Microsoft’s ‘Avowed’ Launches Early Access on NVIDIA GeForce Now, Leaving Xbox Cloud Gamers Behind

Avowed made its debut in early access yesterday, and the reception has been pretty positive so far. Obsidian, the studio behind hits like Fallout New Vegas and Pillars of Eternity, has rolled out its newest RPG on Xbox and Steam, but with a bit of a twist. You’ll need to shell out an extra $10 for premium early access before it’s generally available on Xbox Game Pass next week. This move is a strategic one for Microsoft, as they look to bolster revenue in the wake of reduced game sales due to their Game Pass model. Unfortunately, if you’re among those who eagerly pay for early access while also subscribing to the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Microsoft’s response is essentially, “Not this time.”

The game itself is an action RPG that places you in a first-person view in the expansive world of Pillars of Eternity. True to Obsidian’s style, Avowed is rich with elements like choice-driven narratives and diverse gameplay options, all set within an intriguingly explorable world. Given its gameplay, you’d think it would be perfect for Xbox Cloud Gaming, but surprisingly, Microsoft doesn’t seem to share that sentiment.

The surprise doesn’t end there. Just yesterday, my inbox on X (formerly Twitter) was buzzing with inquiries about when Avowed would be accessible via Xbox Cloud Gaming for early access buyers. Oddly enough, it seems that the game won’t be available there until the general release next week — and yes, even if you’ve paid for the premium access.

Interestingly, while Avowed’s early access isn’t an option on Xbox Cloud Gaming, you can tap into it using NVIDIA’s rival service, GeForce Now. This decision sure makes for a puzzling business choice from Microsoft. It comes across as another frustrating inconsistency that we often see with Microsoft’s gaming services. The “This is an Xbox” marketing campaign, which was intended to showcase the strengths of Xbox Play Anywhere and Xbox Cloud Gaming, ends up feeling slightly off the mark with such oversights.

Recently, Microsoft introduced the ability for cloud players to access “buy to own” games on Xbox Cloud Gaming. This should have allowed Avowed to join the platform seamlessly. Given that the system does support DLC entitlements for deluxe editions, it’s tough to imagine that technical limitations are the cause. Some speculate that regulatory issues—like those from the UK’s CMA affecting cloud game rights—might play a part. However, I’m yet to find evidence that Obsidian’s titles are impacted by such rulings. Rest assured, I’m digging into this as we speak.

An eager gamer even tweeted about their confusion, having bought the Avowed Premium edition upgrade but unable to locate it on Xbox Cloud Gaming. Naturally, Microsoft needs to address these concerns. We’ve asked them why Avowed’s premium launch is accessible on GeForce Now but not on Xbox Cloud Gaming, and what their policy is regarding other games with advanced access passes on the cloud.

Microsoft has all the potential to create a gaming experience that’s nothing short of revolutionary. Imagining a world where I could buy Avowed across platforms and continue my adventure anywhere, on virtually any device, offers a tantalizing glimpse of what Xbox’s future might hold. Yet, getting these details right is crucial.

By neglecting their most loyal customers, those who are willing to pay for both early access and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Microsoft risks squandering trust. My hope is that they recognize this need for improvement swiftly.

We’ll be sure to keep you informed about any moves Microsoft makes to rectify this situation as soon as we have word.