The next generation of gaming is right around the corner, but for many, it remains unclear what exactly makes the coming cohort of games “next-gen." After the Halo Infinite graphics controversy, the Xbox Series X is under particular scrutiny in this regard, but there are plenty of indicators that next-gen is shaping up to be something special.
It is the Xbox’s line-up of RPGs that could draw many players to the platform over the PS5. Between Obsidian’s first-person RPG Avowed and the long-awaited Fable, the Xbox could be the preferred platform for fantasy fans if Microsoft plays its cards right. What remains to be seen is whether these games will take the necessary steps forward to feel “next-gen” compared to their predecessors.
Avowed
Avowed is one of the most hotly anticipated games for the Xbox Series X, at least so far. The teaser trailer was released last month, and confirmed longstanding rumors that Obsidian would adapt its Pillars of Eternity setting into a more mainstream genre than its first two isometric outings.
Not only that, but diminishing faith in Bethesda to deliver The Elder Scrolls 6 after many fans found Fallout 4 to be disappointing has given Obsidian – and, by extension, Microsoft – a huge opportunity to take over that corner of the market. Obsidian of all companies is in the best position to do so, having gained a lot of good-will from Bethesda fans for its work on Fallout: New Vegas, as well as its recent first-person sci-fi RPG, The Outer Worlds. If Avowed continues to be hyped up as the spiritual successor to Skyrim, it could not only be a huge seller for the Xbox Series X and Obsidian, but a reason for players to take the risk on the Xbox Series X when the PS5 exclusives like God of War have more mainstream name recognition.
If Obsidian is going to help launch the Xbox Series X, Avowed will need to feel next-generation in more than its graphics. Skyrim's flaws, such as how little impact the player actually has on the world, the limited number of voice actors, and the lacking main story will need to be overcome by Avowed. Ironically for a next-gen release, the challenge is less in the hardware and more in the design philosophy and budget. Many Elder Scrolls fans will be hoping Obsidian is given the time and creative control it needs to take the genre to the next level and step out from Skyrim’s shadow.
Fable
The Fable series has its own troubled past, and like Avowed has the potential to pay big dividends to the Xbox Series X. Fable 3 was disappointing to many fans, with many players feeling that the game over-promised and under-delivered.
With Microsoft’s Head of Studios saying that the Fable team has a “unique view of what’s core to Fable,” some fans will be as concerned for the franchise's future as they are excited. However, the opportunity to relive the glory days of Fable 1 and Fable 2 will likely be too tempting for many players and could help draw them to the Xbox Series X.
For now, most of the information players have for both Fable and Avowed is from the teaser trailers. If Microsoft wants to capitalize on the hype created this past month, both studios involved will need to demonstrate that these games aren’t merely a return to the RPGs genre’s past. Fans will need a consistent demonstration of exciting new design philosophies that will make everything, from the graphics to the combat to the style of storytelling feel innovative and experimental. It’s undoubtedly a risk, but one which could pay off big for the Xbox Series X launch.
The Xbox Series X is set to launch Holiday 2020.