The indie role-playing game Off, released in 2008, has grown into a cult following and inspired a generation of developers. Despite being freeware and released in French, Off’s unique blend of surreal storytelling and metacommentary has had a lasting impact on the gaming industry.
Designed by Mortis Ghost, who works primarily as a comic book artist, Off was initially intended to be a small game with 50 players. However, its popularity soared after fans created English translations and shared them online. This community-driven effort helped to break down language barriers and introduced Off to a wider audience.
Developers such as Adrienne Bazir, creator of In Stars and Time, have cited Off as an influence on their work. The game’s use of RPG Maker and its experimental approach to storytelling have inspired many developers to push the boundaries of what is possible in indie games.
OneShot’s pseudonymous co-writer, Nightmargin, credits Off with influencing their own game’s use of bizarre architecture and otherworldly atmosphere. Similarly, Toby Fox, creator of Undertale, collaborated with Ghost on the soundtrack for Off’s remastered version and drew inspiration from its unique storytelling approach.
Ghost expressed his gratitude towards the community for embracing Off as a shared creative property. He stated that he believes the game is now “owned by the community” and would be disrespectful to attempt to recreate it in a new way.
The release of Off’s remastered version marks an exciting milestone in the game’s history, demonstrating its enduring influence on indie developers and gamers alike. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, games like Off serve as a reminder that even small, seemingly insignificant titles can have a lasting impact on the world of gaming.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/15/arts/the-surreal-family-tree-of-a-french-rpg.html