In 2019sThe Outer Worldsand in next monthsAvowed, the studio has gone withan open-zone approach, rather than open-world.
Why does Obsidian do this?
Mostly forpacing, per a recent blog post onXbox Wire.
I think its a good pacing mechanism (for those choices).
We know roughly what youve done before youve gone to the next thing.
The Best Of Both Worlds
It gives you the best of both worlds.
Avowed’s character creator will be a massively selling point for the Xbox RPG.
But I’m also extremely tired of linear games that treat the player like a train on a track.
When linear games get this balance right, there’s nothing like them.
It’s a good loop.
But, when this approach to design works, it really works.
It can make each place you visit feel designed; big, but manageable.
And, maybe most important, it leaves room for some mystery.
Trying to rush through mammoth RPGs to keep up with the industry is exhausting.
