Surprise! Once a free icon, indy game Dwarf Fortress finds new life on Steam
Dwarf Fortress, a quirky independent video game that has been free since its 2006 release, is now among the online marketplace Steam's best-sellers -- to the surprise of its US creators.
Set in a medieval fantasy world, Dwarf Fortress is what's known in the gaming world as a "construction and management simulation," in which players supervise a group of dwarves in building a mighty castle.
The classic, bare-bones version of the game remains available for download, but since December 6, players can buy an upgraded version with a soundtrack and better visual graphics.
Releasing the paid version on Steam has opened the door for more players to access Dwarf Fortress, and it's now the fourth best-seller of the week on the platform.
But the success has been unanticipated -- even though the creators, American brothers Tarn and Zach Adams, had an inkling of latent interest.
"We have internal metrics, so you can kinda say like, 'oh wow, this is actually gonna be pretty cool probably.' But it's not a sure thing, right? And so we're still surprised. It's awesome," Tarn Adams said.
Illness in the family created financial necessity -- and creation of the paid version.
"I got sick," said Zach Adams, a co-creator along with his brother Tarn.
"I had medical insurance, so I was able to pay for my healthcare bills, but Tarn didn't," he added.
After Tarn became hospitalized, and the typically-high US medical bills came pouring in, Zach said the duo decided it was time to monetize the pared-down text-based version with an upgrade.
"Seeing so many more people able to play it is awesome," said Tarn.
The paid version of the game, available for $29.99, has received an enthusiastic reception from the public, with 96 percent positive
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