Independent studio Ebb software told on the Kickstarter page of the Giger horror Scorn on the development of the project, commenting on the recently announced version for the next generation console Xbox Series X and cooperation with the company Microsoft. Key information is collected below..
Why Xbox Series X
The developers chose the Xbox Series X because of the very powerful hardware that will be able to run games in 4K and 60 FPS, which is what they strive for with regard to Scorn. At the same time, the authors note that to a greater extent than 4K, it is important for them, as developers, that the game works at 60 frames per second with a certain visual accuracy.
Microsoft collaboration
Before signing the agreement for Ebb Software, it was important that Microsoft would not have any influence on the concept of the game and its development process. In this regard, the company made concessions to the studio, requesting only exclusivity rights. As a result, both parties benefited from the deal: Microsoft got another console exclusive in its lineup, and the developers were able to count on much more marketing opportunities and additional resources that the Ebb Software team was desperately lacking.
No Xbox One
The developers specified that Scorn will not appear on the consoles of the current generation, since they do not see it as worthwhile to spend time creating a low-quality version of the game from a technical point of view, where there will be 900p and a frame rate below 30 FPS, which will not provide the necessary experience.
Trailer without gameplay
The latest release of Inside Xbox was criticized by fans, including for the small amount of real gameplay, and there wasn’t any gameplay in the Scorn trailer. The developers say that they initially wanted to release another, twice as long video clip with elements of gameplay at a later date, but shortly before Inside Xbox they received an offer to present their game there. The catch was that Microsoft allocated no more than two minutes for each show within the show, so the developers had to rethink and remake the trailer. It was already difficult to squeeze the gameplay into it, without violating the mood and rhythm of what was happening.
Long development and infrequent updates
The main reason is lack of resources. The Kickstarter campaign and those two trailers of 2016-2017 were made for the sole purpose of trying to find additional funding and somehow survive. However, the forced display of the project at an early stage set the task for the developers to keep it in the public eye for a long time, which was not so simple. The problem turned out to be that some players began to show their impatience, constantly wanting to see more and at the same time hoping to get a quality project as soon as possible. The developers were not going to set deadlines above quality, considering that the production of a polished and well-made game requires a lot of time. In an ideal situation, they would not even talk about the project six months or so before the release, and they would have enough prepared material to present the game properly, but for an unknown indie team this is practically impossible.
What now
Scorn has been in development for five years, but the way the studio is now functioning compared to 2015-2018 is like heaven and earth. After signing a contract with the global investment fund Kowloon Nights (also helps Fumito Ueda’s new game) and concluding a deal with Microsoft, the team more than doubled, having received enough resources to work in decent conditions, have decent equipment, receive a stable salary and so on . Over the past 18 months, game development has been moving more smoothly than ever before.
What’s next
Despite the fact that the studio has more resources, they are still not unlimited, and therefore the authors have long decided for themselves to always give priority to development over everything else. Big updates consume resources, and whenever authors decide to discuss them within the team, they always come to the conclusion that it is better to concentrate these efforts on those parts of the game that need them most at the moment. An example of what we are talking about: developers never complete the levels by 100%, keeping them ready for 70-80%, so that if necessary, you can quickly make corrections, and not perform the same tasks several times. The final adjustment of lighting, special effects and color correction will be done at the very end. This means that if the authors decide to show something to the public, then they will have to finish those last 20-30%, and this can sometimes take weeks. Big news updates (trailers, gameplay, etc.) will be released as necessary and closer to the release. According to the creators, such updates represent the game well and interest a large audience, while it was decided to refuse to release small updates. Ebb Software explained this by saying that it is a small team “pushing the load above its own weight”, so the authors have to make such sacrifices, otherwise the game will never reach the finish line.
release date Scorn still unknown. The developers decided not to name the release dates or even an approximate framework until they are 100% sure that they can release the game by the specified time. On PC, it will be available in digital stores. Steam, Microsoft store and Gog.
Scorn is described as an atmospheric first-person adventure game set in an unknown world full of strange shapes and gloomy landscapes. Once in a dream-like place, the player will have to act in a non-linear way and explore different areas where each location contains its own story, puzzles and characters. The project is created on the engine Unreal engine 4drawing inspiration from Metroid prime, Dark souls, ICO and works of a Swiss artist Hans Gigerwhose influence on design is guessed at a glance.
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