Summary
WithThe Outer Worlds 2andAvowedbeing anticipated upcoming releases,Obsidianis delving deeper into its original IPs than ever before. Initially known for its ability to do justice to pre-existing franchises through strong sequels and spin-offs, the studio’s trajectory has shifted ever since the successful crowdfunding campaign forPillars of Eternity. While its recent titles may be known for featuring many of the hallmarks of modern RPGs, one popular mechanic likely isn’t much of a priority forObsidianat all.
A concept in line with the actual roleplaying aspect in games, romance in RPGs has possibly become more popular than ever. WithBaldur’s Gate 3seeing a spike in interest following one of its intimate scene reveals that has been more than maintained with the rich romance subplots the game offers, many players have been reminded of the dynamics present in experiences likeMass EffectandDragon AgefromBioWare, a developer that Obsidian has been compared to from the beginning. Some earlier releases may have leaned into romance, but Obsidian has largely moved away from it as it has carved out more of its own identity.
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Obsidian’s History with Romance in its RPGs
Initially formed in 2003, Obsidian was formed from the remnants of Interplay’s Black Isle Studios by developers who worked on classic RPG titles likeFallout 2andIcewind Dale.Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2was Obsidian’s first release, a game known for its memorable characters and deep story that led many to forgive its technical shortcomings. With varied romance arcs depending on the player’s choices,KOTOR 2was much more in line with the BioWare style of the first game. While the controversialAlpha Protocolwould go on to feature several love interests for its protagonist to encounter,Neverwinter Nights 2served as an example of the straightforward approach to RPG storytelling that Obsidian seems to have always preferred.
Despite the prevalence of the mechanic in similar titles,Pillars of Eternitywould forgo romance entirely and continue to show the studio’s lack of focus on the mechanic. With strong character writing that doesn’t delve into intimate feelings for the player, this choice could be a warranted stylistic preference.Tyrannywould go on to utilize its grim world and harsh characters to distance itself even further away from the love stories found in other RPGs, whilePillars’ sequel,Deadfirefinally compromised and provided some romance options that most players have found severely lacking. When it comes to the studio’s recent and upcoming releases, Obsidian’s priorities simply seem to be in enhancing other areas.
The Outer Worlds Proved Romance isn’t Mandatory
A well-received title that served to fill the void that the disappointment ofFallout 76left for many,The Outer Worldsmanaged to be a fulfilling experience for RPG fans despite not featuring any romances between the player and their companions. A game that solely takes place in first-person where the player character isn’t even seen outside the menu, it ultimately makes sense to omit romantic subplots that greatly benefit from cinematic presentation. With bothThe Outer Worlds 2andAvowedset to feature the same first-person perspective, it would not be surprising to see them both forgoing the romance options that have become so popular in other RPGs.
Obsidianofficially stated that the concept of romancing companions wasn’t implemented intoThe Outer Worldsdue to budget constraints, and with the studio’s acquisition by Microsoft, this dynamic has certainly shifted. While it may remain true to the trend it has established over the past few years, there’s still a chance thatThe Outer Worlds 2and evenAvowedcould feature romance optionswith an unexpected level of depth. If the developer’s past has indicated anything though, it’s that Obsidian Entertainment always seems to prioritize the quality of the core RPG experience and world-building of its games over anything else.
