One of the standout features of the acclaimed role-playing game, Esoteric Ebb, lies in its innovative approach to failure and the often-maligned practice of save scumming. This technique, where players repeatedly load a game to achieve their desired outcomes, can sometimes diminish the stakes of a narrative, leaving players feeling invulnerable or as if they are playing with training wheels. Yet, in a game that relies heavily on dice rolls, players can often feel cornered, with no choice but to resort to such tactics. The frustration of experiencing a rare failure on a skill that has been meticulously developed can be disheartening.
However, Esoteric Ebb flips this narrative on its head by presenting players with intriguing and rewarding experiences even in moments of failure. The game introduces an in-game resource known as Shards of Jor, allowing players to reroll failed checks swiftly, sidestepping the cumbersome process of reloading a save. This design choice not only enhances the gameplay experience but also enriches the storytelling aspect, ensuring that players can embrace their failures rather than erase them through metagaming.
Design Philosophy
In a conversation with Christoffer Bodegård, the designer of Esoteric Ebb, he shared insights into his design philosophy regarding player agency and the acceptance of failure. Bodegård emphasizes the importance of allowing players to “design their own experience.” He acknowledges that some players may choose to evade consequences, but he adopts a relaxed stance, stating, “Just let them go wild.” For him, the ultimate goal is player enjoyment, and he believes that if players are having fun, the rules can be bent without issue.
Bodegård is not one to judge players who indulge in save scumming; instead, he aims to create a well-paced and structured experience that accommodates various play styles. He cites two pivotal encounters in the game that exemplify his approach to balancing failure and player agency.
In one notable encounter, players meet a mysterious benefactor with hidden motives. They are presented with a daunting difficulty class (DC) 33 Wisdom check—an almost insurmountable challenge. Should players fail, they have the option to use a Shard of Jor to retry, while the unfolding investigation and story revelations gradually lower the DC. Success in this check can lead to significant side quests, but multiple pathways exist to uncover the truth. Bodegård describes this as a tutorial on the game’s mechanics: “Don’t save scum, just let it happen, and you will be taken care of. I am your DM, trust me.”
Another early game challenge involves accessing a magically sealed tea shop at the heart of the game’s mystery. Bodegård reassures players that initial failure is acceptable; they will eventually gain access to the shop. The Strength check required to enter will become easier over time, and players can discover various methods to bypass obstacles, such as finding spells or gaining information from NPCs. This design mirrors elements from classic games like Fallout, showcasing Bodegård’s inspiration while crafting a unique experience.
Ultimately, Bodegård’s design philosophy seeks to cultivate an illusion of agency within the narrative framework of Esoteric Ebb. He strives to ensure that players feel empowered to explore their choices, stating, “I try my best to not break that illusion.” Through thoughtful design, the game invites players to embrace both their successes and failures, enriching their journey in a world filled with mystery and adventure.
