Chris Avellone was born in 1972. Details of his very early life are scarce, but it's understood that he developed a passion for storytelling, often creating his own narratives and worlds. This early fascination would later blossom into his renowned career in game writing.

Avellone pursued higher education, focusing on English and Fine Arts. This academic background provided him with a strong foundation in literature, writing techniques, and artistic expression, all of which proved invaluable in his later game design work. His ability to craft compelling prose and visualize complex concepts stems from this period.

Prior to his work at Black Isle Studios, Avellone gained some experience in the game development field, although specific details remain somewhat elusive. This period likely involved smaller projects or contributions that helped him hone his skills and build a foundation for his future success in the industry.

Avellone joined Black Isle Studios, a division of Interplay Entertainment, and this marked a turning point in his career. He became a key figure in the development of iconic RPGs such as "Fallout 2" (where he served as a designer), "Planescape: Torment" (lead designer and writer), and the "Icewind Dale" series. "Planescape: Torment" is a standout, celebrated for its philosophical depth and memorable characters, cementing Avellone's reputation as a master storyteller.

Following the closure of Black Isle Studios, Avellone co-founded Obsidian Entertainment. This move allowed him to continue creating the types of story-driven RPGs he was passionate about. Obsidian has since become a renowned studio known for its deep narratives and engaging gameplay.

At Obsidian, Avellone played significant roles in the development of several critically acclaimed games, including "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords" (lead designer and writer), "Neverwinter Nights 2" (designer), "Fallout: New Vegas" (senior designer and writer), and "Pillars of Eternity" (narrative designer). "Fallout: New Vegas" is particularly notable for its complex factions and morally ambiguous choices, often considered a highlight in the "Fallout" series.

Chris Avellone left Obsidian Entertainment. The reasons for his departure were not fully disclosed, but it allowed him to pursue independent projects and explore new creative avenues, including working as a freelance writer and designer.

As a freelancer, Avellone contributed to a variety of projects across different mediums. This included working on titles like "Divinity: Original Sin II", "Pathfinder: Kingmaker", "Dying Light 2", and the "Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order" videogame. This period demonstrated his versatility and adaptability as a writer and designer.

Serious allegations of sexual misconduct were made against Avellone in June 2020. These allegations led to significant professional repercussions, including his removal from several projects and a general distancing from the industry. The allegations and their aftermath had a profound impact on his career and reputation.

Following the allegations, Avellone largely withdrew from the public eye. The legal outcomes of actions that followed are still not completely public. His current professional activities remain unclear, as he's maintained a low profile in the video game industry.