The highly anticipated action-RPG, Avowed, developed by Obsidian Entertainment, was recently delayed and is now scheduled for release on February 18, 2025, for PC and current-gen Xbox consoles. One of the latest revelations about the game is that it will run at 30fps on both Xbox Series X and Series S. This decision was discussed by the game’s art director, Matt Hansen, during an appearance on the Iron Lords Podcast at Gamescom 2024 in Los Angeles. Hansen explained that the choice to target 30fps was made in order to prioritize graphical fidelity and lighting over higher frame rates. While some players may prefer 60fps in a first-person single-player game, Obsidian believes that the visual enhancements achieved at 30fps align with their goals for the game.
Another exciting piece of information shared about Avowed at Gamescom was regarding the game’s endings. Game director Carrie Patel revealed that Avowed will feature multiple possible endings, with the number of ending slides reaching double digits. This aligns with Obsidian’s reputation for crafting intricate narratives that are heavily influenced by player choices throughout the game. Patel emphasized that players’ decisions across various elements of the game will culminate in a unique ending tailored to their actions and interactions in the game world.
Avowed’s decision to lock its console performance at 30fps on Xbox Series X and Series S is not unique among first-party Xbox titles. Games like Starfield from Bethesda and Redfall from Arkane Austin also launched with 30fps performance on Xbox consoles before receiving updates to unlock 60fps capabilities. In the case of Starfield, a recent update even brought 60fps performance to the lower-end Xbox Series S. This trend indicates that developers may initially prioritize visual quality over frame rate when launching their games, with the option to enhance performance later based on player feedback and advancements in optimization.
Originally planned for a late 2024 release, Avowed’s delay to February 18, 2025, offers some benefits to both the developers and players. The extra time allows Obsidian to refine and polish the game further, potentially delivering a more polished and optimized experience at launch. Additionally, the delay places Avowed in a less crowded release window, avoiding direct competition with other major titles slated for late 2024. This strategic decision could give Avowed the opportunity to shine and capture the attention of RPG fans without being overshadowed by simultaneous releases.
Avowed’s recent revelations at Gamescom 2024 have shed light on the game’s performance, narrative depth, and release date. While the decision to target 30fps on Xbox consoles may raise questions among players who prioritize frame rate, Obsidian’s focus on enhancing visual fidelity and storytelling in Avowed reflects a deliberate design choice. With multiple endings and a delay that aims to improve the overall quality of the game, Avowed is shaping up to be a promising addition to the action-RPG genre in 2025.
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