Obsidian Director Departs for Netflix's Oxenfree Studio

Avowed director Carrie Patel has announced her departure from the acclaimed RPG studio Obsidian Entertainment, mere months after the game's release.

In a LinkedIn update, Patel shared that she has started a new role at Night School, the Netflix-owned developer known for the Oxenfree narrative adventure series.

"I'm excited to begin my new position as Game Director at Night School: A Netflix Game Studio!" Patel announced in a brief post. She will again serve as a game director at Night School, though her specific project has not yet been revealed.

Night School is best known for the Oxenfree series, with Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals launching in 2023. Earlier this year, the Netflix studio released the Black Mirror-inspired game Thronglets, around the same time it underwent an undisclosed number of staff reductions. Months prior, Netflix shuttered another one of its internal studios that was developing a AAA title under the direction of Halo veteran Joseph Staten.

Patel was a long-time developer at Obsidian, where she held senior roles on projects such as the sci-fi RPG The Outer Worlds and the celebrated Pillars of Eternity series over her 11-year tenure.

More recently, Patel took over as director of Avowed after the project underwent a significant reboot early in development. The game was originally envisioned with a darker fantasy tone, a single expansive open world, and multiplayer co-op, more in line with The Elder Scrolls.

Under her leadership, Avowed evolved into a brighter, more visually distinct experience featuring several large, separate maps to explore and a completely single-player focus.

Avowed - Xbox Developer Direct Screenshots

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Reception for Avowed was largely favorable, and Patel had previously hinted at potential future expansions, a full sequel, or both to continue the franchise. Her departure means she will not be involved in those future plans.

A development roadmap released last week outlined several free additions coming to Avowed over the next six months, including a Photo Mode and New Game Plus feature.

"With its compelling worldbuilding and excellent character writing, Avowed reminded me why I've always loved Obsidian's RPGs," notes IGN's review. "That said, it often plays things safe, delivering a conventional fantasy adventure that feels more familiar than groundbreaking."

Obsidian's next major release is The Outer Worlds 2, which is scheduled to be showcased in detail at this year's Xbox Games Showcase in June.