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Dwarf Fortress is getting the mother of all magic updates

89 points by Tomte 5 days ago | 15 comments

yuchi 22 minutes ago

I’ve been tinkering with a game engine where magic is made of first principles for a very long time. Cannot wait to see the gameplay and mechanics here!

monospacegames 4 days ago

It's been a while since I last played DF and I'm surprised to see that both this article and the video are a bit light on details, IIRC they used to showcase upcoming updates a lot more.

Digging a bit more it looks like the magic system will be built around deities, spheres of influence [1], and workshops/professions centered around magic leading to procedurally generated spells. I'm really excited to see how it'll turn out.

[1] https://dwarffortresswiki.org/index.php/Sphere

Mobius01 4 days ago

I wish nothing but success to Tarn and Zach, it’s great that releasing on Steam and adding a friendlier UI helped the game reach new audiences. It’s the proverbial time black hole.

postalrat 7 minutes ago

Makes me think how would an AI interface to a game like dwarf fortress play out. Where you tell it what you want like some sort of dwarven ruler.

Our_Benefactors 14 minutes ago

“Friendlier” and still one of the worst UIs available. It’s nearly impenetrable and the game has no tutorial to speak of, no on-ramps for new players, and is probably the most overrated game I’ve ever had the displeasure of playing.

I’m convinced from articles about dwarf fortress that it’s a game that few actually play and enjoy, but like talking about as if it’s fun. The promise of dwarf fortress is far more interesting than the actual gameplay.

dnoberon 7 minutes ago

So just because you couldn't get into it means everyone who's enjoying it is a poser? That's some pretty self-centered thinking right there.

No one should be judging you if it's not your thing. Those of us that enjoy it readily admit its faults and own the fact it's not a game for everyone.

Catloafdev 10 minutes ago

Yep, the game is difficult to get into, it's not for everyone.

The game is great, though. You are in the "I have no idea what's going on" phase.

Our_Benefactors 6 minutes ago

It’s the games job to create an on ramp to understanding. It’s not mine to spend 200 hours grasping every concept before I can play “the real game”, that’s just shitty game design.

Catloafdev 3 minutes ago

You're totally allowed to have that opinion. Time is valuable. It does have a tutorial nowadays, but it's still not easy.

Not everyone _wants_ to learn Dwarf Fortress, and that's fine - it's not for everyone.

But I'm just providing context that, for those of us that have learned, it is a great game.

UltraSane 4 days ago

In a documentary about them putting Dwarf Fortress on Steam Tarn talked about how he had to split the $7 million first payment from Steam with his brother and it turned out the easiest way was to just use the bank app.

polytely 32 minutes ago

The noclip documentary series for any other readers who might be interested

1. The Origins of Dwarf Fortress: https://youtu.be/MxV24so-dw8

2. How Dwarf Fortress Evolved over 16 Years of Development: https://youtu.be/PiNeDarPzeI

3. How Dwarf Fortress Coming to Steam Changed Everything: https://youtu.be/TX65XCk2-6U anecdote about the money starts @ 18:40

4. Life After the Success of Dwarf Fortress: https://youtu.be/I5zgBXp4e8A

zhynn 39 minutes ago

You are thinking of the NoClip documentary! It is fantastic and well worth your time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwLSgaYPKA0&list=PL-THgg8Qnv...

metalliqaz 3 minutes ago

NoClip does a great job. I also recommend their Prey/Arcane documentary.

frollogaston 4 days ago

Weirdly the ASCII art was what drew me in the most. Once accustomed to it, feels like The Matrix where they're reading the world.

polytely 30 minutes ago

It's so exciting, I've heard about them doing magic for a decade, and now it is actually approaching.