Avowed
News, coverage and analysis tracking Avowed across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Even with PS5 Ports, Many of Xbox's Games Have Been Underperfoming
An internal memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma revealed that the division is operating at a 3% accountability margin, leading to layoffs. Many of Xbox's first-party games, even those with PlayStation 5 ports, have underperformed in sales and Xbox Game Pass engagement, failing to meet expectations.
Games Inbox: When will the Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake be shown again?
Readers discuss the Nintendo Switch 2's launch lineup and pricing, with some hoping for a The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake to justify a purchase. Other topics include the definition of 'roguelike' and 'roguelite' games, and potential new business models for consoles, such as installment payments.
Report – Major layoffs to hit Xbox as CEO claims it is “not in a healthy spot”
Xbox is reportedly planning significant layoffs next month as new CEO Asha Sharma aims to "reset the business," which she described as "not in a healthy spot." These cuts are expected after June 30th and will be accompanied by reduced marketing budgets and other cost-saving measures. Sharma also indicated a need to reconsider the "Project Helix" business model due to the AI chip crisis and stated that the platform's current infrastructure is not optimized for future challenges.
40+ PS5, PS4 Games to Buy in PS Store's Mid-Year Deals Sale
Sony's PlayStation Store is hosting a Mid-Year Deals sale featuring numerous PS5 and PS4 games until July 1st. The article highlights recommended titles such as 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, Anger Foot, and Another Crab's Treasure, many of which are at their lowest prices.
Xbox Game Pass lost "millions of subscribers" in just "a few months" after 50% price hike
Xbox experienced a significant subscriber loss, reportedly in the millions, within months of implementing a 50% price increase for Game Pass in October 2025. New CEO Asha Sharma acknowledged the negative impact and has initiated a strategy shift, including making some first-party titles like Gears of War: E-Day exclusive to Xbox consoles.
Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution "are not timed exclusives," Xbox says, but everything "already announced for multiplatform releases will stick to that plan"
Xbox has announced that Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution will be true Xbox console exclusives, marking a shift in strategy under new CEO Asha Sharma. While previously announced multiplatform titles like Halo: Campaign Evolved will still release on PlayStation 5 and PC, future first-party games are intended to bolster the Xbox ecosystem.
I never change weapons in RPGs, which means I've made Obsidian director Josh Sawyer's life a living hell when it comes to making cool armour systems
Obsidian director Josh Sawyer discusses the challenges of designing compelling armor systems in RPGs, particularly when players like himself tend to stick to a single weapon and armor set. He cites Darklands as an inspiration for its rock-paper-scissors approach to combat and armor interaction, but notes that player adherence to character concepts can make implementing such systems difficult.
After 26 years of RPGs, Obsidian legend Josh Sawyer admits he's still trying to make a good armor system
Obsidian design director Josh Sawyer, an RPG veteran, admits he is still striving to create an ideal armor system, citing the 1992 RPG Darklands as a benchmark he has yet to surpass. Sawyer expressed dissatisfaction with Avowed's armor system, which he felt was designed as a progression gate that players disliked, and discussed his vision for a more simulative and historical approach inspired by Darklands.
RPG legend Josh Sawyer says Obsidian doesn't hate Baldur's Gate 3-style romance, "it's more that it is not typically the wheelhouse we have operated in"
Obsidian Entertainment's Josh Sawyer explained that the studio doesn't typically include extensive romance options in its RPGs due to the significant time investment required and tonal considerations. While not opposed to romance in games, Sawyer clarified that Obsidian's focus has historically been elsewhere, differentiating their approach from titles like Baldur's Gate 3.
Amazon Cancels Lord of the Rings MMORPG - GameHaunt
Amazon Games has canceled its Lord of the Rings MMORPG, which was in development since 2023 with Embracer Group. The company cited economic and technical challenges, opting instead to pursue a smaller, single-player or co-op experience in Tolkien's universe. This marks the second time Amazon has failed to launch a Lord of the Rings MMO, with a previous attempt canceled in 2021 due to disputes with Tencent.
The 10 best RPGs for beginners looking to try out the genre for the first time
This guide highlights ten approachable role-playing games perfect for newcomers to the genre. It features titles like Yakuza 0, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Persona 5 Royal, and Dragon Quest 11 S, detailing their gameplay, story, and why they serve as excellent entry points. The article also explains the 'RPG Vibes' used to categorize the games and the methodology behind the ranking.
The 10 best RPGs for busy adults looking for a breather from hectic schedules
This article ranks the best role-playing games suitable for busy adults seeking a relaxing gaming experience. It highlights titles like Citizen Sleeper, Final Fantasy 16, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, emphasizing their accessibility, replayability, and ability to be enjoyed in short bursts or longer sessions. The selection considers games with straightforward controls and engaging narratives that cater to varied playstyles and time constraints.
Xbox console sales drop by 33% as Microsoft struggles to make money from games
Microsoft's latest financial results reveal a significant 33% drop in Xbox hardware revenue compared to the previous year, contributing to an overall 5% decline in gaming revenue. Despite new leadership under Asha Sharma and efforts like a Game Pass price cut, the brand faces an uphill battle with declining console sales and underperforming first-party titles.
Looking to unwind? Here are the 10 best relaxing RPGs to chill out with in 2026
This article lists the 10 best relaxing role-playing games to play when looking to unwind. The selection prioritizes titles that offer freedom, exploration, and a stress-free experience, with games like Avowed, Cyberpunk 2077, and The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim highlighted for their approachable gameplay and open-ended design.
Xbox Cutting Game Pass and Pulling Call of Duty Is Finally Honest
Xbox has reduced the price of Game Pass Ultimate and will no longer offer day-one access to future Call of Duty titles, a move described as the most honest statement from the company in years. This shift acknowledges that the previous pricing and strategy were unsustainable, particularly after the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The company is also scaling back its hardware ambitions and focusing on becoming a multi-platform publisher.
Obsidian caused some trouble by using the Rorschach Test in Fallout: New Vegas: 'Those folks came to Bethesda and said we're gonna have a fun lawsuit on our hands, so pony up!'
Former Obsidian creative director Chris Avellone revealed that Fallout: New Vegas faced legal trouble over its use of the Rorschach Test without proper trademark clearance. Representatives for the Rorschach Test approached Bethesda, leading to a settlement. This incident highlighted the complexities of intellectual property and trademarks in game development.
Xbox will "reevaluate" its approach to exclusive games and AI, new CEO and CCO say "our new north star…
Xbox's new leadership, CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty, announced a reevaluation of the brand's approach to exclusive games and artificial intelligence. This strategic shift follows recent departures and aims for greater transparency and a focus on core franchises, while also addressing concerns about AI-generated content in game development.
10 Best Xbox RPGs to play in 2026
This article ranks the 10 best RPGs available on Xbox Series X, highlighting titles like Fable Anniversary, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, and Baldur's Gate 3. It covers a range of RPG subgenres and emphasizes games with strong storytelling and engaging gameplay.
How Long Will 2026's Biggest Games Actually Take to Beat? | TAG
This article analyzes the estimated playtime for major video game releases in 2026, considering a typical adult gaming schedule of 5 hours per week. It breaks down games like Grand Theft Auto 6, Crimson Desert, and Monster Hunter Wilds into categories based on how long they will take to complete, offering practical advice for fitting them into a busy life. The analysis also highlights the value of subscription services like Game Pass for accessing multiple titles.
The 10 best first-person RPGs for truly immersive adventuring
This article ranks the 10 best first-person RPGs, highlighting titles that excel in immersive worldbuilding and player agency. Games like Avowed, Cyberpunk 2077, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim are praised for their ability to place players directly into fantastical or dystopian worlds, offering immediate action and deep exploration.
