Summary
The recent launch ofStarfieldwas prefaced with a huge amount of build-up and hype, with many fans rightfully expecting a big hit from Bethesda’s first original IP in over 25 years. As well as this, many were excited to see how Bethesda could evolve upon its past formulas for newer hardware, with the sheer size of the title being one of the largest talking points around it prior to launch.
WhileStarfieldhad a fairly steady launch and a positive overall reception, it is no secret that the game left a lot to be desired by many fans who were expecting bigger things. While the scope ofStarfieldis undoubtedly impressive, many felt that it lacked the intimate world-building and fascination that previous Bethesda giants likeSkyrimpossessed, and Microsoft now needs to look towards the future to achieve this while demand is still high. Of course, Bethesda is not set to release another mainline game for some time, but the upcoming launch of Obsidian Entertainment’sAvowedcould be the hit that Microsoft needs to fill this gap.
Starfield’s Weakest Aspects Can Be Salvaged By Avowed in 2024
IfStarfieldmade fans realize anything, it is that a lot of Bethesda’s winning game formula is contingent upon the whimsical and engaging nature of the worlds they take place within.The Elder Scrollsfranchise has always had the base setting of Tamrielto work with, featuring a wide range of races and cultures packed together in diverse provinces right across the continent. WhileFallout’s post-apocalyptic setting lacks the same whimsy as Tamriel, it is still saturated with an aesthetic charm that fuels everything the player encounters.
In this way,Starfieldwas almost a victim of its own ambition, with1000 explorable planetscoming at the cost of impactful organic adventure and ambiance. While Microsoft would have wantedStarfieldto have a larger lasting legacy akin toThe Elder ScrollsandFalloutfranchises, the expected release ofAvowedin 2024 could be a saving grace that can negate the missed beats of the title, leaving fans with different expectations happy.
Avowed’s Smaller Scale May Be the Key to its Success
Like Bethesda,Obsidan Entertainment also falls under the Microsoft name, and fans have been drawing comparisons betweenAvowedandThe Elder Scrollsfranchise ever since the game was announced. Being a part of thePillars of EternityIP,Avowedis set to take place in the fantasy world of Eora, with its core gameplay having a heavy focus on classic RPG combat and exploration.
It has already been confirmed thatAvowedwill allow players to dual-wield magical powers and medieval-era weapons, being just one example of how the game closely matchesThe Elder Scrolls' main identity.Avowedwill not possess the same awe-inspiring scale ofStarfield, but will be able to pack more life and natural interaction within its smaller setting as a result.
This means thatAvowedlaunching closely toStarfieldputs Microsoft in a very advantageous position, with two high-profile releases showcasing two very different but equally important avenues for in-game exploration.Avowedis currently sitting on a very broad release window of 2024, and Microsoft needs to ensure above all else that the title meets this intended schedule. While the game should only release if it is truly ready to,Avowedwould lose a lot of its value if its release slips into 2025 and beyond, making the shortcomings ofStarfieldall the more glaring in retrospect.
Avowed’s current 2024 release window is a tentative one and could change as the game goes further into development.
