The highly anticipated action-RPG, Avowed, developed by Obsidian Entertainment, is set to release on PC and current-gen Xbox consoles on February 18, 2025. One aspect that has caught the attention of gamers is the performance details of the game on Xbox Series X and Series S. It has been confirmed by the developer that Avowed will run at 30fps on both Xbox Series X and Series S. Matt Hansen, the game’s art director, mentioned in an interview on the Iron Lords Podcast that the studio is “targeting a baseline of 30fps” for the RPG on Xbox consoles. This decision was made to prioritize graphical fidelity and lighting in the game, with Hansen stating that the trade-off between 30fps and 60fps allowed Obsidian to achieve a visually dense and smooth-running game. The developer’s focus on optimizing the game for performance while maintaining high-quality visuals is evident in their approach to the console version of Avowed.
Another exciting aspect of Avowed that has been revealed is the presence of multiple possible endings. Carrie Patel, the game director, mentioned in an interview with IGN that the ending slides in Avowed number in the double digits. This means that players will have the opportunity to experience a variety of endings based on the choices they make throughout the game. As Patel highlighted, the ending of Avowed is a culmination of the player’s decisions across different pieces of content, offering a personalized and unique experience for each player. This aspect adds depth and replay value to the game, encouraging players to explore different paths and make diverse choices to uncover all the endings available in Avowed.
It is worth noting that Avowed is not the first Xbox first-party title to launch with performance locked at 30fps on consoles. Titles like Bethesda’s Starfield and Arkane Austin’s Redfall also initially launched at 30fps on Xbox Series S/X but later received updates that increased the performance to 60fps. This trend indicates that while some games may prioritize graphical fidelity and visual quality at 30fps, there is a demand from players for higher frame rates for a smoother and more responsive gaming experience. The decision to lock the performance at 30fps in Avowed reflects the developer’s deliberate choice to balance performance and visual fidelity, showcasing their commitment to delivering a visually stunning and immersive RPG experience for players.
Originally scheduled for a late 2024 release, Avowed was recently delayed to February 18, 2025. This delay allows the game to have some breathing room amidst a competitive late 2024 video game release calendar, giving Obsidian more time to polish and optimize the game for its launch. Additionally, Avowed will be available on Game Pass, providing subscribers with the opportunity to experience the game at no additional cost on launch day. The inclusion of Avowed in Game Pass further expands the accessibility of the game, allowing a wider audience to explore the rich world and engaging gameplay that Obsidian has crafted.
Avowed promises to be a captivating and immersive action-RPG experience, combining stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and a branching narrative that offers players multiple possible endings. The decision to target 30fps on Xbox Series X and Series S reflects Obsidian’s dedication to delivering a visually impressive game while maintaining smooth performance. With a release date set for February 18, 2025, and inclusion in Game Pass, Avowed is shaping up to be a must-play title for RPG fans looking for a compelling and dynamic gaming experience.