When it comes to the gaming scene, few titles have sparked as much excitement as Avowed, led by game director Carrie Patel. Ever since Obsidian first unveiled it, the anticipation has been mounting, and recent sneak peeks have only heightened the buzz. Unfortunately for eager fans, the launch has been pushed from 2024 to February 2025. But rest assured, this isn’t because of technical hurdles or the game needing extra polish. It’s strategic. By launching in February, Avowed can enjoy more visibility on Xbox Game Pass, avoiding an overshadowed debut amidst major releases like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
In a recent chat with Games Radar, Carrie Patel explained her stance on the timing. While February is packed with launches, Patel believes Avowed holds its own distinctive charm. She wisely pointed out, “In today’s gaming world, there’s always something fresh to explore. Expecting a month with zero competition is wishful thinking. We’re confident Avowed will carve out its space.” True, February 2025 is shaping up to be a competitive time, but Patel seems unfazed.
### February 2025: A Gaming Frenzy
Mark your calendars for some big names next February. Civilization 7 and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 both drop on February 11. Valentine’s Day serves up Assassin’s Creed Shadows, while Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii hits shores on February 21. Wrapping up the month, Monster Hunter Wilds is set for February 28. Nestled comfortably among these is Avowed, right in the mix with its February 18 launch. From a strategic viewpoint, perhaps a less crowded January might have seemed more appealing, but the competition doesn’t bother Obsidian.
Avowed does have an ace up its sleeve—it launches directly onto Xbox Game Pass. This ensures an immediate audience. If the word-of-mouth buzz is positive, this could significantly boost its profile. Having personally delved into Avowed, the slices of gameplay I’ve seen have left me eagerly awaiting the full release on February 18.
### Exploring Avowed’s World
Set against the backdrop of the Living Lands, an adventurous and perilous island, Avowed plunges into the universe of Eora, previously explored in the acclaimed Pillars of Eternity series. Players will step into the shoes of an envoy from Aedyr, unraveling dark secrets of a mysterious plague. This richly woven narrative spins a tale of choice, danger, and ancient secrets threatening to unravel everything. As players, you’ll navigate this yet undefined frontier, balancing your fate with that of the world around you.
For those planning on embarking on this adventure, Avowed will be accessible on both Xbox and PC. Making use of the powerful Unreal Engine 5, it promises an experience rich with detail and depth. While we wait for more updates on Steam Deck compatibility, Xbox Series X|S optimization is confirmed. As February 18, 2025, approaches, players will be eager to dive into the compelling world Obsidian has crafted.
