Dwarf Fortress coming to Steam and itch.io, free version always updated and available
Hey everybody! We mentioned a big announcement on the development log, and here it is: Dwarf Fortress is coming to Steam and itch with a new tile set, and generally enhanced graphics and audio. We'll continue updating and releasing the free ASCII version on the Bay 12 web page as Dwarf Fortress Classic.
We don't talk about this much, but for many years, Zach has been on expensive medication, which has fortunately been covered by his healthcare. It's a source of constant concern, as the plan has changed a few times and as the political environment has shifted. We have other family health risks, and as we get older, the precariousness of our situation increases; after Zach's latest cancer scare, we determined that with my healthcare plan's copay etc., I'd be wiped out if I had to undergo the same procedures. That said, crowdfunding is by far our main source of income and the reason we're still here. Your support is still crucial, as the Steam release may or may not bring us the added stability we're seeking now and it's some months away.
We're going to finish the villain release first and get it stabilized before I complete the coding required to support the new graphics. But the artists are already hard at work!
Here's a (very short) trailer, including some in-game footage with new art, transparency, and some other goodies: Trailer
And here's more of the tile art (this image is 1920x1080 so you might have to zoom in, not in-game):
There are a few more examples over on the store pages: Steam, itch.io
The graphics are being made possible by Kitfox Games and Tanya X. Short (we co-edited a few books together, I've known her for years, and we can count on her to do an awesome job.) She's contracted Mike Mayday and Meph, who've both been with the modding community for many years. Zach and I are working closely with them as they create a tile set that fits the game and meshes well with our underlying code. Tanya has also brought on a talented composer and SFX designer, Dabu, who has already created several musical tracks and some sound effects. Even though this change was brought about by uncertainty and concern, now that we're on this path, we're determined to make an excellent go of it with underlying changes in accessibility and modding which redound to everybody, no matter which version they play.
When the Steam version is released, people that choose to pick it up will get the new graphical tiles, new music and audio, as well as Steam Workshop integration. The people that stick with Dwarf Fortress Classic will still get all of the upcoming Dwarf Fortress features as we add them, and modders will also be able to utilize the new graphical capabilities you can see above in their own creations.
Thanks to all of you who've been with us through the years. It's always going to be important to us to bring you a free Dwarf Fortress that anybody can just download and play, and we're only able to do that because of your support. The addition of this new version should be pretty cool as well, and we're looking forward to having a future together!
Comments (122)
well, i wishlisted it, now it just needs to drop on steam ;) edit: also, do you think there is a possible future for (ridiculous) steam achievments? i am a total sucker for that stuff ;)
When game will come to steam? Already half-year ended from announcement. Хочу иметь эту игру у себя в библиотеке стим, раз нет никакого коллекционного издания)
Took me three days to learn how to really play this game. I just bought Borderlands 3 and I barely play it because DF is just so satisfying. Little things like what type of local stone spawns underground has such an impact on the culture and development of your fort. Keep up the great work guys!
I appreciate that you let us know the circumstances around that decision. I'll buy the game and, as long as the free version exists, I'll keep supporting you.
I've not put a tonne of time into DF because it's just such a time investment but honestly with how much work you've put into this I'm gonna buy it day one anyway. I might get some more play time but even if I don't it will be well worth the money.
Very good idea. You are a talent and you can not argue with that. I appreciate and respect your work. And your description is very clear. In my opinion, this game will be one of the best.
It already is *the* best. DF can only improve. <3
Nice
Would old mods from Bay12 forums work?
AFAIU most should work, mods affecting graphic will probably have issues.
Or 19.99 instead of 20.00 and so on. It's a physcological trick as you mentioned. But not illegal.
I actually find it hard to believe that that is the reality of the situation, as I can't imagine Steam cares about pricing, especially given Steam Direct now. They barely care about hate speech. And there are exceptions (Amid Evil; Dusk), but I've no idea what the process is. Maybe that was only possible before Steam Direct and they've since changed their policy.
The dev does not have full control over the pricing. If valve tells them to set it as 6,99 USD instead of 7,00 usd. Then Bay 12 has no way to tell them no. And that is the reality of the situation.
You've got a definite sale here. You've been the most amazing devs for years, not asking money for one of the greatest games ever made. I'll be happy to buy it. I would say, something I love to see is games that forego the X.99 pricing scheme. It's a minor and accepted psychological manipulation, but a psychological manipulation it is. I'd give even further kudos to you for going a nice, even flat rate.
Kitfox and I both asked about them some time ago, but as I recollect, it was a Steam policy. I could be mistaken, since I didn't speak to the rep directly. We have considered this, though. Are there games without a x.x9 price on Steam? I've never seen one, but maybe they are there.
Abel, yes. $19.99 US
hey do we know how much its going to cost on steam?
Any chance to port to Nintendo Switch? Or I'm asking too much?
How playable could that even be?
+1 GOG Version!!! you deserve to be there, the new version and the ASCII
Will there be a GOG version available as well? I’d love to have it on GOG.
I hope we get to hear a sample of the new music and audio soon ill be seeking this out daily xD I hope Zach gets all the help he needs from all of us Dwarfs support ^.^
Cool, the existing Patreon rewards mean nothing to me but this should be useful.
Ah, "Steam Workshop integration". /r/modpiracy then?
I've been enjoying DF for years thanks to a friend teaching me how to play a long time ago, and just... never got around to tossing some money your way as thanks. Oops. I'll still send something your way, and I'll be sure to pick up the steam release since I enjoy tinkering with graphics too much. Thank you for many years of entertainment, and I wish you the best of luck moving forward!
You have inspired so many re-imaginings and imitations with your wonderful game. It's about time that I support a game I love so much. You can be sure I'll also be buying the Steam release. Best wishes!
Been a fan of Dwarf Fortress for a long time, I'm only just now being made aware that a Patreon was available to donate too, I'll be sure to buy it when it comes out on steam too! maybe even buy a few copies as gifts for people on my friends list. I know a lot of people don't put much credit into the concept, but I'll keep Zach in my prayers, if that's okay with you. <3
Here's a couple of bucks per month if it helps development. Definitely will buy this game as soon as it will be released on steam.
Wow, great Idea but though - I hope it WILL be possible to hear the classic music while playing the Steam version... because it's the best guitar theme ever composed ;-)
I really understand your situation ( I'm a brain cancer patient myself, but survived so far 2 operations and probably also my 4th chemio once my White's are up again to normal values ) and I believe that you do the right thing. Since you are going to release the game now (well this year I guess) I'd advise to also improve performance as much as you can, I know it is probably hard to implement proper multi-core use and other ways, but id say it will be very important for everyone once you launch it that the "normal" game settings are playable for the average user. Oh, and I will of course buy the game as well and tell friends about it!
You guys are my heroes
Thanks! Right back at all of you.
Props on coming to Steam! I'm looking forward to automatic updates and Steam Workshop integration. And this'll probably sound like a weird request, but would be it be possible to use ASCII instead somehow? (Like as an option.) I know I'm unusual, but I've just never found a graphical tileset I've been able to play the game with…
Yeah, an ASCII version is going to be available there if you have DF in your library. There are potentially issues with on-the-fly swapping between graphics and ASCII while you are playing, so I haven't promised that, but I think it would be fun if it's not too hard to implement.
It is a shame that in the richest nation on this planet, one needs to plan for financial hardship due to health concerns. I have no doubt the community will rally around you and this change may also bring many more fans to this outstanding project. Wishing you the best!
Indeed, the community has shown up! It has been a fantastic response. I have to do my part now and grind away at it with artists for a good long while, but that's doable. I'm confident things will go well. And yeah, the health situation here is kind of ridiculous, and on the flip side certainly I wish for people living anywhere in any country to have those advantages I have enjoyed. Lots to do! I feel quite over-absorbed with my dwarves at times, but I'm ultimately a bit selfish about that.
Just became an official patreon today and I just wanted to say thanks for the months of on and off enjoyment from dwarf fortress. While I'm complete garbage at it (haha) it's some of the most fun I've ever had playing. Ya'll rock.
Ha ha, you don't have to be good to have fun. I'm always in awe of what the players are able to accomplish.
Just shut up and take my money! Losing is fun in both GUI and/or ASCII!
He he, I can shut up! Um... I guess I screwed that up.
I have loved DF for years and I'm so happy you guys are doing this. I will happily buy a Steam version and help support your family. Many blessings!
I'm glad you've been enjoying the game for so long. May the blessings encompass you as well!
All the best Toady ... bumped up the donation a bit and definitely plan to buy the steam version
Thank you! All the best to you too!
Sorry to hear about the medical concerns that led to the decision, but at the same time I'm incredibly hopeful for a graphical tileset and DF's future with the wonderful crew at Kitfox on board.
Yeah, Kitfox is awesome. I'm very happy with how the partnership is working out, and the art is shaping up really well. Thanks for your support!
I'm sorry it's driven by bad circumstances, but I'm really excited about this commercial release! Definitely a day 1 purchase, hopefully it'll help you guys continue to work on DF for years to come.
Thanks for helping out! Yeah, now that we've jumped into it, we're intent on making something awesome. I'm hopeful now; so many people are enthusiastic about it.
I'm loving this news. I never much got into fortress mode but the in depth adventure mode has had me hooked for years. The combat engine in it has had so many surprising twists and turns where I have survived on little more than a mad lib style moment.
Ha ha, yeah, it's often a very short ride on the adventure train. I'm glad you're enjoying the game!
OMG, so excited for this. Any Early Access for backers?!
It's very early yet, but we've discussed a few things. We'll announce anything when plans solidify - the villain release needs to be handled and stabilized first at the very least, then the graphics work can begin.
Toady, I know you value deeply your independence, and as such I know this wasn't an easy decision. However, I'm really happy that you will be profiting from all the years of hard work and creativity you've put in this game. You've give un a game we could play for hundreds or thousands of hours, and I'll happily buy your game from steam the day it is released. Big hugs and I wish the best to you and Zach Health-wise and economically <3
Yeah, we've been putting it off for years, assuming the risk as different stuff came up, and now as I've hit 40 and Zach has been enjoying his 40s for a few years, it just became too much to bear. Thanks for your support! We're going to be able to make this work!
Hurray, a consistent standard tileset! Anyone who can see beyond their own opinion of "best tileset or just plain ascii" should know this has pretty big implications. for growing the community. The tileset alone is going to make Dwarf Fortress vastly more accessible to people. I remember back in the day learning to play for the first time, of course I wanted a tileset. I couldn't stomach trying to play in ASCII, and that is true for *MOST* people. I followed the guide which included a save with the tileset already set up. I ended up playing an ancient version of the game for a long time, because it had the tileset I was familiar with. The DF Starter Pack / Lazy Newb Pack were great for solving that problem, but still meant different tutorials looked completely different. Not quite like trying to read another language, but pretty close. I get people are nostalgic for ASCII, but I never lived in the days of real roguelikes / nethack / etc. Having an "official" tileset is going to be huge. And yes of course you can still use your own. The great thing is if I google for tutorials, there is a pretty good chance THIS will be the tileset that is used. And that's great. Trying to follow a tutorial with screenshots from ASCII is brutal. I wonder how many features from DFHack are included, like the ability to use different sprites for the same ascii characters. They appear to have something like TWBT included. And the floating sidebar is transparent? I wonder if that's real, or a photoshop concept.
I think it'll definitely help a lot of people that have bounced off the ASCII get into the game. General accessibility work should also help. The new debate is whether the graphics or other UI changes are more important, but hopefully we'll have enough of both to reach a lot of new people. The trailer is in-engine, already programmed, but the still images are concepts. However, I've worked with blended transparency in-engine (see the feet shadows in trailer), and so I'm sure we can get those menus or ones like them working. The interface font/graphics separation is also something we're going to do - they won't need to be the same resolution, and you won't need to play with the curses stuff to do e.g. furniture pictures.
holy father of Urist, this is awesome!
He he he. It should be pretty cool!
Hearing this I just signed up for patreon to support you guys. I understand completely why you are doing this and have nothing but complete and utter respect for what you 2 have been doing. Dwarf fortress is truly unique and I have complete faith in you all, and the people you are bringing in to help you with this. And I'll also certainly buy DF once it hits steam!
Thank you for supporting us!
Am really liking the tileset so far, but I surmise that a proper UI overhaul will be needed for a more broad audience to latch on -- and let's be honest, that increase in user-base is what's being targeted by such a release.
As an example (and in my opinion), Therapist-like behavior really needs to become baseline. For the current game, it's alright that we puzzle out first how to find job settings in the default UI, then (possibly) figure out how to get Therapist running. We (the current community) accept these quirks from a free-to-play/pay-what-you-want game -- I don't think that'll fly with a wider (pay-to-play) audience.
I don't play your game. Not because I don't like it, but because I'm just really bad at it, it's overwhelming for me. I try sometimes, but kinda fail and leave it behind. I love the idea of it and I absolutely admire and respect your work. Despite not being good at it, and even if I probably won't play it, I will still buy a copy at some point.
Ha, sorry for that! The Steam version will be a bit more accessible, but certainly no game is for everybody. That said, we've always considered the people that read the stories and check out the art players are making to be part of the community and there will certainly be more antics for everybody, players and otherwise, to enjoy.
Dwarf Fortress has been for a long time one of my Top 5 games of all time, and I've been gladly supporting you for a little over a year with PayPal donations (before the Patreon era) until the tight reality of my own budget forced me to compromise. But you can bet I will support this, Day One. I wish you all the luck in the world, and may this move bring you a much-needed financial relief. STRIKE THE EARTH, GUYS!!
Awesome, thanks so much! I'm sorry things have been bumpy.
What's the cross-compatibility going to be like for mods and utilities?
Phone won't let me do paragraphs. I'm particularly concerned about Therapist, as I consider even medium-sized forts essentially unplayable without it. Are you going to keep compatibility with the community utility, or are you introducing a new dwarf management interface in the Steam version?
It's really a shame *why* you're doing it, but I'm really excited for you guys. I'll be picking it up day one!
Yeah, it's unfortunate the way things are right now, and we've been hanging on and sustaining the risk as long as we could, but, well, you just keep getting older! Thanks for supporting the game!
Something looks off about those incline graphics, like the perspective is backwards. Well! Hope things get better for you guys.
I believe you're experiencing the "Mountain Or Valley?" Illusion! Minute Physics have a great short video on this: <a href="https://youtu.be/V7C318DGB38" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/V7C318DGB38</a> Basically we as humans on earth are used to things being lit up from above, and light and shadows have a weird symmetry about them, so things lit from "below" look inversed, concave vs. convex. So yes, you're right, it would look better the other way around!
So, how do you anticipate releases working with this? Will classic still be the “main” version, with the graphical version playing catch-up?
It should be more like the SDL, at least as far as I understand the Steam pipeline, which I've been able to play around with a bit. The hope is that everything will update at the same time. There is a possibility that the main Steam version will be more like a stable branch, with some of the initial hiccups being handled on Classic first, since the DF bugs can be pretty tricky, but that remains to be Steam. We can always keep an experimental graphical branch up to date on Steam as well. I think games like Factorio do this, anyway.
Also I wanna mention I'm pleasantly surprised by everyone else posting here, usually when a game announces they're releasing a paid version there's a lot of "BLARGH OVER MY DEAD BODY" weird entitlement that happens, but I'm seeing nothing but positivity from everyone here. Clearly DF has one of the best fanbases out there :)
Everybody has been awesome! The fans have pulled through before, over all the years we've been working, so we were hopeful this announcement wouldn't be a catastrophe, but like you say, sometimes people can get really upset, so there were nerves and sleepless nights for sure. I would say I'll sleep well, but I'm going down to SF in two days so... sleep on the 25th I guess, ha ha. I'm gonna be so wiped out, but I'm also really happy right now, so it has been an interesting trip!
I think y'all are handling this kind of transition in the best possible way, and will definitely pick it up the moment it's available. Also good to hear the health situation is at least *stable*, I hope stuff gets better soon and y'all can focus on doing what you love instead of handling health problems and insurance BS
Yeah, we hope so too! It can be so nervewracking, and everybody has to deal with it to some degree as time passes.
I totally understand why you have to do this and will continue supporting you on patreon :)
Thanks Untrustedlife! See you on the forums!
Awesome news. I take it the game has become more accessible recently. I remember my first ascii game of DF and while it was magical and mysterious figuring out what everything was -- it was super hard! :)
Ha ha, I wouldn't go so far as to say we've done a better job recently! But the Steam version (as well as the free version) will have improvements there.
Consider it bought. I have also become a patron. DF has brought me more hours of enjoyment than I can calculate, even though I haven't been back to it in a couple of years. I think this will be a great move for the game. It has needed a push for a while now to become a little more visually attractive, and user-experience friendly, and I hope this will help with that. May I suggest some UI work as well?
Thanks for your support! Yeah, work with the UI and accessibility generally is on the table and we'll definitely get to some useful stuff there. A full overhaul of the deepest menus might be difficult for the initial release, but we're going to spend some time on it.
I love the idea guys. Hope this can get some money in your pocket and some peace of mind. But more than that, i hope nothing else goes wrong for you folks! Will definitely be picking it up on steam along with staying on the patreon
Ha, yeah, I hope so too! On all those scores. Thanks for helping out!
Gonna buy it for the sake of it on Steam but I am a bit worried about the Steam release nonetheless. How will all my custom races and changes and such behave?
We still have to work through the Workshop integration, but at the core, all of the creatures will still be txt files, and the folder is still sitting there in exactly the same way. It seems like we'll be in pretty good shape, and getting mods to work is one of our priorities. In addition to an artist, Meph is also going to be working on Workshop stuff. Over on the free side, mods will be the same as ever, with more graphics capabilities.
I'll be happy to support ya'lls work through that platform as well.
Awesome, thanks for helping out!
This is why we need Universal Healthcare.
Wouldn't mind! Not a policy expert, but everybody encounters these problems in their lives and the current system is... yeah.
Well this is a no-brainer, day-one purchase. And if I win Powerball tonight maybe it'll be a day-one-through-ten-thousand purchase.
Ha ha ha, I shall send a little extra luck your way. Thanks for helping out!
Linux version too?
I would be so happy for a stable up to date linux version! I am picking it up no matter what of course. I understand the reasons, and if you guys say this is the best course of action for you to stay safe and stable , then it is. I am actually excited
Oh, all the FUN we'll have ;)
He he he...
Now I am just waiting for the outrage of comfy steam folks when their saves will become unloadable after a major update :D
Ha, yes. if I can't find another solution, at least I will try to provide advance warning... hopefully it won't be too rocky a road!
Haven't played the game in years, but I'll definitely buy it and wish you guys the best of luck. The short end terribly confusing time I did play DF has shown me how great gaming can be, and I hope with Steam this will do the same to a wider audience
Thanks! The new one might even be slightly less confusing!
Excellent plan! I like it! The more people who get to play the better!
Yeah, now that we're doing this, I'm committed to do better with the challenges new places can bump into. Hopefully it'll all work out!
My best wishes. I have been supporting you for years. Actually since I discovered your game which gave me hundreds of hours of fun and not fun. I have no plan to stop this support and I just hope it will bring you the financial stability you and your brother deserve.
Thank you for helping out for so long! I hope the not fun was also enjoyable. The dwarves deserve a break every once in a while.
More possibility to throw money your way. Good. Good.
Ha ha, thanks for your help!
I would get the early access right now. Twice.
Thanks! (not sure what or if there'll be a specific early access phase; it's such a strange and long dev process so far that I feel like we'd be in early access for twenty years if we went that way)
I really prefer the ASCII version of the game, but I am going to pick this up for sure, just to support, if for no other reason.
Yeah, the ASCII is charming and what I grew up on. The symbol overload (like the campfire-turtle-gem-etc. star) might eventually lead to some small addition even in the free version, but over there, I'm planning to keep the default mode as text-based as possible. Thanks for helping out!
Ill be with you anyway, and now i can be twice, or even thrice^^ ;)
He he he, once is plenty too! Or zero if need be. I'm glad you're enjoying the game.
Such a good idea! Behind you fellas 100%!
Thanks! I'm at the Age of Pain right now (I root for the titans and FBs, sorry)
well, this is an unexpected development, looking forward to how this will turn out
Unexpected for us as well! And yeah, it'll be cool to see what happens. Working with the artists has been really fun so far.
This is a great development and I hope it becomes a success you can build further on.
I'm glad you're looking forward to it. It will be great if some additional stability allows us to continue updating the game into the far future.
This is a good idea.
I hope so, he he he!