Exclusion Zone Botanist: Epsilon October update
The first update about Epsilon — a solo adventure game about exploring a dark and corrupting forest. Choosing a Kickstarter launch date and progress so far.
As the launch of Exclusion Zone Botanist: Epsilon approaches, I will be posting regular updates. It’s a chance for you to get a behind the scenes look at some of the design decisions and work going into the game.
In this first update, let’s talk about launch dates and current progress!
What is Epsilon?
In January, I announced Exclusion Zone Botanist: Epsilon. It’s a solo drawing and exploration game by Exeunt Press. Inspired by the ENNIE-nominated Exclusion Zone Botanist, it is a new, stand-alone game with its own setting and story.
Some of the key features I’m focusing on:
A new Western EZ created by a disaster — significantly larger than the original Eastern EZ and divided into meaningful zones.
Far more plant features — over 100 unique features across all zones.
The ability to create and customize characters.
More mechanical impacts and player choices based on plant discoveries.
It’s a new game system, a new story, and a much deeper game. I’d expect the final product to be around 80 - 100 pages when complete, but that can change.
It will be launched on Kickstarter when ready, and you can follow it there now!
When will it launch?
I feel strongly about having Epsilon complete before launching the crowdfunding campaign. Here is what “complete” looks like to me:
All game mechanisms designed, documented, and playtested
All writing done, including rules and thematic elements
All major design and layout complete, excluding small changes
Cover art and interior art complete
First test print complete and any changes identified
This method has a few clear benefits for backers:
Lower risk for backers: It’s not a secret that some crowdfunding campaigns never reach fulfillment or fulfill way past their original deadlines. There are a myriad of reasons for this — some of which are beyond the control of the creators. But by having the project written and press-ready, there’s a lot less that can go wrong.
Faster fulfillment: I back a lot of games on Kickstarter, so I’m familiar with having to wait for fulfillment. Having Epsilon written and press-ready means that once funds are released, I can start working on fulfillment.
You know what you are getting: Many times I’ve backed a game on Kickstarter only to watch it change significantly as it goes through development after I backed it. It’s always turned out well, but it’s nice to know what you are backing. By having the game feature-complete at launch, there is less risk of major changes after the campaign ends.
The benefit to me is, of course, a lot less stress and anxiety after the campaign ends! There’s no need to rush the design of the game. Instead I can focus on getting it printed and delivered to backers in a timely manner.
This method does, however, mean that Exclusion Zone Botanist: Epsilon doesn’t have a fixed launch date. It will launch when it’s ready.
I was hoping it would be ready in 2025 — perhaps a bit optimistic at the time. A more realistic target is the first half of 2026.
When specifically in 2026 will it be ready? When it’s ready.
How’s the design work going?
It’s going really well! I’ve been making extremely solid progress on Epsilon.
I’ve been able to nail down the core resolution system and to keep it based on simple six-sided dice rolls. The plant features are coming along nicely, and most of the six zones are already written. The narrative backstory is written and provides some interesting motivation for exploring the new Western EZ. The new, multi-path corruption system (now called “bloom”) is designed but needs additional writing.
There is, of course, a lot more to do.
The character creation and customization system probably needs the most work at this time. I want to make sure that the archetypes have a meaningful impact on gameplay whether mechanically or via narrative hooks.
Also, I’m working on an event system to ensure that there is never a “nothing happens” turn in the game. Even if new plants aren’t discovered in a given space, I still want there to be something happening.
Finally, after the mechanisms and writing are complete, I can begin to work with an artist. That will take time as well, but I don’t want to begin that process until the game is written. It is important to me that the finished writing informs the art.
Will there be extras?
I’ve had quite a few people ask if other Exeunt Press games will be available as add-ons during the campaign. While it’s too early to confirm what any backer reward tiers will contain, I’d expect that add-ons will be available. I’m not able to confirm which specific add-ons will be part of the campaign.
What else would you like to know?
I’m thrilled that over 700 people have already followed the Kickstarter pre-launch page — thank you! And I really appreciate your patience as I work on the game. It’s a huge project, and I want to make sure it’s the best game I can make.
As design work continues, I plan to post regular updates about Epsilon here at Exeunt Omnes. But I’m curious about what you’d like to know! Pick your favorite topic in the poll below!
Stay safe in the EZ.
— E.P. 💀
I really love playing Exclusion Zone Botanist. It is so engaging. I enjoy drawing the plants adding extra characteristics based on a botanical plant family I am learning about. I really get in the zone (yeah, I did that) while playing and can't wait for Epsilon.