In a remarkable turn of events, the beloved colony simulation game, Dwarf Fortress, has achieved a significant milestone by selling over 1 million copies on Steam since its launch on the platform. This news was shared by publisher Kitfox Games via Bluesky, where they expressed their gratitude: “We’ve reached an exciting milestone: Dwarf Fortress surpassed 1,000,000 sales on Steam. Each copy brings countless dwarves, fortresses, and unique worlds to life. Thank you to everyone who’s supported us!”
The game, which had been available for free for nearly two decades, saw a surge in popularity after its Steam release in late 2022, selling half a million copies within just two months. The revamped user interface and the transition from ASCII art to hand-drawn tiles resonated well with both new players and long-time fans, leading to a financial windfall for its creators, Tarn and Zach Adams. The duo’s newfound wealth has already led to some lighthearted spending, including a purchase of a Honda Civic.
Adventure Mode Update and Sales Surge
Speculation about the game’s sales reaching the million mark intensified following the release of an adventure mode update. Less than three months after this update, the predictions were confirmed. Interestingly, Tarn Adams himself had not anticipated this achievement. In a previous interview, he remarked, “I mean, I didn’t actually think of [hitting a million sales]. Because you’re like, when is that going to happen?” Now, the moment has arrived.
The Adams brothers have hinted at potential celebrations for this achievement, with Tarn mentioning, “There’s probably going to be a little party,” while Zach suggested, “Probably a trip to somewhere exotic.” As they prepare for festivities, fans eagerly await photos from their adventures.
While this milestone is a cause for celebration for both Bay 12 Games and Kitfox, it is unlikely to alter the trajectory of Dwarf Fortress. Kitfox has indicated that the game is entering a “new era of development” following the adventure mode release, with a focus on introducing new features and enhancing the intricate systems that define the game.
In a recent seasonal update video, Tarn Adams provided insights into ongoing projects at Bay 12, which include enhancements to siege mechanics, site building in adventure mode, and extensive revisions to the subterranean layers of Dwarf Fortress. These improvements are expected to integrate with the game’s magical features and procedural generation, further enriching the player experience.
