Obsidian was 'surprised' that Avowed players bounced off one of the RPG's most important systems: 'That frustration came through loud and clear'

There are very few good examples of RPG crafting systems. I’ll make an exception for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, which makes alchemy and blacksmithing tactile and engaging. Otherwise? Get outta here with your busywork. And it looks like a lot of Avowed players feel the same way.

Avowed’s upgrade system caught a lot of flak at launch, which required players to use upgrade materials to keep their favourite weapons and bits of armour viable as they explored new areas. Crafting is often treated as optional in RPGs, but not so in Avowed, where it’s a system you’re required to engage with. And that caused some problems.