Obsidian Entertainment’s highly anticipated action-RPG, Avowed, was recently delayed to February 18, 2025. One aspect of the game that has been confirmed is that it will run at 30fps on both Xbox Series X and Series S. This decision was made in order to prioritize graphical fidelity and lighting in the game. The art director, Matt Hansen, expressed that they are “targeting a baseline of 30fps” for the RPG on Xbox consoles. According to him, the trade-off for a lower frame rate was made early in development to ensure a visually stunning experience for players. While some may argue that a higher frame rate is necessary for a smoother gameplay experience, Obsidian believes that the visual enhancements will outweigh the need for 60fps.
One of the exciting features of Avowed is the inclusion of multiple possible endings. During the ongoing Gamescom event, game director Carrie Patel revealed that players can expect a variety of different endings, numbering in the double digits. This is in line with Obsidian’s reputation for creating games where player choices have significant consequences on the outcome of the story. Patel emphasized that the ending of Avowed will be a reflection of the player’s decisions throughout the game, ensuring a personalized experience for each player.
Avowed is not the first Xbox first-party title to launch with performance locked at 30fps on consoles. Games like Bethesda’s Starfield and Arkane Austin’s Redfall also started with the same frame rate before receiving patches that brought it up to 60fps. This decision to prioritize graphical fidelity over frame rate seems to be a common theme among these titles. However, given the recent update to Starfield that added 60fps performance for the lower-end Xbox Series S, it remains to be seen whether Avowed will follow suit and offer higher frame rates in the future.
Originally scheduled for a late 2024 release, Avowed’s delay to February 18, 2025, provides the game with more breathing room in a crowded video game release calendar. With its launch across PC, Xbox Series S/X, and Game Pass, players can expect an immersive RPG experience with stunning visuals and impactful decision-making. As Obsidian continues to work on the game and fine-tune its performance, fans can look forward to an expansive world full of possibilities and multiple narrative paths to explore.
While the decision to lock the frame rate at 30fps may raise concerns for some players, Obsidian Entertainment is confident that the visual enhancements and rich storytelling of Avowed will more than make up for it. With a focus on player choice and multiple endings, the game promises to deliver a unique and memorable role-playing experience for fans of the genre. As the release date approaches, anticipation for Avowed continues to build, and players eagerly await the chance to explore the world of Eora in this ambitious new title.
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