Gaming enthusiasts have been buzzing with speculation about whether Obsidian Entertainment's highly anticipated action RPG Avowed will ever grace the PlayStation 5. As we move through 2025, the question of "Avowed PS5" availability continues to dominate search trends and forum discussions among PlayStation loyalists.
Avowed, set in the rich fantasy world of Eora (the same universe as Pillars of Eternity), has captured the imagination of RPG fans since its initial reveal. However, the game's exclusivity to Xbox Series X|S and PC platforms has left many PlayStation owners feeling left out of what promises to be one of the year's most compelling fantasy adventures.
The Microsoft Factor
The core reason Avowed won't be appearing on PS5 stems from Microsoft's acquisition of Obsidian Entertainment in 2018. As part of Xbox Game Studios, Obsidian's projects are now developed primarily for Microsoft's gaming ecosystem. This acquisition wasn't isolated - it was part of Microsoft's broader strategy to bolster its exclusive game lineup.
"Microsoft purchased Bethesda as well. So no Elder Scrolls 6 for Sony customers either," noted one industry observer, highlighting Microsoft's aggressive acquisition strategy that has included other notable studios like inXile, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory.
These acquisitions represent Microsoft's response to years of lagging behind Sony in the exclusive content race. By purchasing established studios with beloved IPs, Microsoft has positioned itself to compete more directly with Sony's impressive first-party lineup.
Changing Tides in Gaming Exclusivity?
Interestingly, recent developments in the industry suggest Microsoft might be reconsidering its strict exclusivity approach. During a MinnMax podcast, Avowed director Carrie Patel gave what some interpreted as a telling smile when asked about a potential PS5 release, fueling speculation that the door might not be completely closed.
This speculation isn't entirely unfounded. Microsoft has recently adopted a more platform-agnostic approach with some of its properties. Games like Pentiment, originally Xbox exclusive, have found their way to PlayStation, and the announcement that Indiana Jones would release on PS5 shortly after its Xbox debut shocked many industry observers.
One gaming analyst suggested: "From what I can tell, they were focusing on just getting the game out on Xbox normally. They probably have some more updates to do for it first, but it might be on there by the fall depending on if/when other major titles launch."
The Business of Exclusivity
The exclusivity debate ultimately comes down to business strategy. Both Microsoft and Sony use exclusive titles to sell hardware and services. As one commenter put it, "They wouldn't make God of War, Uncharted, Last of Us, Spider-man and others, if they couldn't lock their games behind their console, because they are not really selling games - they are selling hardware."
Microsoft's strategy differs slightly with its focus on Game Pass subscriptions across both Xbox consoles and PC. This has led to all first-party titles launching day one on the subscription service.
Options for PlayStation Gamers
For PS5 owners eager to experience Avowed, there are limited options. PC gaming remains the most accessible alternative without purchasing an Xbox console. Some have also suggested cloud gaming through Game Pass as a potential solution, though this requires a stable internet connection and Game Pass subscription.
"If you aren't an Xbox fan take solace that this will be on PC day one," advised one commenter, acknowledging the frustration PlayStation users might feel.
Looking Forward
As we progress through 2025, the gaming landscape continues to evolve rapidly. Microsoft's approach to exclusivity appears to be in flux, with some previously exclusive titles making their way to competing platforms after initial Xbox/PC launches.
Whether Avowed will follow this pattern remains to be seen. The game's connection to the beloved Pillars of Eternity franchise certainly makes it a valuable IP, and expanding its reach to PS5 would undoubtedly increase its commercial potential.
For now, PlayStation 5 owners hoping to experience Avowed will need to either explore alternative platforms or hold onto hope that Microsoft's exclusivity strategy continues to soften in the coming months. As the lines between gaming ecosystems become increasingly blurred, the possibility of Avowed on PS5 - while not imminent - can't be entirely ruled out for the future.
In the meantime, both Xbox and PlayStation continue to offer impressive exclusive lineups, ensuring gamers on either platform have plenty of quality experiences to enjoy while the industry's approach to platform exclusivity continues to evolve.
Research highlighted by Game Informer underscores the shifting landscape of platform exclusivity, noting how Microsoft's recent moves—such as bringing select titles to PlayStation—reflect a broader industry trend toward cross-platform releases. Game Informer's analysis of Avowed's development and its ties to the Pillars of Eternity universe further emphasizes the anticipation among RPG fans, while also exploring the business rationale behind Microsoft's current exclusivity strategy.