Meet Brian, affectionately known as ‘Burgee.’ He’s taken a lifelong love for gaming and transformed it into a reality with his creation, Erenshor—a one-of-a-kind single-player MMO that immerses players in a simulated multiplayer experience. Juggling a demanding job and family life, Burgee often found himself missing the camaraderie of MMORPGs but without the hassle of coordinating with other players. So, in 2021, he made the bold move to start Burgee Media, setting out on a quest to create the game he always wished existed.
What is Erenshor?
Currently in Early Access on Steam, Erenshor is available for just $20, and there’s no subscription required. This game draws inspiration from beloved classics like RuneScape and EverQuest, offering a captivating experience for those who often prefer to game solo. Players can explore over 35 zones and embark on 75 quests, all while interacting with a variety of simulated characters designed to enrich the gameplay experience.
Burgee emphasizes that the magic of Erenshor lies in its ability to capture the essence of an MMO. “They’re not your static NPCs in an RPG,” he explains. Instead, players meet dynamic characters that engage in activities, trade goods, and form relationships within the expansive game world, ensuring a unique experience for everyone who plays.
The Inspiration Behind the Game
Reflecting on his childhood in a rural area with spotty internet, Burgee recalls the challenges he faced while playing EverQuest, often grappling with lag during crucial moments. This experience fueled his desire for a game that facilitated meaningful interactions without the unpredictability of real players. “I always Googled single-player style MMORPG, and I never found one,” he reminisces. This gap in the gaming market was the spark that ignited his journey to create Erenshor, prompting him to start from scratch to fulfill this niche demand.
The development process was anything but easy. Burgee engaged in rigorous testing and feedback collection, discovering that players yearn for the thrill of unexpected interactions without the complications of real-life schedules. Initially toying with the idea of incorporating real-life player dynamics, Burgee faced a wave of pushback during testing. “After I pushed that update to the testers, I got complaint after complaint,” he shared, highlighting the delicate balance between realism and enjoyable gameplay.
Gameplay Mechanics and Features
Erenshor boasts a straightforward yet captivating crafting system and features four basic classes, allowing players to focus on exploration and loot collection. As they navigate this vast world, players undertake quests and combat missions that connect them with the simulated characters populating the game. The intentional absence of multiplayer capabilities ensures players can fully immerse themselves in the experience without distractions.
“I want gamers to know that going in, because it’s really important that they understand if they’re playing it solo, they’re going to have the complete experience,” Burgee stresses. This transparency has resonated with enthusiastic players, as evident from the positive reviews pouring in on Steam.
As Erenshor continues to grow and evolve, Burgee is dedicated to enhancing the player experience while keeping the core concept intact—a single-player MMO that truly feels alive and engaging. With a budding community of players who appreciate this innovative approach, Erenshor stands as a testament to one developer’s vision to redefine solo gaming.