Embracing the Evolution of Game Development: The Rise of Multiple Endings
Black Myth: Wukong, set for release in 2024, serves as a prime example where players may encounter two different endings based on their choice to engage in battles against the Azure Dragon or not. Similarly, Avowed, a new game launching in February 2025, has also been revealed to feature an alternate ending.
However, the challenge lies in the fact that this alternate ending may not be accessible depending on the player’s choices in the game, similar to Black Myth: Wukong.
According to the latest statistics from Avowed, only 0.2% of players have discovered this ending. The reason for this low rate is quite simple; it requires a strict adherence to the player’s choices throughout the game, rather than merely exploring hidden maps and battling the Azure Dragon as seen in Black Myth: Wukong. Specifically, right from the start, Avowed has hinted at the opportunity for players to team up with Lodwyn—a character inspired by the fusion of Kreia and Legate Lanius—alongside the Steel Garrote faction.
Similar to other alternate endings, this game does not impose any restrictions on the player’s choices throughout the journey. However, if players do not maintain focus on the main storyline, many events may not unfold as intended. If players do not continuously make decisions aligned with Lodwyn’s ideology, there’s a risk that opposing factions might lead to a tragic conclusion: instead of the anticipated loyal ending, Lodwyn could ultimately perish just before the credits roll. At that point, Lodwyn will receive a shortened version of the ending, where the Living Lands remain entirely under the control of the Steel Garrote—yet the players will not have an opportunity to intervene.
The best way to unlock this alternate ending, reminiscent of the title Tyranny, which only has 0.2% of players on Steam achieving it, is to consistently make decisions favoring Aedyr, Lodwyn, or even Sapadal in critical situations. If players manage to gain Lodwyn’s trust through these choices before officially siding with the Steel Garrote, she will adopt a more aggressive approach rather than being passive in decision-making. But will the stakes be sufficiently high? The entire fate of the player’s journey will hinge on this, and the conclusion will ultimately determine Lodwyn’s vision for the Living Lands—a poignant moment that could change the course of the narrative forever.
