Summary
- The Physical SteelBook edition of Avowed lacks a physical disc, instead containing a digital download code.
- Fans are disappointed by the absence of a physical game in this edition, which is priced at $94.99.
- The future of physical gaming remains in question, as more studios release digital-only titles.
The details of the Avowed Premium and SteelBook editions have left fans of physical games feeling left out. Despite referring to the game's most expensive version as a "physical" edition, the Premium SteelBook does not come with a disc but a digital download code inside the case. Some fans waiting for the February 18 release of Avowed have taken to social media to express their disappointment with the lack of an actual physical copy.
Obsidian Entertainment's upcoming fantasy RPG has stirred a lot of excitement among Xbox fans, but not all the news has gotten the reception the studio likely wanted. Comments from the game's developers suggest Avowed could launch without a 60 FPS mode, and before that, Microsoft delayed its release from Fall 2024 to February 2025. Now, Xbox may be in hot water again as players cry out against the Premium SteelBook's missing disc.
Microsoft revealed Avowed's three launch versions — Digital Standard, Digital Premium, and Premium Edition SteelBook — on November 14. It didn't take long for fans to notice that this third version, which costs $94.99, contains a digital game code instead of a disc, despite the announcement calling it a "physical" edition. It does have some physical elements, like the book itself and a map, but the use of a code means Xbox is not giving players the option to own a hard copy of the game. Some fans still say Avowed is one of the most-anticipated games of 2025, but gamers who prefer physical media may be less excited about it now.
What's Inside Each Avowed Edition
Avowed Digital Standard Edition — $69.99
- Base game download
Avowed Digital Premium Edition — $89.88
- Base game download
- Up to five days early access
- Two premium skin packs
- Digital art book and soundtrack
Avowed Premium Edition SteelBook — $94.99
- Base game download code
- Up to five days early access
- Two premium skin packs
- Digital art book and soundtrack
- SteelBook
- Letter from the developer
- Map of the Living Lands
The Premium Edition SteelBook costs just $5 more than the Premium package, and some players may find the SteelBook and its contents are enough to justify that. Others, however, are less pleased with there being no physical game in the physical edition. Fans took to Twitter to call Xbox out for overlooking gamers who like to play physical games. Others said there's little point to a booklet if it doesn't contain a disc. While Avowed may avoid some common problems in modern gaming, it seems an over-reliance on virtual media is not one of them.
Avowed is not the first game to have a digital-only release, but that may worsen the issue, not excuse it. Notably, the PlayStation 5 Pro does not have a disc drive, which has been a source of much frustration for Sony fans. The release of the Xbox Series X Digital suggests Microsoft could be leaning in the same direction. With so many games and consoles forgoing support for physical versions, some players worry that this is part of a larger trend marking the end of physical gaming as a whole.
It's unclear if Avowed will receive a disc version after launch or whether Xbox will stop making disc-supporting consoles altogether. However, any move in that direction is not a welcome change for all fans.
Avowed
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 80 /100 Critics Rec: 82%
- Released
- February 18, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Obsidian Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- Xbox Game Studios
WHERE TO PLAY
Welcome to the Living Lands, a mysterious island filled with adventure and danger. Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment.
You are the envoy of Aedyr, a distant land, sent to investigate rumors of a spreading plague throughout the Living Lands - an island full of mysteries and secrets, danger and adventure, and choices and consequences, and untamed wilderness. You discover a personal connection to the Living Lands and an ancient secret that threatens to destroy everything. Can you save this unknown frontier and your soul from the forces threatening to tear them asunder?
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Franchise
- Pillars of Eternity
- Number of Players
- 1
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unknown
- PC Release Date
- February 18, 2025
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- February 18, 2025
- Platform(s)
- Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
