Introduction
According to The Verge’s Notepad newsletter, Obsidian’s much-anticipated first-person action RPG, Avowed, is set to be delayed into early 2025. Initially, the game was on track for a November release. However, Microsoft appears to be strategically spacing out its significant titles to avoid overcrowding the holiday season.
Factors Influencing the Delay
The delay seems partly motivated by GSC Game World’s announcement to push back Stalker 2 into November. Although Stalker 2 isn’t a Microsoft studio product, it will be an Xbox and PC exclusive, arriving on Game Pass from day one for premium subscribers. This addition already substantially fills the holiday season’s release schedule and may have influenced Microsoft’s decision to delay Avowed.
Upcoming Microsoft Releases
Microsoft has a lineup of major titles releasing this fall, including Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Call of Duty Black Ops 6, and the first expansion of Diablo 4, Vessel of Hatred. This robust offering further supports the notion that Microsoft aims to avoid an overcrowded schedule, providing breathing room for Avowed’s eventual release.
Strategic Timing and Game Pass Focus
By delaying Avowed, Microsoft can focus on giving Game Pass subscribers something to anticipate during the quieter early months of 2025. The strategic spacing aims to maintain steady engagement among subscribers, reducing pressure on the holiday lineup while ensuring continued interest in Game Pass offerings post-holiday season. Avowed’s initial announcement in 2020 generated considerable excitement, and sustaining that interest will be pivotal for its success.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s decision to delay Avowed into early 2025 is a calculated move driven by multiple factors, including competition from other titles and strategic planning around Game Pass. While fans may be disappointed by the delay, the overall state of the game remains strong, promising a polished and engaging experience upon its release.
