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Why Entropy’s Sidequests are Shaping Up to be an RPG Masterclass
The developers behind the upcoming RPG Entropy reveal that their obsession with deep, weird side quests is causing their narrative scope to expand significantly.
The Philosophy Behind Entropy RPG Sidequests
If you have ever spent more time wandering the wilds of an Elder Scrolls game than actually saving the world, you understand the allure of a great side quest. James Wragg, lead developer at Lovely Hellplace, is betting that players feel exactly the same way. The studio behind the critically acclaimed Dread Delusion is currently developing Entropy, an experimental RPG that prioritizes side content as much as its main narrative. For Wragg, the decision to pack the game with optional stories isn’t just a design choice; it is the reason he makes games in the first place.
Building a World Through Narrative Depth
Dread Delusion earned a dedicated following for its bizarre, high-concept side quests, including memorable tales of vegetarian vampires and existential mysteries. Wragg explains that Entropy RPG sidequests thrive because they are given the freedom to be strange, providing a necessary contrast to the main plot. The team leverages a collaborative writing process to ensure these stories feel distinct and impactful:
- Broad Strokes: Wragg often creates the initial premise or narrative direction for a region.
- Expert Collaboration: Returning writers like Harry Tuffs and Io Brindle take these concepts and expand upon them, often adding depth that exceeds the original pitch.
- Freedom of Tone: Because these quests are optional, the team feels empowered to experiment with surreal concepts that might not fit the rigidity of a linear main story.
Why Less Verbose Does Not Mean Less Content
Despite an initial desire to keep the script for Entropy more concise than its predecessor, the passion of the development team has led to a narrative bloat that fans of the genre will likely welcome. The core appeal of their design philosophy lies in creating a world that feels lived-in and mysterious. By empowering writers to flesh out the corners of their fallen world, Lovely Hellplace is ensuring that every detour a player takes feels like a deliberate, handcrafted experience rather than filler content.
The team at Lovely Hellplace is leaning into the idea that RPGs come alive in their side stories, proving that the most compelling parts of a game are often the ones you aren’t forced to play.
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