Introduction

As we navigate this generation's gaming landscape, a question looms regarding exclusives: Will titles like ‘Avowed’ make their way to rival consoles? With Microsoft embracing a seemingly open stance on game availability, the future of Obsidian's latest RPG remains uncertain.

Overview of ‘Avowed’

‘Avowed’ is a new action role-playing game from Obsidian, the studio behind hits like Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds. While the game has garnered a reasonable reception—holding an 80 score—it isn't breaking records. Its release is particularly significant as it stands to be one of the biggest "true exclusives" for Xbox following the recent delay of the highly anticipated Fable. But this development raises a pertinent question: should ‘Avowed’ remain exclusive to Xbox?

Microsoft's Stance on Exclusivity

Microsoft has repeatedly asserted that “nothing is off the table” regarding their game policies. If iconic characters like Master Chief, from the Halo franchise, and Marcus Fenix, from Gears of War, have been considered for other platforms, why should ‘Avowed’ be different?

Current Status of ‘Avowed’

Currently, ‘Avowed’ has not been announced for PlayStation 5; there are no indications of a time-delayed release or any form of cross-platform availability. Nonetheless, the speculation persists. From a PR perspective, Microsoft faces a dilemma. Should they allow PS5 players to access ‘Avowed’ now or hold firm to exclusivity?

Reasons Against Bringing ‘Avowed’ to PS5

There are several reasons Microsoft might choose to keep ‘Avowed’ exclusive. Announcing its availability on other platforms at this stage might disrupt the trust and investment of Xbox users, who may have subscribed to Game Pass or purchased the game based on its exclusivity. The disappointment could create considerable buyer's remorse and inject uncertainty into Microsoft’s overarching marketing strategies.

Furthermore, ‘Avowed’ exists within the expansive Pillars of Eternity universe but stands as a new intellectual property, a category Microsoft has previously committed to keeping exclusive. This strategy was echoed during their legal battle to acquire Activision Blizzard, where they emphasized the importance of maintaining exclusivity on original first-party titles rather than extending established franchises like Call of Duty.

Another recent case worth noting is Bethesda's ‘Starfield,’ which has also not migrated to PS5 following its release. Its absence from the platform—even a year after launch—illustrates Microsoft’s cautious approach to releasing first-party titles on rival consoles.

Reasons for Considering PS5 Release

On the flip side, there’s a compelling argument for bringing ‘Avowed’ to PS5. Reports from Obsidian indicate that Microsoft is pleased with the game's performance, but in a competitive industry, maximizing sales is crucial. Currently, Microsoft has emerged as one of the biggest publishers on PlayStation, primarily due to the success of franchises like Call of Duty. This trend is surprising, and releasing ‘Avowed’ on the PlayStation could drive substantial additional revenue.

Moreover, while many Xbox players accessed ‘Avowed’ through Game Pass, this subscription model yields fewer direct sales. When examining its performance on platforms like Steam, ‘Avowed’ struggled to reach significant concurrent player numbers, failing to surpass 20,000 during peak times. In contrast, non-Xbox RPGs have seen much higher engagement, further emphasizing potential untapped sales for ‘Avowed’ on PS5.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision on whether ‘Avowed’ makes its way to PS5 is complex and multi-layered. While it may take at least a year before any official announcement arrives, considering the ever-evolving nature of the gaming industry, anything is possible.

What do you think? Will ‘Avowed’ soon be available for PS5? Keep your eyes peeled for updates!