Obsidian's Avowed has now entered its advanced access phase, inviting eager players to explore the enchanting and perilous landscapes of the Living Lands. As adventurers delve into this new world, they're not only encountering magical items and facing dangers but also uncovering elements of romance, despite initial statements from the developers.
In the lead-up to Avowed's release, Obsidian made it clear that the game would not include a traditional romance system. Instead, the focus was to be on fostering "thoughtful relationships" with companions. This approach was elaborated on by Avowed's game director, Carrie Patel, in an interview with IGN. Patel emphasized the importance of fully committing to romance mechanics if they were to be included, to ensure they enrich both the character development and player experience. She noted, "We are building thoughtful relationships with our companion characters... Ultimately, I personally am a fan of making that an option, but I feel like if you're going to do it, you really, really have to commit and make sure that you're giving all to fulfilling that in a way that feels both true to the character, but also creates an engaging player experience. So not something we're doing for Avowed, but I wouldn't say never."
However, early feedback from players and reviewers suggests a different story. Spoilers ahead for those who wish to remain unaware of specific interactions with the companion Kai. It appears that at least one character in Avowed does show romantic interest in the player's character, hinting at a nuanced approach to relationships that might not have been fully disclosed in pre-release communications.
***Warning!** Avowed spoilers follow:*
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