Avowed Video Game: Obsidian’s Next Big RPG and Its Surprising Ties to Bethesda

The Avowed video game is set to be Obsidian Entertainment’s next big RPG, and it’s dropping on February 18, 2025. If you’re a fan of immersive fantasy worlds and rich storytelling, this one’s going to be right up your alley. But what’s even more intriguing is the surprising connection between Obsidian and Bethesda—two RPG powerhouses that have shaped the genre in unique ways.

What is Avowed Video Game All About?

Avowed is a first-person fantasy RPG set in the world of Eora, the same universe as Obsidian’s Pillars of Eternity series. The game takes place in the mysterious Living Lands, a vibrant and diverse region teeming with magic, ancient ruins, and strange creatures. A deadly plague is spreading across the land, and as an envoy of the Aedyr Empire, it’s your job to uncover the source of this threat while navigating political intrigue and moral dilemmas—a signature of Obsidian’s storytelling style.

At first glance, Avowed video game draws obvious comparisons to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and for good reason. Both games offer a first-person perspective, open-world exploration, and a heavy focus on magic and melee combat. But where Skyrim provides a vast, sandbox-like experience with a “do whatever you want” vibe, Avowed promises a more structured narrative with deeper role-playing elements. Expect branching storylines, complex character interactions, and decisions that have lasting consequences—elements that Obsidian is known for mastering.

Gameplay-wise, Avowed offers a dynamic combat system where players can dual-wield weapons, seamlessly combine spells with swordplay, and customize their playstyle. Unlike Skyrim, where magic often took a backseat to melee combat, Avowed aims to make spellcasting just as engaging and powerful as wielding a sword. Plus, the Living Lands’ diverse environments—from lush forests to eerie caverns—promise a visually stunning journey.

The Avowed video game will be available on Xbox Series X/S and PC, with a day-one launch on Game Pass.

Obsidian’s Fallout Legacy

The connection between Obsidian and Bethesda goes back to Fallout: New Vegas. While Bethesda owns the Fallout IP and developed Fallout 3 and Fallout 4, they handed over development of New Vegas to Obsidian in 2010. Why? Because many of Obsidian’s developers were originally part of Black Isle Studios—the creators of the original Fallout games from the late ‘90s.

Fallout: New Vegas became a cult classic, praised for its deep role-playing mechanics, rich storytelling, and morally complex choices—hallmarks of Obsidian’s design philosophy. However, it wasn’t without its flaws, launching with plenty of bugs (a Fallout tradition). Interestingly, Obsidian narrowly missed out on a bonus from Bethesda because New Vegas scored an 84 on Metacritic—just one point short of the 85 needed for the payout.

From Competitors to Siblings

The plot thickened when Microsoft acquired Obsidian Entertainment in 2018. Then, in 2021, Microsoft made headlines by purchasing ZeniMax Media, Bethesda’s parent company. Suddenly, Obsidian and Bethesda were under the same corporate roof—turning former collaborators into sibling studios.

This unexpected twist sparked speculation among fans. Could we finally see Fallout: New Vegas 2? While nothing’s been confirmed, the potential for future collaborations is exciting. For now, though, both studios have plenty on their plates. Bethesda is focused on Starfield and The Elder Scrolls VI, while Obsidian is deep into developing Avowed video game and The Outer Worlds 2.

The Future of RPGs Under Microsoft

With both Obsidian and Bethesda in Microsoft’s stable, the future of RPGs looks brighter than ever. While Bethesda excels in creating massive open worlds with emergent gameplay, Obsidian’s strength lies in narrative depth and player-driven choices. Whether we see another Fallout from Obsidian or a completely new project, RPG fans are in for a treat.

For more on the Avowed video game and the latest in RPG news, stay tuned to Blerd.com!

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