(Image credit: Blizzard)
Erenshor, the newly launched single-player MMORPG inspired by classic titles like Everquest, is distinctively characterized by its NPCs. Solo developer Brian ‘Burgee’ crafted over 100 ‘simulated players,’ each with unique storylines, items, and actions to emulate the essence of this offline MMO.
Burgee aims to introduce even more NPCs to Erenshor as it continues to evolve in Steam early access. He’s keen to avoid a peculiar issue that surfaced during player testing, which is amusingly ironic.
In a conversation with GamesRadar+, Burgee shared insights on adapting post-launch feedback. Interestingly, he unintentionally created his version of Leeroy Jenkins, the iconic World of Warcraft character known for his reckless dungeon pulls, made famous globally and immortalized in numerous videos.
Burgee is actively addressing this mishap. He remarks, “The simulated players are definitely a major focus for many users now, and the goal is to make them act more predictably.” He adds, “Players have reported instances where they’re all set for a dungeon boss encounter, only for a lonely simulated player, sans gear, to jump in and inadvertently engage the boss, dragging it towards them.”
Efforts are underway to reduce these incidents, alongside enhancing the game’s UI for a smoother user experience, which are this week’s main priorities.
The irony isn’t lost on anyone, considering a solo developer, not an avid MMO enthusiast post-Everquest, stumbling into replicating one of the biggest MMO moments. This accidental occurrence is reminiscent of Bethesda veteran Joel Burgess’ idea that “good things often happen by accident.” Even in single-player MMOs, the spirit of Leeroy Jenkins thrives.
Whether Simulated Leeroy is a bug or feature remains debatable, though Burgee notes it has occurred “a couple of times.” To resolve this, the “latest patch notes ensure simulated players will now always wear pants,” he assured, adding humorously, “I observed many streams where, inexplicably, they didn’t. That logic oversight should now be rectified.”
This scenario becomes even more ironic when considering a developer’s attempt to replicate a multiplayer experience, only to have users suggest implementing actual multiplayer.