Obsidian Entertainment has announced that its latest title, Avowed, will be making its debut on PlayStation 5 on February 17, alongside a significant anniversary update available for all platforms. This revelation was shared during an interview at the New Game+ Showcase, where the developers highlighted several exciting features included in the update.
The upcoming anniversary update will introduce long-awaited enhancements such as a New Game Plus mode, a Photo Mode, and the introduction of three new playable races: Aumaua, Orlan, and Dwarves. Players can also look forward to access to a new weapon type and customization options that allow them to change their characters’ appearances within the game world, among other improvements that the community has eagerly requested.
Pre-orders for the PS5 version of Avowed will commence today, and the update will be free for existing players on other platforms. Since its release nearly a year ago, Avowed has received a mixed reception, earning a 7/10 rating from critics. While it has been praised for its impressive worldbuilding and character development, some have noted that it adheres closely to traditional fantasy tropes.
The transition of Avowed to PlayStation aligns with a growing trend of Xbox releasing its first-party titles on competing platforms. This strategy has included notable titles such as Forza Horizon 5 and Doom: The Dark Ages, and even the iconic Halo series. Observers have noted that this approach appears to resonate well with consumers, as evidenced by the impressive sales figures for Xbox-published games on PlayStation, with six of the top ten best-sellers last year originating from Xbox.
As hardware prices continue to soar, and the gaming landscape shifts towards permanent titles, it remains to be seen whether this strategy will continue to be beneficial for Xbox. Nonetheless, the decision to broaden accessibility to their games reflects a willingness to adapt to evolving consumer preferences in the gaming industry.