Obsidian Entertainment's fantasy RPG Avowed arrived in February 2025, and by 2026 its influence is still being measured across the studio's past and future projects. Set in the same universe as Pillars of Eternity, the first-person RPG was delayed to avoid being buried by players' backlogs and major competition. That decision was a bet: if Avowed found a broad audience, it could renew interest in Obsidian's older work and create a new path forward. The central question is simple: can one successful RPG revive a developer's entire legacy?

The game was not rushed out to fill a gap. Obsidian chose to delay Avowed in favor of players' backlogs so that the RPG might not be swept under the rug so easily. That patience reflected both confidence and caution. The studio knew Avowed was a brand-new experience, even though it was firmly rooted in the Pillars of Eternity series.

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A Spotlight on Pillars of Eternity

From a gameplay standpoint, Pillars of Eternity and Avowed are different beasts. Pillars uses an isometric perspective, while Avowed is first-person. Yet both share the world of Eora, and their combat and companion systems have notable similarities. That shared DNA could make Avowed a gateway. With Baldur's Gate 3 proving that isometric RPGs can achieve critical and commercial success, Avowed may attract new players to Obsidian's Pillars series. Obsidian has said Pillars is not 'required reading' for Avowed, but some players may want more Eora after the credits roll. A spike in interest could occur before Avowed's release, but a standout reception would make it more pronounced afterward.

The comparison to Baldur's Gate 3 is inevitable. Larian's RPG showed that a deep isometric game can reach a massive mainstream audience. Avowed is not that game, but its release could act as a funnel. Players who enjoy its companion relationships, dialogue choices, and Eora lore may seek out the older titles. If that happens, Pillars of Eternity could see a popularity spike that lasts well beyond Avowed's launch window.

The Outer Worlds 2 and the Weight of Expectations

Obsidian's The Outer Worlds was highly anticipated before launch because of the studio's work on Fallout: New Vegas. It performed admirably for a new IP, but it did not fully match the hype. Critics noted combat that was too simple and lacking depth, while some felt the narrative was forgettable. On June 13, 2021, Obsidian announced The Outer Worlds 2 at the Xbox and Bethesda E3 presentation. Since then, details have been scarce, but hopes remain high that the sequel will outperform its predecessor. If Avowed is successful, it could build even more anticipation for The Outer Worlds 2. Either way, a brighter spotlight would shine on Obsidian Entertainment.

The first Outer Worlds was a commercial and critical success in many ways, but it also became a cautionary tale about hype. Fallout: New Vegas cast a long shadow. When The Outer Worlds 2 was announced, fans immediately began imagining a bigger, deeper, and more ambitious sequel. Avowed's performance could either intensify that hope or temper it. If Obsidian delivers a strong fantasy RPG, trust in the studio rises. If Avowed stumbles, the pressure on The Outer Worlds 2 grows.

What Is at Stake in 2026?

Now that Avowed has been out for more than a year, the conversation has shifted from pre-launch speculation to post-launch ripple effects. Early previews were promising, and Obsidian confirmed it worked hard to improve the game based on community feedback. Unless Avowed utterly failed, it will stir at least some renewed interest in Obsidian's past work and its upcoming sequel. A strong performance could do more: it could trigger a revival for the developer, renew interest in Pillars of Eternity, and pave a new road for future projects.

By 2026, the launch window is over. The question is no longer whether Avowed can survive competition, but whether it can sustain a community. Post-launch updates, expansions, and word-of-mouth matter. A game can have a slow start and still become a beloved RPG over time. Obsidian's history with patches and enhanced editions suggests the studio understands long-tail support. That could be crucial for Avowed's ability to lift the rest of its catalog.

Obsidian project Perspective Connection to Avowed
Pillars of Eternity Isometric RPG series Same universe of Eora; similar combat and companion ideas
The Outer Worlds First-person sci-fi RPG Showed hype can exceed execution; Avowed success could boost sequel
The Outer Worlds 2 Upcoming sequel More anticipation if Avowed raises Obsidian's profile
Avowed First-person fantasy RPG Released February 2025; potential catalyst for the studio

Why Success Matters

A hit RPG does more than sell copies. It can send players backward into a developer's catalog and forward into its next release. Obsidian's attempts to improve Avowed and protect it from noteworthy competition could pay off. If Avowed achieves immense success, it could renew interest in the studio's previous work and trigger a revival of sorts. That would pave a new path for Obsidian as it continues moving forward. But can any single game carry that much weight? The answer may depend on whether Avowed is remembered as a strong RPG or merely a competent one.

Possible outcomes for Obsidian include:

  • 🏆 Best case: Avowed is a hit, Pillars sales rise, The Outer Worlds 2 anticipation grows, and Obsidian expands.

  • ⚖️ Middle case: Avowed is solid, some players explore Eora, and the sequel benefits modestly.

  • ⚠️ Worst case: Avowed underwhelms, but Obsidian's reputation keeps future projects alive.

The studio's future is not tied to Avowed alone, but Avowed could be the spark. A successful launch may lead more players to Eora, build anticipation for The Outer Worlds 2, and remind the industry why Obsidian's RPGs matter. In 2026, that possibility remains the most compelling reason to watch Avowed's long tail. 🎮