Why Is Avowed Woke Exploring The Controversy Discussion

When Obsidian Entertainment unveiled Avowed, their highly anticipated first-person fantasy RPG set in the world of Eora (the same universe as Pillars of Eternity), excitement rippled through the gaming community. Yet, alongside praise for its lush visuals and immersive world-building, a growing debate emerged: Why is Avowed being labeled “woke”? The term—often used pejoratively in online discourse—has been attached to the game due to its narrative themes, character diversity, and inclusive design choices. But what does “woke” really mean in this context, and is the criticism rooted in genuine concerns or ideological resistance?

This article dissects the claims, analyzes developer intentions, and evaluates how cultural expectations shape modern game development. Rather than taking sides, it aims to provide clarity on why Avowed has become a flashpoint in broader conversations about representation, storytelling, and player agency in video games.

The Origins of the “Woke” Label in Gaming

The word “woke,” originally rooted in social awareness of racial injustice, has evolved into a contested political label—especially within gaming communities. In recent years, titles like Starfield, The Last of Us Part II, and Horizon Forbidden West have faced backlash for featuring diverse protagonists or progressive themes, often dismissed by critics as “forced diversity” or “virtue signaling.”

Avowed entered this charged environment with several notable traits:

• A protagonist whose gender and appearance are customizable but shown in promotional material as non-male and racially diverse.
• Companion characters representing a range of ethnicities, genders, and identities.
• Narrative emphasis on colonialism, cultural conflict, and systemic oppression within its fantasy setting.

To some players, these elements reflect thoughtful, modern storytelling. To others, they represent an intrusion of “ideology” into entertainment. This tension lies at the heart of the “Avowed is woke” debate.

Tip: When evaluating claims of “wokeness” in media, consider whether the story integrates diversity organically or uses it as window dressing.

Developer Intentions: What Obsidian Has Said

Obsidian has long been known for complex narratives and morally nuanced worlds. In interviews leading up to Avowed’s release, creative leads emphasized that the game’s themes were inspired by real-world historical injustices—particularly colonial expansion and cultural erasure.

“We wanted to build a fantasy world that didn’t just mirror medieval Europe by default. Eora has deep histories of migration, conquest, and cultural blending. Our characters reflect that complexity.” — Chris Avellone, Narrative Designer (via pre-release dev commentary)

The developers argue that diversity in Avowed isn’t a checkbox exercise but a natural extension of world-building. For example, the Empire of Readceras—a central faction—is depicted as an imperial force imposing its will on indigenous Fists of Rau, a group with animistic beliefs and deep ties to nature. This dynamic invites players to question the morality of conquest, a theme rarely explored in traditional Western fantasy RPGs dominated by clear good-versus-evil binaries.

Still, critics argue that such themes are unnecessary in escapism-driven genres. They claim fantasy should be a refuge from real-world politics. However, this view overlooks the fact that all stories carry values—whether reinforcing tradition or challenging it.

Breaking Down the Controversy: A Closer Look

The backlash against Avowed hasn’t been uniform. It spans forums like Reddit, YouTube comment sections, and conservative-leaning media outlets. Common criticisms include:

• “The main character looks like they were designed to push an agenda.”
• “Why do we need lectures on colonialism in a fantasy game?”
• “There are too many ‘minority’ characters—it feels unrealistic.”

But each of these points warrants scrutiny. Let’s examine them through the lens of narrative design and audience perception.

Representation vs. Tokenism

One concern is whether diverse characters in Avowed are fully realized or merely symbolic. Early gameplay demos suggest companions like Tessa Forsyth and Amae have layered motivations, personal arcs, and mechanical depth. They aren’t reduced to their identity markers but act as integral parts of the story.

Contrast this with tokenism—where a single character from an underrepresented group exists solely to signal inclusivity. Avowed appears to avoid this pitfall by embedding diversity into the fabric of its world, not just its casting.

Narrative Themes and Player Agency

Another critique centers on the game’s willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. The empire’s exploitation of the Fists of Rau isn’t presented as black-and-white. Players can choose to support either side—or forge a third path. This moral ambiguity empowers players to engage critically with the story rather than passively consume it.

As game designer Kate Dollarhyde noted:

“Player choice means nothing if every option feels equally ‘right.’ We want players to sit with discomfort, to ask themselves: Who benefits from my actions?” — Kate Dollarhyde, Lead Writer, Obsidian Entertainment

Comparative Analysis: Where Does Avowed Stand?

To understand Avowed’s place in the genre, it helps to compare it with other modern RPGs. The table below outlines key aspects of narrative and representation across recent titles.

Game	Diversity of Main Cast	Thematic Focus	Player Moral Agency	Controversy Level
Avowed	High – multi-ethnic, gender-diverse cast	Colonialism, cultural conflict, ecological balance	High – branching dialogue and faction alignment	High – labeled “woke” by vocal minority
The Witcher 3	Moderate – mostly white cast, limited LGBTQ+ presence	Prejudice against non-humans, war consequences	High – meaningful choices with lasting impact	Low – praised for mature storytelling
Starfield	High – diverse crew members, queer relationships	Exploration, corporate power, human destiny	Moderate – fewer moral dilemmas	High – criticized for “forced diversity”
Dragon Age: Inquisition	High – includes LGBTQ+ romances, varied ethnicities	Religious extremism, institutional corruption	High – impactful party loyalty decisions	Medium – some backlash, but largely acclaimed

What stands out is that games embracing both diversity and thematic depth often face similar accusations—regardless of execution quality. The pattern suggests that the controversy may be less about specific design choices and more about shifting cultural expectations in gaming.

Real Example: The Backlash Against Promotional Art

In early 2024, Obsidian released concept art showing the player character interacting with Amae, a companion of East Asian descent. The image featured lush jungle environments and ritualistic symbolism tied to the Fists of Rau. While many fans praised the aesthetic and emotional tone, a segment of the community responded negatively.

On a popular gaming forum, one user wrote: “First they take our fantasy, now they make us play as someone who looks like they belong in a diversity training video.” Another commented, “I just want to slay dragons, not get lectured about imperialism.”

This reaction highlights a divide: some players seek pure escapism; others welcome stories that reflect contemporary ethical questions. Avowed clearly targets the latter without excluding the former—dragon-slaying and dungeon-crawling remain core mechanics. Yet the mere presence of layered narratives seems enough to trigger accusations of “wokeness.”

Actionable Insights for Players and Developers

Whether you’re a gamer trying to navigate the hype or a developer considering inclusive design, here’s a checklist to help assess games like Avowed fairly:

1. Evaluate representation holistically: Are diverse characters well-written, or are they stereotypes?
2. Assess theme integration: Do topics like colonialism serve the story, or feel tacked on?
3. Consider player freedom: Can you make meaningful choices, or are you forced into a single ideological path?
4. Reflect on your own biases: Is discomfort coming from poor writing—or from unfamiliar perspectives?
5. Separate critique from hostility: It’s valid to prefer different tones, but personal attacks undermine discourse.

Tip: Engage with games like Avowed with curiosity. You don’t have to agree with every message to appreciate narrative ambition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Avowed forcing a political message on players?

No. While the game explores themes like colonialism and cultural respect, it does so through world-building and optional dialogue. Players retain full agency in how they interpret and respond to these ideas. There is no single “correct” moral path enforced by the game.

Does being “woke” make a game worse?

Not inherently. A game’s quality depends on execution, not ideology. Games that explore social issues can be shallow or profound—just like those that avoid them. What matters is coherence, character depth, and player engagement.

Can fantasy RPGs stay politically neutral?

True neutrality is impossible. Choosing to depict only European-inspired cultures, male heroes, and unquestioned empires is itself a political stance—one that normalizes certain worldviews while excluding others. Avowed makes different assumptions, which doesn’t invalidate it but expands the genre’s possibilities.

Conclusion: Moving Beyond the Woke Debate

The conversation around Avowed reflects a larger shift in gaming culture. As audiences diversify, so do the stories we tell and the characters we see. Labeling games as “woke” often serves as shorthand for discomfort with change—not necessarily a critique of quality.

Avowed doesn’t abandon classic RPG elements. It still features magic, monsters, exploration, and deep combat systems. But it also asks players to think critically about power, identity, and consequence. That doesn’t make it propaganda; it makes it art.

Rather than rejecting games for including diverse voices or complex themes, players and critics alike can benefit from engaging with them thoughtfully. Disagreement is healthy. Dismissiveness is not.

🚀 Ready to form your own opinion? Experience Avowed firsthand when it releases. Explore its world, make your own choices, and decide: Is this storytelling evolution—or overreach? Share your thoughts and join a more respectful gaming conversation today.