Obsidian Entertainment’s highly anticipated action-RPG, Avowed, has recently faced a delay in its release date, now scheduled to hit PC and current-gen Xbox consoles on February 18, 2025. Amidst the ongoing buzz surrounding the game, new information has emerged regarding its performance on Xbox Series X and Series S. It has been confirmed that Avowed will run at 30fps on both Xbox Series X and Series S, a choice that has sparked mixed reactions among fans and critics alike.
During Obsidian’s appearance on the Iron Lords Podcast at Gamescom 2024, the game’s art director, Matt Hansen, provided insights into the decision to target 30fps for Avowed on Xbox consoles. Hansen defended this choice by arguing that in a first-person single-player RPG like Avowed, the focus should be on enhancing graphical fidelity and lighting rather than pushing for higher frame rates. This trade-off was deemed necessary early in the development process to ensure the game’s visual richness while maintaining a smooth gameplay experience.
While some may question the decision to cap Avowed’s frame rate at 30fps, it is worth noting that other Xbox first-party titles, such as Starfield and Redfall, have followed a similar path. Bethesda’s Starfield initially launched at 30fps on Xbox Series S/X before receiving an update that introduced 60fps performance. Likewise, Arkane Austin’s Redfall also started at 30fps on consoles before a patch elevated it to 60fps. These instances suggest that performance adjustments post-launch are not uncommon in the gaming industry and could potentially be a route that Avowed might traverse.
In a separate interview with IGN, Avowed’s game director, Carrie Patel, disclosed another intriguing aspect of the game – the presence of multiple possible endings. Patel revealed that the ending slides in Avowed number in the double digits, signifying a vast array of potential outcomes based on players’ choices throughout the game. This echoes Obsidian’s signature approach to storytelling, where player agency and decisions shape the narrative direction and ultimate conclusion of the game.
Initially slated for a late 2024 release, the delay of Avowed to February 2025 has allowed the development team additional time to fine-tune the game and ensure a polished launch. With its release date now firmly set, Avowed is positioned to make a mark across PC, Xbox Series S/X, and Game Pass, offering players a deep and immersive RPG experience enriched by a myriad of endings and captivating visuals.
The forthcoming release of Avowed and its performance on Xbox consoles have generated significant interest and discussion within the gaming community. While the decision to target 30fps may raise debates on performance standards, Obsidian’s focus on graphical fidelity and storytelling complexity promises a unique and engaging experience for players. As the countdown to February 18, 2025, begins, anticipation mounts for Avowed to deliver on its promise of a compelling action-RPG adventure like no other.
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