In a move that has surprised many in the gaming community, Xbox has announced the upcoming fantasy RPG, Avowed, will be available on Blizzard’s Battle.net alongside the Xbox Series X|S and Steam platforms. This strategic expansion reflects a broader vision for Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem, showcasing its dedication to cross-platform accessibility.
Avowed’s Multi-Platform Launch
On November 15, 2024, Xbox confirmed that Avowed, developed by Obsidian Entertainment, will not only be released on Xbox Series X|S and Windows platforms but will also be available on Battle.net. This announcement was made via an official post on Xbox Wire.
This collaboration marks a notable precedent, as historically, most titles within the Xbox Game Studios portfolio have not ventured onto Battle.net, a platform traditionally associated with Blizzard Entertainment’s own titles.
Despite ongoing speculation about the future direction of Battle.net following Microsoft’s acquisition of Blizzard, this announcement provides indications that the platform remains a significant part of the ecosystem, at least for the foreseeable future.
“Avowed joins the Battle.net family! We look forward to seeing how you enjoy Avowed on Battle.net’s premium PC experience when it launches on February 18! Pre-order now!”
Pre-Order Details and Pricing
Alongside the platform announcement, Xbox has unveiled the pre-order options for Avowed. Gamers can choose from two digital editions and one physical edition:
- Standard Digital Edition: $69.99
- Premium Edition (with five days of early access): $89.99
- Physical Edition (includes a steelbook): $94.99
Pre-orders are currently available across all platforms, and Avowed will also be playable on Xbox Game Pass on launch day, enhancing its accessibility to a broader audience.
Enhancing Xbox’s Ecosystem
This announcement coincides with a new marketing campaign from Xbox that promotes a unified gaming experience across various devices. By integrating titles like Avowed into platforms such as Battle.net, Microsoft continues to push the boundaries of its gaming ecosystem.
Microsoft’s strategy appears focused on expanding its reach and redefining how players access and enjoy Xbox titles, regardless of the platform they choose. As the gaming landscape evolves, this could signify a transformative approach, enhancing player satisfaction and engagement.
What are your thoughts about Microsoft releasing its games on Battle.net? Will you be pre-ordering Avowed? Let us know in the comments.
