The horror game that could.
It’s not known to a lot of gamers, but EBB Software has been working on Scorn a lot longer than they think. Originally announced November 2014, EBB Software had big ambitions for Scorn and planned to use Kickstarter as a way to help fund Scorn. Sadly the Kickstarter did not work as well as they hoped. Scorn was supposed to be a two-part game with the first game helping fund the second game, but if they can even fund the first game, what can they do? Scorn in the first half of its development was in a sort of development hell. At some point during this time, EBB Software started receiving private funding from an investor to develop Scorn. With the funding, Scorn would now be a single game experience but also would be seriously delayed. EBB Software issued refunds to those who wanted them on Kickstarter but said it would be worth the wait for those who did.
The full-body nightmare.
At this point, it’s hard to explain Scorn when it comes to story. Design, on the other hand, EBB Software game director Ljubomir Peklar took inspiration from H.R Giger. Just in case you didn’t know, H.R Giger is a famous artist whos work blended humanity with machinery but is best known for his work on the movie Alien. The environment is this maze of grotesque misty rooms and corridors populated by outlandish creatures. In the Scorn 2020 trailer, we have even seen a tease at one of the games NPCs. The weapons you wield in-game look and move just like another one of the games outlandish creatures, constantly having to open them up and watch them wiggle as you check your ammo count. You will operate puzzles and mechanisms that will have strange controls that you will immersively grab onto and operate. EBB Software states on its Scorn Kickstarter page,
“Every location contains its own theme (story), puzzles, and characters that are integral in creating a cohesive world.”
“Each region is a maze-like structure with various rooms and paths to discover.”
“Denizens of Scorn have their own twisted lives and personalities. They can be curious, afraid, hostile, neutral and anything in between. They will react and adapt to your actions and the changes you bring to their environment.”
The next-gen payoff.
Scorn was always slated to be released on PC, but according to Ljubomir Peklar, he didn’t want to sacrifice the vision of the game for it to be on current-gen platforms. “We didn’t want to bring Scorn to current-gen consoles because we want our game to be played at 60FPS. That would be close to impossible without big sacrifices.” Now along with PC, Scorn is a Series x optimized exclusive, meaning this game will only run on next-gen hardware. Scorn will have immersive game mechanics that were also explained on the games Kickstarter. “Players will experience better immersion being aware of the character’s body and movement. Interaction with the environment is realistic-objects are picked up with your hands, machines and instruments are operated by grabbing the controls and every action takes time.” EBB Software optimistically pushed ahead when it looked bleak, proving sometimes with hard work, determination, and just a little luck you can succeed. Now they are set to release their immersive horror game onto the world day and date in GamePass right next to its release on Steam. What truly scary experiences can EBB Software deliver us in Scorn next-gen? Be sure to check out The Medium, another game that will be exclusive to the Series X platform. Is this going to be a trend going forward from developers? A trend in developers ready to move on to next-gen hardware and game development.
