Ebb Software apologize for their curt response regarding Kickstarter updates on Scorn, and that they will communicate more from now on.

Scorn launches 2022 on Windows PC (via Steam and the Windows Store), and Xbox Series X|S. The game will also come to Xbox Game Pass.

As previously reported, the game’s development began in 2014 from Lead Designer Ljubomir Peklar, and was aided by funding from Kowloon Nights. The “dream-like world” is explored in a non-linear fashion.

Along with inspiration from the art of H.R. Giger and Zdzislaw Beksinski, every location in the game “has its own story, puzzles, and characters.” Other inspirations include the works of Franz Kafka, Jorge Luis Borges, Thomas Ligotti, J.G. Ballard, David Cronenberg, and David Lynch.

Gameplay shows the player exploring a bone and flesh covered complex, using a weapon made of similarly bizarre substances with an interchangable barrel. They must fend off twisted monsters with limited ammo, scrambling in the dark to make progress.

The game was originally set to launch in 2021, however a Kickstarter update from Ebb Software revealed the game had been delayed to 2022. The tone of the update seemed to focus on dissuading any rumors about the game’s development, such as what took priority. They later reveal that all work done prior to the middle of 2018 had been reworked, with 90% of it scrapped.

The update explained how the game had continued development since October last year, despite the fact “some people really, really dislike us staying silent for such long periods.” This was to concentrate all efforts on development, while other studios rely on outsourced CG trailers.

The update even cites the infamous Cyberpunk 2077 of an example of “great PR,” but a troubled final game. “Maybe if they didn’t push their developers to create marketing content they could’ve put more time into fixing the game,” the update reads.

Continuing, the update even discusses how hype over an upcoming game with a long development time. Scorn‘s initial marketing was revealed to have been for potential investors, while “proper marketing” will come closer to release. Multiple updates during development creates anticipation, but also adds to disappointment that the game is not yet out.

As such Ebb Software feel it is better to “lay low,” rather than “constantly bait” players. In a scenario where the development team had all their resources from day one, the update states they would not even announce the game until 6 months before launch, then have a steady stream of marketing until launch. However, Ebb Software admit that “nobody will even acknowledge you if they don’t see the ‘hype’ upfront.”

“This is why we showed the game (not some vain idea of showing off the work),” the update explained; “and now we are stuck with the expectation to constantly feed the beast for years. We decided not to go that route, as we want to finish the game in the shortest time possible.”

“Yes, handling the time leading up to release is really bad on our end, but as much as our financial situation has improved we still have to dedicate resources to specific things, and we think that creating a good game should receive the overwhelming majority of our attention, rather than trying to constantly keep the marketing flames going. How we spent the time leading up to release should not be of consequence on the release date. Only the quality of the game will.

It’s a strange thing, if some didn’t know the game existed they would enjoy the 6 months of marketing and then the game, but now the very knowledge of its existence feels unbearable to them. Even if it turns out to be a great game they simply won’t be able to enjoy it because my god they knew about it for so long. Some people just burn out on the hype. If we released it on time and it sucked they would forget about it in a day.”

Ebb Software also defended the idea of support from Microsoft, Kowloon, and Kepler. “Some think that influx of resources would create more problems and that we should finish the game with as little resources. Creating an interesting and engaging game requires time and resources. Period. Money is what allows us to create something of quality. Enthusiasm alone can only take you so far. “

“We hope to create a great game and our backers will receive that great game, that is the bottom line and our main goal,” Ebb Software explain. “We will get there sooner with as few distractions as possible. If people want to stay with us till the end, great, if they don’t want to, we still offer a way out.”

While most of what Ebb Software stated could be seen as reasonable to many, it seems the final sentence solidified the tone of the update in many people’s minds. “And for the end, a bit of friendly advice: If lack of communication is so bothersome just ask for a refund and be done with it. It’s just a game. You can play it when it’s out if you are still interested.”

24 hours later, another Kickstarter update came from Ebb Software CEO and Scorn Creative Director Ljubomir Peklar. Therein, Peklar apologized for the prior update, a draft that he had “quickly and haphazardly read” before approval. Upon re-reading, “it was clear that the hostile tone it was written in should not be how we should express ideas or plans to people that help us out.”

“We may be tired, confused and frustrated at our own ineptitude, but there is no reason to lash out at you.” Peklar personally apologized, stated he will do his best to ensure “this kind of outburst not to happen again,” and that there will be a proper update regarding the concerns raised.

That update once again featured apologies from Ebb Software staff, and that the delay came from Scorn‘s large scope, high production values, and “some overly ambitious estimates with our initial timelines.” To keep backers better informed, a dedicated community support team shall be brought in, along with monthly developer deep-dives being shared from December 2021 onwards.

In addition, the development team will soon be in a position to share more trailers, news, and content as they move towards the release date.

Are Ebb Software correct with what they initially said? Sound off in the comments below!