Exploring the Future of RPGs: Insights from Esoteric Ebb Creator Christoffer Bodegård

Meet Christoffer Bodegård, a passionate game developer whose journey into gaming began with a DOS machine handed down from his father. Growing up in Sweden, he recalls how an initiative made computers accessible to many, especially state employees. His very first gaming experience? Disney’s The Jungle Book, which he found quite challenging. However, the game that truly sparked his love for RPGs was Dragon Age: Origins. Bodegård reminisces about this pivotal moment just before high school, stating, “It solidified my love for the genre.” After diving into numerous top RPG lists, he eventually landed on Planescape: Torment, which he feels set a new standard for him.

Fast forward to the present, and Bodegård has made his mark in the gaming world with his creation, Esoteric Ebb. This game, years in the making, aims to capture the unpredictability of tabletop RPGs. You step into the shoes of a hapless cleric on a quest to uncover the mystery behind a tea shop explosion just as a fantasy realm gears up for its first-ever election. Released in March, Esoteric Ebb has garnered praise from fans and critics alike. Bodegård is already brainstorming his next project, utilizing the innovative technology developed for Esoteric Ebb, although he clarifies it won’t be a direct sequel.

When asked about his current gaming hobby, Bodegård shares that he’s still engrossed in Victoria 3—his go-to game since its launch. A self-proclaimed Paradox fanatic, he mentions how he’s put around 400 hours into it, admitting, “I’m still getting the hang of it!” He has dabbled with Victoria 2 thanks to a friend’s encouragement, but it never quite clicked for him. Despite the mixed opinions surrounding Victoria 3, Bodegård sees its potential as a future classic. “It’s on the verge of being something spectacular,” he adds, recognizing the developers’ commitment to refining it over time.

His previous gaming venture was Abiotic Factor, which he describes as a fun twist on the Half-Life genre. “It was a blast to finally game with friends again,” he laughs, highlighting how his focus on game development often keeps him busy. He’s also a fan of Final Fantasy 14 but chose to prioritize his work on Esoteric Ebb over joining his friends in that world.

Curious about his gaming history, Bodegård reveals that some of the oldest games on his system include Heroes of Might and Magic 3, King of Dragon Pass, Deus Ex, and Diablo 2, all cherished titles from 1999-2000. Among these, Heroes 3 holds a special place in his heart, thanks to its incredible gameplay mechanics and nostalgic jingle that still brings him joy.

When it comes to playtime, the game that tops his Steam hours chart is Esoteric Ebb—though he jokes that the number is inflated due to his development work. The real contender for his time, however, is Europa Universalis IV, which he became quite addicted to, especially with the Anbennar mod that reshapes the gameplay experience into a D&D-style adventure.

As for games he will never part with, Deus Ex stands out as a timeless classic. “It’s a core inspiration for my design choices in Esoteric Ebb,” he remarks, hinting at his desire to eventually create a first-person game that resonates with the classics he loves.

On a lighter note, he shares a unique non-gaming tool he can’t live without: Notepad++. He’s customized it to perfection for his scriptwriting, appreciating its lightweight design and versatility.

Bodegård also reflects on how chaotic his desktop was at one point, cluttered with images and screenshots until he streamlined his workflow. Now, he keeps things tidy as he dives deeper into his game development adventures.

As the gaming world eagerly anticipates what Bodegård will conjure next, one thing is clear: his passion for RPGs and commitment to innovation will continue to shape the genre in exciting ways.