Unlocking Sequels: How the ‘Avowed’ Creators Perfected the Sequel Formula for Success

Obsidian Entertainment is a standout name in the world of role-playing games (RPGs). Since its start in 2003, Obsidian has brought us classics like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords (2004) and Fallout: New Vegas (2010). What makes them special? It’s not just their games’ quality; it’s their storytelling ability. The studio’s roots trace back to Black Isle Studios, where many of its founders worked on the original Fallout. This rich history laid the groundwork for their distinctive writing style.

Obsidian’s sequels are particularly noteworthy. Rather than creating entirely new franchises, they often build on existing worlds. Titles like Knights of the Old Republic II and Neverwinter Nights 2 have been embraced by fans, often being seen as improvements over their predecessors. Co-founder Feargus Urquhart believes this ability to improve and build upon prior successes is a key to their success.

Take Fallout: New Vegas, for example. Many consider it the best entry in the Fallout series due to its engaging story and rich character development. Similarly, KOTOR 2 pushed boundaries in exploring the moral complexities of the Star Wars universe. With each game, Obsidian loops in lessons learned to enhance its signature style of immersive storytelling.

A more recent title, Pentiment (2022), showcased their innovative approach with its unique visual style mimicking illuminated manuscripts. Now, with the upcoming release of Avowed, Obsidian aims to merge its past experiences into an expansive first-person RPG set in Eora, the world from Pillars of Eternity.

In Avowed, players will encounter a blend of player choice, thoughtfully crafted environments, and meaningful character interactions. Obsidian’s approach emphasizes not just making a game, but crafting an experience that connects players to the world and characters. Each character has a life outside of their interactions with the player, adding depth to their roles.

Companions in Avowed come with rich backgrounds and relationships that influence gameplay. Unlike in many RPGs, where romance often overshadows platonic connections, Obsidian focuses on developing real friendships among characters. This decision allows for more profound storytelling, letting players explore the characters’ motives and histories.

The studio’s dedicated nature creates games that are not just engaging but also deeply layered. With Avowed, they aim to set a high standard for fantasy RPGs that rivals iconic series like The Elder Scrolls. As they prepare to launch this title, excitement builds not only for what lies ahead but for future projects, including The Outer Worlds 2, slated for 2025.

Ultimately, Obsidian’s strength lies in their ability to take established universes and elevate them while also exploring new territory. With Avowed, they promise to deliver an adventure that embodies their distinct storytelling flair, paving the way for an exciting future in gaming.