In most traditional role-playing experiences, there are a few things we’ve come to expect: combat, decent writing, and, quite often, some sort ofoption for romance. But surprisingly, Obsidian’s latest RPG release,Avowed, seems to forgo this last element.
Before the game was released, developers at Obsidianhad alreadyconfirmed this fact, hoping to temper fan expectations.Although there is a single romance option within the game that we’ve found since launch, this is far from any custom-designed romance system.
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In a recentinterview with IGN, game director Carrie Patel explains why the team at Obsidian decided to forgo the relationship-building that many other RPGs famously implement.
To ensure the integrity of the main story they hoped to accomplish,it appears as though avoiding romance altogether was their best choice to maintain their overarching vision.
This decision from Obsidian isn’t entirely new, as betweenThe Outer Worldsand the originalPillars Of Eternity, for which Avowed’s world is set, their games have traditionally lacked any sort of romance.
That said,Pillars Of Eternity 2: Deadfiredid implement somelove-based comradery, but it still wasn’t the kind of romance system many of us have come to expect.
I think it is easy for romance mechanics to undermine that core experience by creating something that then becomes something players will metagame
It makes sense that it would feel a bit weird to have a traditional relationship meter within Avowed, as many times,the act of “metagaming” romance options does take players out of the core experience.
For example, withinThe Witcher 3, romance questlines are often separate from the main campaign. You’re oftenromancing partnersjust for the sake of doing it and possibly seeing a spicy cutscene or two.
However, in Avowed, the relationships are built a lot more platonically. Considering how many maincharacters have direct stakeswithin the main campaign,romance options would complicate their role as Obsidian tells their story.
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Many role-playing experiences have become known for their unique romance options. In recent years, games likeBaldur’s Gate 3have shocked players with just how many options you have to romance characters within the core experience.
It makes sense that Avowed doesn’t wish to have this traditional system of romance, asPatel explains that the purpose of Companions within the game is to feel “like a fluid relationship.”
When referencingcharacters like Parvatiin The Outer Worlds, they mention howthe most touching and charming interactions from that companion’s storyline were genuine moments of caring and friendship, where you began to build an authentic connection to that character.
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Although you could argue that Avowed could have easily implemented romance, that would detract from their goal; as Patel explains,the ultimate purpose was to make it feel like you’re “getting some new friends.”
And honestly, in these regards, they’ve absolutely accomplished their goal. Obsidian, best known for theirbrilliant writingand character-driven plotlines, have stuck it out of the park with Avowed’s companions, even if you can’t take them to bed.
