Christoffer Bodegård
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The creator of our running RPG of the year weighs in on BioWare's closure: 'They were fundamental to the…
Developer Christoffer Bodegård, creator of the RPG Esoteric Ebb, reflects on the closure of BioWare, acknowledging its foundational role in the CRPG genre and inspiring his own career. He fondly recalls playing MDK2 and Dragon Age: Origins, highlighting BioWare's significant impact on game development.
State of Indie 2026 Part 2: Economics and Pricing
Indie games generated between $3 billion and $4 billion in revenue in 2025, a significant increase from previous years, though their growth rate lagged behind the overall industry. The article examines the evolving economics of indie development, highlighting the rise of mid-tier developers with games priced between $20 and $60, and the continued success of ultra-budget titles targeting younger audiences.
"If the player trusts you enough, they are not going to savescum": Why the makers of some of the best RPGs on PC want you to get used to failing
Several RPG developers discuss the concept of player failure in digital versus tabletop role-playing games. They explore how game design can encourage players to embrace failure as a narrative tool rather than something to be avoided through savescumming, emphasizing trust and agency.
I never understood the appeal of a jumbo novelty d20 until I saw one inspired by one of my favorite new RPGs
Die Hard Dice has released a new line of d20 dice inspired by the RPG Esoteric Ebb, featuring designs based on the game's characters. The collection includes standard-sized dice and a large novelty metal d20 celebrating 'The Cleric'. The article also touches on the game's developer, Christoffer Bodegård, and his approach to save scumming.
My favorite RPG of 2026 put an impossible challenge in the second room to teach you not to save scum: 'I am your…
Esoteric Ebb's designer, Christoffer Bodegård, discusses the game's approach to failure and save scumming, aiming to provide a well-paced experience without punishing players. The game incorporates mechanics like rerolls and offers alternative paths to overcome challenges, encouraging players to trust the game's narrative direction.
Nordic Game 2026 announces speakers for Masterclass Friday programme
Nordic Game 2026 has announced the speakers for its Masterclass Friday program, featuring industry professionals from companies like Starbreeze and Ubisoft. The program will offer full-day workshops in design, art, business, and narrative, curated by the Mighty Diamonds mentor group. The event will take place from May 26 to May 29 in Malmö, Sweden.
I never want to play a Cleric in D&D, but 2026's best RPG stars one for a simple reason: 'I'm sorry…
Developer Christoffer Bodegård explains why the Cleric class is the protagonist of his upcoming RPG, Esoteric Ebb. He highlights the class's versatility, ability to do a little bit of everything, and its narrative potential due to its connection with a god. Bodegård also touches on the thematic relevance of religion and masculinity in the game's design.
Nordic Game 26 Masterclass Friday: Speakers Revealed!
Nordic Game Spring 2026 will feature a dedicated Masterclass Friday program for students and indie developers, curated by Mighty Diamonds. The event, held from May 26-29 in Malmö, will offer full-day workshops and expert sessions focused on Design, Art, Business, and Narrative. Speakers include Christoffer Bodegård, Chris Brettman, Danny Perez, Will Blood, Lauren Stone, Patrick Rose, Johan Lundqvist, and André Persson, covering topics from interactive writing and level design to character creation and investor relations.
Esoteric Ebb's creator reckons most players only saw half the game, and that's fine by him: 'You've got to miss stuff in order to feel like the world is bigger'
Esoteric Ebb creator Christoffer Bodegård believes most players only experience about half of the game's content, which he sees as a positive design choice that enhances the feeling of a larger world. He revealed numerous hidden items, locations, and even a character class that players can miss, emphasizing that the game is designed for players to discover content organically rather than through forced completion. Bodegård stated that while 100% completion is possible in a single playthrough, a typical run should only cover 40-60% of the game's offerings, creating an 'illusionary wall of agency' that makes the game feel more expansive.
Esoteric Ebb review - camp and cutting political comedy in a D&D Disco Elysium wrapper
Esoteric Ebb is a comedic role-playing game that blends Dungeons & Dragons mechanics with political satire and narrative-driven gameplay. Players investigate a crime in the city of Tolstad leading up to its first election, embodying a Cleric who navigates bureaucracy and personal failure. While praised for its writing, tone, and agency simulation, the game occasionally suffers from uneven pacing and a controversial depiction of Japanese culture.
Review: Esoteric Ebb Is a Disco Elysium Style Fantasy
Esoteric Ebb is a fantasy role-playing game that draws inspiration from Disco Elysium, featuring a similar narrative structure and emphasis on dialogue and character interaction. Developed by Christoffer Bodegård, the game incorporates Dungeons & Dragons elements, including dice rolls for action resolution and a deep character creation system. The game is available for PC and offers a unique blend of absurdist humor and social commentary.
Esoteric Ebb Review - Chaotic Good
Esoteric Ebb is a "Disco-like" CRPG that offers a colorful world, a unique sense of humor, and engaging political intrigue. Inspired by games like Disco Elysium, it features isometric gameplay, text-based combat, and deep dialogue choices that shape the player character. Despite its inspirations, the game carves out its own identity with a quirky fantasy setting and thought-provoking themes.
It's only March, but I'm calling it: Esoteric Ebb is 2026's best RPG and the first worthy successor to…
Esoteric Ebb is a new CRPG that draws heavy inspiration from Disco Elysium, offering a deep tabletop RPG-like experience with a focus on player choice and emergent gameplay. The game allows for extensive experimentation and features a unique skill system that acts as companions in the player's head. It is being praised for its innovative approach to CRPG combat and its ability to accommodate player-driven narratives, even when they deviate from the main quest.
