Manor Lords publisher criticizes game dev burnout culture

Manor Lords, a popular early access strategy game, has sparked a debate about game development practices. The game, which sold two million copies within its first three weeks, has seen criticism from Raphael van Lierop, CEO of The Long Dark developer Hinterland, for its perceived lack of content updates. He argued that sustainable early access development requires continuous significant updates to maintain player interest. However, Tim Bender, CEO of Manor Lords' publisher Hooded Horse, defended the developers, emphasizing the necessity of sustainable development practices that don't overburden developers or force them into unhealthy work schedules. Bender stressed that not every game should cater to the live-service model, advocating for a more measured and health-conscious approach to game updates.

Consistent content updating is crucial for early access games to retain player interest and maintain engagement. Regular updates introduce new features, fix bugs, and keep the game experience fresh, making it more likely for players to continue playing and recommending the game.

Manor Lords, a historical city-building game, has garnered a significant player base despite its slower update schedule. The game's emphasis on detailed medieval town management and strategic planning appeals to fans of the genre. The debate between pushing for rapid updates versus sustainable development practices reflects broader industry challenges in balancing player expectations with developers' well-being.