RPG Dev Behind Entropy: “Sidequests are almost my reason for doing videogames” – Get Ready for Epic Storytelling!

Gamers, get ready for an exciting dive into the world of upcoming RPGs! We’re buzzing about Entropy, a title currently in early access that’s already turning heads with its experimental JRPG-style combat and unique, fallen world setting. But what makes it even more special is the team behind it: Lovely Hellplace, the same brilliant minds who gave us the critically acclaimed Dread Delusion.

If you played Dread Delusion, you know it was a fantastic first-person homage to the classic Elder Scrolls games, packed with some truly unforgettable sidequests. Think ethical dilemmas involving vegetarian zombies or a deep, mystery-solving quest inspired by sci-fi classics. So, naturally, the big question was: would Entropy, with its genre shift, continue this legacy of incredible side stories? The answer, thankfully, is a resounding YES!

The Undying Love for Sidequests

We recently got some insights from James Wragg, the lead developer at Lovely Hellplace, and it’s clear his passion for sidequests runs deep. In fact, he pretty much admitted that side content is the very reason he makes video games in the first place! For Wragg, the magic of RPGs truly comes alive when you step off the main path and explore the weird, wonderful, and often profound side stories.

He shared that a huge inspiration for Dread Delusion came from his own gaming habits – specifically, how he would often ignore the main quest in Elder Scrolls titles just to get lost in the endless side adventures. This philosophy is clearly bleeding into Entropy, promising us a rich tapestry of optional content that will make the world feel incredibly alive and reactive.

Side quests are almost my reason for doing videogames in the first place. A big inspiration for Dread Delusion was playing Elder Scrolls games almost willfully ignoring the main quest, and getting lost in all the side content.

Crafting Worlds, One Word at a Time

Wragg estimates he writes about a third of the content that goes into Entropy, often creating broad outlines and intriguing plotlines that his talented team of writers then flesh out. He specifically praised Harry Tuffs, who brought the zombified Kingdom of the Endless to life in Dread Delusion with an unforgettable quest. Wragg’s initial idea of “vegetarian vampires” was taken by Tuffs and made “way better than my original dumb ideas,” he confessed.

Another returning talent is Io Brindle, who spearheaded the beloved “Missing Persons” investigative quest in Dread Delusion. With such creative minds collaborating, it’s no wonder the team can’t help but expand on every intriguing concept they encounter. This collaborative writing process ensures that even the wildest ideas get refined into compelling narratives.

Interestingly, Wragg initially aimed for Entropy to be less verbose than Dread Delusion, which he described as being “the length of a novel.” He wanted to trim the fat and make it more succinct. However, as development progressed, the team found themselves unable to resist diving deep into characters and themes, leading to the word count ballooning once again. It seems when you love storytelling this much, brevity sometimes takes a backseat to depth and detail!

Companions, Choices, and Consequences

Beyond the standalone sidequests, a significant portion of the writing effort in Entropy is going into its companions. The game boasts a large party size, allowing players to hire anonymous mercenary characters alongside more story-centric party members who come with their own intricate plotlines and backstories.

Adding a layer of thrilling consequence to your journey, all companions in Entropy – whether hired guns or integral to the main narrative – are subject to permadeath. This means every decision and battle could have lasting impacts, forcing players to think strategically and value their companions even more.

We love making weird and wonderful stories, and we love deep characters who we can get into chats with and find out all their beliefs and backstories and stuff. I think that one of the most interesting things about videogames is just how you can actually talk to the characters in a way that maybe you can’t in a novel or a film. Just being able to meet a strange character and ask them some stupid questions is incredibly rewarding as a player.

Wragg emphasizes the unique ability of video games to allow direct interaction with characters, asking them questions and uncovering their beliefs, which he finds incredibly rewarding for players. This focus on deep, interactive character development suggests that losing a beloved companion will truly hit hard.

Jump In Now: Early Access and What’s Next

For those eager to experience this rich narrative world, Entropy is currently available on Steam in early access for just $12 (approx. Rs 3,340). There’s also a generous demo that has already won over many players, offering a fantastic glimpse into what the full game promises. If Dread Delusion’s development is anything to go by, the final version of Entropy is expected to expand significantly beyond this initial release, but even the early access launch provides a great introduction to the project.

For Pakistani gamers who appreciate deep storytelling, meaningful choices, and worlds that truly feel alive, Entropy looks set to deliver a memorable experience. Get ready to lose yourselves in a brand new adventure where every side path holds a treasure trove of stories and encounters.

Note: PKR figures are approximate, based on a rate of Rs 278.00 per USD. Exchange rates fluctuate — please check the latest dollar rate for exact pricing.