to the “Land of the Living,” a vibrant yet troubled world plagued by an unknown illness. As a representative of Aedyr, your goal is to discover the source of the affliction. The combat system is quite versatile, allowing players to use traditional weapons such as swords and bows, while also enhancing their strikes with elemental magic. Various attack styles make combat more exciting and immersive. The game offers both first-person and third-person views, but it is clear that the experience leans heavily towards first-person gameplay.

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