Clint Hocking Resigns as Director of Assassin’s Creed Hexe Due to Difficulties at Ubisoft

You might be aware of the great Disco thrupening, or quadrupening depending on how you classify things. Over the past couple of years, a number of new studios have loudly hoovered up various ex-Disco Elysium devs following internal conflict at ZA/UM, and announced games that aim to rebottle the RPG’s lightning. One such studio is Londgue, who recently told me their partially-crowdfunded RPG called Hopetown now has a playable intro, despite quietly switching narrative leads last year.

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**Avowed: A Fresh Chapter for RPGs on PlayStation 5**

Obsidian Entertainment’s highly anticipated role-playing title, *Avowed*, has emerged as one of the exceptional games of 2025, even securing a place on *Kotaku*’s list of the best games of the year. Set within the vast fantasy realm introduced in the *Pillars of Eternity* series, *Avowed* fuses engaging gameplay with an intricate narrative akin to iconic titles like *Skyrim*. Initially launched solely on Xbox Series X/S, *Avowed* is preparing to debut on the PlayStation 5 on February 17, accompanied by a substantial anniversary update for all platforms.

### Shift to Multiplatform

The arrival of *Avowed* on PlayStation 5 signifies a significant shift in Microsoft’s stance regarding exclusivity. While titles like *Forza Horizon* and *Gears of War* also made their way to PlayStation in 2025, *Avowed* had previously distinguished itself as one of the limited Microsoft-exclusive titles during the company’s new multiformat strategy. This recent decision greatly broadens the game’s audience, enabling millions more players to immerse themselves in the vast universe that Obsidian has developed.

### What’s New in the Update

The upcoming update for *Avowed* aims to significantly improve the player experience. New features expected to be included are:

– **Photo Mode**: Players can take stunning detailed snapshots of beautiful in-game moments.
– **New Game Plus Mode**: This mode permits players to revert their level to one while keeping all gear from their last playthrough. Players will also face new enemy modifiers, presenting new challenges within the game.
– **New Character Races**: The update will add new playable races, including dwarves. This enhancement is set to diversify gameplay elements, as each race provides distinct attributes and experiences.

Dimitri Berman from Obsidian highlighted the intricacies involved in integrating these new races into *Avowed*. He acknowledged the difficulties presented by the game’s parkour mechanics and combat systems, along with the variety of player races significantly impacting gameplay styles.

### The Role-playing Experience

*Avowed* transports players into a meticulously crafted fantasy universe where combat and exploration harmoniously blend. The game leans heavily on its foundations in the *Pillars of Eternity* franchise, delivering a familiar narrative richness while engaging players in a first-person format. As players navigate this complex world, they will encounter an array of quests, combat situations, and settings that showcase Obsidian’s dedication to storytelling.

With the implementation of a turn-based mode in the original *Pillars of Eternity*, speculation arises regarding whether Obsidian intends to create a third installment that will fuse the finest aspects of both the *Pillars of Eternity* series and *Avowed*. Such a combination could lead to groundbreaking mechanics that further enrich the RPG landscape.

### Conclusion

As *Avowed* makes its transition to the PlayStation 5 platform, it not only marks a fresh chapter for the game but also for Obsidian Entertainment’s evolution as a developer in the fiercely competitive RPG arena. With thrilling updates on the way and the introduction of new character races, *Avowed* is set to further enchant players, drawing them into a richly detailed universe teeming with adventure and potential. As the release date nears, fans are keenly anticipating the opportunity to dive into all that *Avowed* promises to deliver.

**Five Nights at Freddy’s 2: An Analysis of the Critical Reception**

The eagerly awaited follow-up, *Five Nights at Freddy’s 2*, premiered in theaters but has not received the positive feedback its makers might have anticipated. After a tepid response to the first film, the 2023 release, the subsequent chapter seems to have further let down critics. It currently sits at a grim 12% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, ranking among the lowest-rated films of 2025.

**Overview of the Franchise**

*Five Nights at Freddy’s* is a live-action take on the acclaimed horror video game series that showcases terrifying animatronics alongside a plot filled with perplexing lore. Although the original movie did well at the box office, it was met with critique regarding its execution, ending with a 33% rating on the same review aggregation platform. Its sequel, however, appears to have performed even more poorly, with critics pointing out various problems.

**Critical Feedback**

Critics have expressed their dissatisfaction with *Five Nights at Freddy’s 2*. Here’s a summary of their views:

– **Dionar Hidalgo from Algo Más Que Cine** characterizes the film as “awkward, overloaded, and oddly lifeless,” suggesting it lacks authentic frights and depends on unclear lore.
– **Nick Schager of The Daily Beast** frankly asserts that the film’s “primary objective seems to be boring its viewers to death.”
– **Allison Rose from FlickDirect** notes that the movie caters chiefly to dedicated fans, implying others might find it “a cobbled-together sequel with minimal scares and even fewer surprises.”
– **Tyler Taing of Discussing Film** criticizes the sequel as one of Blumhouse’s poorest efforts, branding it a “mercenary cash grab” that disrespects its audience.

The general consensus indicates that the film seems tailored for younger audiences already obsessed with the franchise, filled with multiple Easter eggs and lore nods that might not appeal to a wider viewer base.

**Projected Box Office Results**

In spite of the unfavorable critical feedback, there is an anticipation that *Five Nights at Freddy’s 2* will achieve good commercial success, akin to its predecessor. The younger teen demographic, already captivated by the franchise, is expected to contribute significantly to box office revenues, despite the overall audience sentiment leaning towards avoidance.

**Relative Ratings**

When compared to other movies released in the same year, *Five Nights at Freddy’s 2* is notable for its lackluster performance. It currently holds a lower Rotten Tomatoes score than several other critically derided films, including the 2025 *Star Trek* installment, the Jack Black-led *Minecraft* movie, and Disney’s *Snow White* remake. The only film it marginally surpasses is the heavily criticized *Borderlands*, directed by Eli Roth, which has a 10% rating.

**Final Thoughts**

*Five Nights at Freddy’s 2* seems to be a regrettable entry into the horror genre, criticized for its absence of coherent storytelling and true scares. While it may engage its dedicated fanbase, it is likely to alienate those looking for a quality viewing experience. Viewers are encouraged to lower their expectations, particularly those not well-versed in the franchise’s intricate lore.