Avowed Developers On Making A Game Where "The Politics Are As Dangerous As The Creatures"

will take players back to the universe, bringing them into a brand-new adventure in the world of Eora. The upcoming release from Obsidian Entertainment will take players to never before seen places in the established universe, introducing a myriad of new characters alongside a few long-time fans will recognize. Though there's still a lot under wraps, this week's Xbox Showcase during Summer Game Fest offered a bit more insight into what players can expect.

Though began as an -inspired game, it’s since taken on an identity all its own, becoming much more focused on story than crafting a completely open world. The game’s protagonist has just arrived in the Living Lands when the title begins, having been sent to investigate a mysterious plague. Players will have a slew of choices when it comes to both weapons on their journey, with offering everything from magic to firearms, and they’ll fight alongside a roster of interchangeable companions that are integral to the overall narrative.

Avowed's game director Carrie Patel and art director Matthew Hansen explain how the combat and skill system was built for every type of playstyle.

spoke to ’s game director Carrie Patel and art director Matt Hansen during this week’s Xbox Showcase event to learn more about the game’s characters, combat, and how it fits in with the universe.

Screen Rant: Can you talk a little bit more about where this fits into the established universe and lore, that sort of thing?

Carrie Patel: Yeah, it takes place a few years after the end of Deadfire, but the events and the story, and most of the characters, are pretty separate from the previous games. If you come to Avowed as a fan of the previous Pillars games, you'll certainly see a few characters you recognize, including Inquisitor Lodwyn. You'll definitely hear references to events and places that you may be familiar with, but if you're a fresh player, there's nothing there you have to know. It really just builds and fills out the world because