Microsoft's Phil Spencer denied that Avowed had been delayed because it was janky. 'We did not move it because Obsidian required the time. They'll use the extra time'

Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft Gaming, has been giving interviews at the end of 2024. The mood is upbeat. Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, for $69 billion, was completed in October 2023. In its first year, the publisher's lineup has grown significantly, with titles such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 promoting Game Pass.

Spencer claims that the company is so rich, it's letting its employees take their time to do what they need. Avowed by Obsidian, a fantasy role-playing game that the company is desperate to avoid being compared to Skyrim, had been scheduled for release in fall 2024, but was delayed to February 2025. The reason? Microsoft said that it was all about the players! What kindness to give us a chance at clearing our backlog!

Spencer reiterates this reasoning to GameFile's Stephen Totilo and denies the idea that it was due to the game not being in good shape. This is not a fanciful suspicion because Obsidian has produced amazing RPGs in the past, including Alpha Protocol and New Vegas. These games have had more than their fair amount of bugs and jank.

Spencer said, "We can afford to do it, when we have Diablo expansion, Black Ops and Indy [ana Jones and The Great Circle]." "We didn't change it because Obsidian required the time." They'll use that time."

Hmmm. Spencer says Microsoft is internally looking at Game Pass and how they are pacing the larger releases. "Matt Booty, and I, plan it out. We talk with the Game Pass Team. We ask, "Okay, when are the big launches? Stalker is another launch that isn't on the list [of releases in 2024], but is still a significant one for us. We said "Okay, let's pace this out a bit better."

It's true that February 2025 makes sense if you only look at Game Pass. In the context of the gaming industry, February is a month full of big releases, including Assassin's Creed Shadows and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. There's also a new Yakuza title, Monster Hunter Wilds, and a new Yakuza. It's not a quiet month and I'd worry more about Avowed being overshadowed than Stalker 2 by any of these games.

Spencer said, "Maybe we can do a better pace with some of our friends from third parties." We want them to all be successful.

Ah yes, Microsoft's good ship believes that a rising tide will lift all boats... as long as the fleet is the largest on the waves. The reasoning behind Avowed’s delay is a little euphemistic. Xbox executives don't delay games of this magnitude because they're worried about backlogs. They delay them because the suits think it's worth the wait. Microsoft wants Avowed launched in the best possible condition, especially after the lukewarm response to Starfield. This game has hit potential but it could also be a 6/10 cult favorite.

Avowed should not shy away from Skyrim comparisons, even if they aren't the most flattering. As PC Gamer Phil Savage noted, "the similarities between the two games are obvious, but it's the differences that make the game compelling." As a member of the Obsidian Fan Club, I am both happy and excited that Microsoft is giving the game all the time it needs. I don't know why they won't just say it.