The Outer Worlds Can Carve a Unique Path by Diverging from Avowed’s Approach

Back in 2019, Obsidian Entertainment made waves with The Outer Worlds, marking their return to the big leagues with a major AAA first-person RPG. This was quite a shift after years dedicated to smaller projects, and it was their first game of this scope since the much-loved Fallout: New Vegas hit the scene in 2010. Despite not being the sequel many fans dreamed of, The Outer Worlds carved its own niche, echoing the dark humor and player-driven decisions that Obsidian had become known for, much like their work on the Fallout series. The game certainly faced some criticism online, but its mix of violence and witty storytelling found a strong fanbase, proving to be both a critical and commercial success.

Fast forward more than five years, and Obsidian is gearing up for their latest AAA RPG, Avowed, set to arrive on Xbox Series X/S and Windows PC in February 2025. This upcoming game is a first-person fantasy RPG that mixes gunplay with magic, promising a fresh take on familiar mechanics. While Avowed and The Outer Worlds share some similarities in scope, they’re set apart by unique differences in setting and combat. For The Outer Worlds to stand out even more, Obsidian might want to steer the franchise in a direction opposite to Avowed’s path.

At first glance, Avowed might seem like a brand-new intellectual property, especially based on its visuals. However, those familiar with Obsidian’s history know that it’s actually a spin-off from their Pillars of Eternity series. While the Pillars of Eternity franchise doesn’t enjoy the widespread recognition of giants like The Elder Scrolls or Fallout, it’s still an important name in gaming circles. Known for its isometric CRPG roots, the series drew heavy inspiration from classics like Baldur’s Gate, emphasizing strategic, pause-and-play combat and deep role-playing elements.

Despite critical acclaim, Pillars of Eternity 1 and 2 didn’t quite hit the sales heights of Obsidian’s other successes. This mixed performance might be why the studio is taking a bold new approach with Avowed, transitioning from isometric gameplay to a first-person perspective. This change aims to attract a broader audience, including fans of The Outer Worlds and first-person RPG enthusiasts in general.

Considering the growing popularity of CRPGs, reignited by titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, it might be an opportune moment for Obsidian to revisit the isometric format. Instead of continuing with the mainline Pillars of Eternity series, they could explore an isometric spin-off set within The Outer Worlds universe. Such a venture could tap into the current demand for choice-heavy, isometric RPGs, offering fans of the classic Fallout games a nostalgic yet fresh experience.

In essence, Obsidian finds itself at a crossroads with exciting opportunities on the horizon. As they prepare to release Avowed and potentially explore new ventures within The Outer Worlds franchise, they have a chance to innovate and satisfy both their loyal fanbase and new players looking for rich, narrative-driven gameplay. As the gaming community eagerly anticipates what’s next, 2025 is shaping up to be a significant year for Obsidian Entertainment.