
In a recent Bloomberg interview, Avowed's second game director, Carrie Patel, revealed the tumultuous journey behind the game's development. Obsidian Entertainment's initial vision blended Destiny and Skyrim, aiming for a massive, co-op-focused open world.
The 2020 teaser trailer, while exciting for fans, masked a stark reality: the game was far from finished. Months later, a complete overhaul was decided upon, rendering the teaser a relic of a discarded prototype.
Patel then took the reins, reimagining Avowed. The Skyrim and Destiny influences were jettisoned, along with the open-world design and multiplayer elements. Obsidian returned to its roots, opting for their signature zone-based structure and a single-player narrative deeply rooted in the Pillars of Eternity lore.
This mid-development reboot presented immense difficulties, likened to filmmaking without a script. Teams navigated uncertainty as leadership solidified a cohesive vision. Despite these obstacles, development continued for another four years before Avowed's eventual release.