The developers of the cult classic strategy simulation gameDwarf Fortress, which has become infamous for its text-based art and difficult-to-learn gameplay mechanics, are hoping new players will have fun learning while losing thanks to the addition a long-requested tutorial mode as part of the game’s upcoming Steam debut. The Steam release ofDwarf Fortresswill be published by Kitfox Games, the studio behind 2021’shack-and-slash dating simBoyfriend Dungeon.
Dwarf Fortressis a strategy simulation roguelike released in 2002 by the two-person team at Bay 12 Games, brothers Tarn and Zach Adams, and has been in continuous development ever since. The freeware game features text-based graphics that can be overwhelming to new players and seasoned veterans alike, but has received praise for the depth of simulation present in the game world. Hidden behind its simple graphics,Dwarf Fortresstracks everything from the rain levels in different areas to the geology of the caves where the titular dwarfs make their homes, and the title has been cited as one of the influences behind the creation of bothMinecraftandsurvival gameRimworld.
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In a news update posted for the upcomingSteamrelease ofDwarf Fortress, developer Zach Adams announced that the game will be receiving a tutorial mode designed to help new players get a grasp on the notoriously complicated gameplay. Adams states that he used his wife Annie, who’d previously been overwhelmed by the original game, as a play tester for the new tutorial and that she was now able to get far enough in the game to drown her fortress under a bog. Though this outcome may not exactly be what some players would call a success, it clearly met Adams’ goal of making sure anyone would “be able to lose this game and have fun doing it.”
The addition of a tutorial comes as part of a complete graphical overhaul for the game, replacing the text-based aesthetic with pixel art and a proper GUI. While the new graphics may not make the gameplay any less challenging, it’s clear the developers hope that these changes will makeDwarf Fortressmore accessible and appealing to a wider audience. With casual strategy simulation titles likeTerrariaandStardew Valleyenjoying enduring success with players, Bay 12 Games is surely hoping thatDwarf Fortress’ more punishing mechanics can find a place in the market with this new release.
Building and management mechanics are everywhere in games these days, fromdesigning the perfect restaurant inDisney’s Dreamlight Valleyto creating the most efficient assembly line inFactorio, and the originalDwarf Fortressis one of the titles that helped light the spark that created that current craze. Whether a new coat of paint and a helping hand will draw in new players remains to be seen, but at least it’ll look much prettier now when players accidentally wipe out their entireDwarf Fortresskingdom for the first time.
