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News video games 23 March 2023, 16:00

author: Adam Celarek

World's Most Complex Simulation Writes a Beautiful Story on Steam

The new version of Dwarf Fortress has quickly gained popularity among gamers, and it's an exceptional story. The good fortune doesn't seem to have left the developers at Bay 12 Games.

The story o Dwarf Fortress is a one-of-a-kind type. The lifelong project of two brothers, Tarn and Zach Adams, saw the light of day in 2008. The free game has been developed over the years by the miniature but passionate studio Bay 12 Games, offering players a complex world simulation on a scale unseen in any other title. The complexity of the systems and the unmistakable nature of the gfame have gathered a circle of devoted fans over the years.

Outstanding sales

Last December the game received a significant revision. The new paid version of the title, enriched with colorful graphics and a number of improvements, debuted on Steam, where it instantly stole the hearts of thousands of players. The good fortune does not seem to have left the developers, who recently shared more good news related to Dwarf Fortress.

Worlds Most Complex Simulation Writes a Beautiful Story on Steam - picture #1

Bay 12 Games

In a short conversation with the editors o PC Gamer, the brothers revealed that since its release on Steam, their game has already sold more than 600,000 copies.:

"There is some percentage of refunds and so it's probably hovering around 600,000. And wish lists are double that… and they're going up," said Tarn Adams

The developers are also upbeat, predicting continued sales:

"It's one of those things where it feels like the tail is just gonna go on forever and ever. And that's kind of been our experience with the game the whole time," added Adams

Success was no small surprise

The unexpected success of the new incarnation of Dwarf Fortress and the publicity it brought with it, came as no small surprise to the developers. Describing their experience, they recall:

"Growing up when computer games were more severe, I never in my life imagined [being] a game developer or being a semi-celebrity or whatever. But that seems to have happened," said Zach Adams

"It's strange, yeah. Going on the Seattle ferry and just being, you know, someone walk up and be like, 'Hey, are you the guys that made Dwarf Fortress' or whatever. And like, yeah," Adams added

So there is nothing left to do but keep our fingers crossed for the continued success of Bay 12 Games and watch with curiosity the further development of their unique work.

Discount on Steam (for a few more hours only!)

People interested in Dwarf Fortress can purchase the game on Steam. For a few more hours, it is available 10% off as part of the Spring Sale.. The ambitious players can also try their hand at the older (now renamed to Dwarf Fortress Classic), free version of the game available on the studio's website.

Adam Celarek

Adam Celarek

He has been interested in video games since an early age. He graduated film studies and new media, and defended his thesis on ludology. He started working at Gamepressure in early 2023. He is primarily a guide writer. Enthusiast of RPGs, unconventional indie games and competitive e-sports titles (mainly brawlers and MOBAs). In addition to games, he's also interested in table-top role-playing games and collectible card games. A fan of old-school technology and retro style!

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