Last year, Thomas Mahler, the head of Moon Studios, expressed serious concerns about the future of his company due to heavy criticism of their new action-RPG, No Rest for the Wicked, on Steam. Fast forward to now, and things have taken a positive turn. Thanks to a recent update that introduced multiplayer co-op, the game is gaining new attention.
Mahler has shared that when the game officially launches, its price will jump to $60, similar to popular titles like Baldur’s Gate 3. He confirmed this on social media, emphasizing that the higher price reflects its quality as a premium game. For now, it’s available for $40 in Early Access, with a special discount making it even cheaper during Steam’s ongoing sale.
He explained, “The reason we started at $40 is simple: Early Access players deserve a discount.” Unlike Baldur’s Gate 3, which launched at full price in its Early Access stage, Mahler believes that supporting a game early should come with a perk. He suggests that this current sale is a great chance for anyone considering the game to jump in.
Exciting Updates and Player Engagement
The game’s latest update, called Together, launched on January 22 and significantly enhanced the player experience. The update not only included bug fixes and adjustments but also added full co-op capabilities, allowing players to explore its dark, fantasy world together. Alongside intense battles, players can enjoy more relaxing activities like fishing and foraging.
This update seems to have worked wonders. During a recent free-to-play weekend, the player count soared to over 60,000, making it one of the best-selling games on Steam. Mahler noted that daily sales have spiked, with thousands of new copies flying off the digital shelves.
It’s a far cry from last summer when Mahler warned that his studio might not survive continued criticism. Now, with renewed player interest, No Rest for the Wicked is set to come to PlayStation 5, although a specific release date is still under wraps.
The Bigger Picture
This turnaround highlights a growing trend in the gaming industry: the importance of community feedback and updates. A recent report from the International Game Developers Association shows that games with active player engagement and regular updates fare better in the marketplace. Players appreciate being heard, and when developers respond with meaningful changes, loyalty often follows.
As Mahler emphasized, early support should be rewarded, and it seems like he’s on the right track. The excitement around No Rest for the Wicked might just mark a new chapter not only for the game but also for Moon Studios as they navigate the challenging landscape of game development.
For more insights into game pricing strategies and player engagement, you can check out the International Game Developers Association website.
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No Rest for the Wicked
