Obsidian's latest RPG, Avowed, has now entered its advanced access phase, inviting eager players to explore the mysteries and dangers of the Living Lands. As adventurers delve into this expansive world, they're not only encountering magical items and formidable challenges but also unexpected elements of romance, despite earlier statements from the developers.

In the lead-up to Avowed's release, Obsidian made it clear that the game would not include a traditional romance system. Instead, the focus was set on fostering "thoughtful relationships" with the game's companions. Avowed's game director, Carrie Patel, shared her perspective on this design choice during an interview with IGN. Patel remarked, "We are building thoughtful relationships with our companion characters. Ultimately, I personally am a fan of making that an option, but I feel like if you're going to do it, you really, really have to commit and make sure that you're giving all to fulfilling that in a way that feels both true to the character, but also creates an engaging player experience. So not something we're doing for Avowed, but I wouldn't say never."

However, early access players and reviewers have discovered that romance might indeed be part of the Avowed experience. Spoilers ahead for those who wish to remain unspoiled regarding interactions with the companion Kai. If you prefer to avoid spoilers, it's best to stop reading now.