In a recent conversation with Berto Ritger, the Avowed region director, the focus was on the intricate design of the game that rewards players for exploration. Each corner, rooftop, and even the quiet ponds are imbued with hidden treasures, from simple vendor items to essential upgrade materials, creating an engaging experience that resonates with players. The towns and landscapes of the Living Lands may not echo the realistic ambiance of titles like Deus Ex or Elder Scrolls, but Avowed’s unique charm lies in its consistent rewards for curiosity, sparking a sense of joy and satisfaction.
One standout feature of Avowed is its parkour system, which has been a part of the game since its early development stages. This dynamic movement mechanic not only necessitated the creation of vertically-oriented levels but also encouraged testers to explore areas that designers had not anticipated. Ritger emphasized the team’s decision to embrace this exploratory behavior rather than restrict it with invisible barriers. “People are going to figure out a way to get up on the roofs. Let’s just lean into that and commit to rewarding that exploration,” he stated, highlighting the importance of acknowledging player efforts with small rewards, such as a hidden bird’s nest or a coin.
A secret is revealed
Among the many secrets scattered throughout Avowed, some are remarkably significant. One of Ritger’s personal favorites is a concealed sewer beneath the starting docks, which players might stumble upon unexpectedly. This hidden area is populated with challenging specter enemies and offers a powerful unique item as a reward. Interestingly, while nearby NPCs may hint at the sounds emanating from below, there are no formal quests or journal entries directing players there, enhancing the allure of discovery. Ritger credited this clever design to Obsidian area designer Ryan Torres.
Ritger also shared a memorable encounter involving a chest located in Shatterscarp, near the Leviathan hollow. This chest, adorned with severed hands reaching for it, offers a unique interaction where the loot disappears into the ground once collected. Such creative touches, designed by Bre Seale, exemplify the team’s commitment to crafting memorable moments. Additionally, players can find a quirky Orlan poet behind a waterfall, where they can assist him in refining his poetry to win over a lady Orlan, showcasing the game’s rich narrative potential.
Ritger noted that every corner of Avowed is filled with intentional design choices, ensuring that players feel rewarded for their exploration. He expressed concern about the impact of dead ends on player engagement, stating, “If you have a lot of dead ends that lead nowhere, you learn the lesson as a player: This game doesn’t have much to offer me.” To counter this, the team aimed to create pathways that lead to meaningful discoveries, encouraging players to venture off the main path.
As an avid RPG fan, Ritger understands the tendency to prioritize main quests, yet he and his team have worked diligently to ensure that side paths and explorations yield worthwhile rewards. “We try to have them lead you to something or give you something, so that every time you try that you’re going to feel like, ‘Okay, that was worth it,'” he explained. This philosophy fosters a sense of curiosity, prompting players to pause and explore their surroundings rather than rushing through the main objectives.
With Avowed making a strong impression, it remains a contender for game of the year for many, including myself. Excitingly, project lead Carrie Patel has hinted at potential DLC, while fans can also anticipate another full release from Obsidian, with The Outer Worlds 2 set to debut in 2025.
