Avowed Developers Discuss Removal of Key Multiplayer Cooperative Features

Fans of Obsidian Entertainment can finally look forward to the release of Avowed, although it will not feature multiplayer gameplay—a notable change from earlier promises made during the game’s development phase.

Multiplayer gaming has surged in popularity over the last few years, with titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Baldur’s Gate 3, Helldivers 2, and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 leading the charge in the industry. The success of these games has underscored the demand for cooperative and competitive experiences among players.

As anticipation builds for Avowed, the decision to exclude multiplayer options has raised questions. Thankfully, the development team has provided insights into their choice.

Reasons Behind the Absence of Multiplayer in Avowed

In the recent 20th Anniversary documentary from Obsidian, the developers elaborated on their rationale for focusing entirely on a single-player experience. They noted, “Initially, the idea of multiplayer made it appealing to publishers.” However, they soon realized that their attention was diverted into co-op mechanics, which affected their core development processes.

“We were too focused on changing our development pipelines, narrative structures, and the quest designs, which forced us to make some drastic changes,” they stated in the documentary. The team recognized the need for a pivot to ensure the game aligned with the strengths that Obsidian is renowned for: crafting compelling narratives and unique gaming adventures.

Clip starts at 18:30

For further context, check the full discussion here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oo9ZYDRQkbg

Obsidian 20th Anniversary Documentary | Part 5 Finale (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oo9ZYDRQkbg)

Ultimately, this shift towards a single-player format is a strategic decision in favor of quality and depth. By concentrating on what they do best, the developers can create a rich, story-driven experience reminiscent of their previous work, such as Pillars of Eternity.

While multiplayer gameplay will not be available, fans may be curious about the depth of companion dynamics in Avowed. Unlike The Outer Worlds, which emphasized NPC relationships, details on romantic interactions with companions in Avowed can be found in our comprehensive guide.

For additional insights, you can read more from the original source here.