In a landscape where independent titles like Escape from Duckov and Megabonk set trends and redefine success in the industry, Dutch developer Tomas Sala, known for his works The Falconeer and Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles, has decided to take a different approach. Tired of the constant pressure for virality and the exhausting release cycle, Sala is seeking a more sustainable way to contribute to the saturated video game market.
After the release of The Falconeer, which received a remarkable 80% positive ratings on Steam, Sala experienced extreme pressure. Despite the initial success, he described the received criticisms as “inhuman,” which led him to rethink his strategy. His experience with Bulwark was more positive, but equally challenging, facing divided opinions among players.
According to Sala, the current video game development environment is “cruel,” dominated by algorithms that favor viral titles, leaving many games without attention. “Since Balatro, everything changed,” he points out, reflecting how few products manage to stand out in an ocean of constant releases. In response to this reality, the creator draws inspiration from titles like Dwarf Fortress and Brigador, which have cultivated loyal and sustainable communities over time, rather than seeking instant successes.
With his third project, Ancient Waves, scheduled to begin open development in 2026, Sala concludes: “I have lost the desire to launch games, but I am eager to work with players to make them better”. This thoughtful and community-focused approach marks a significant shift in his development philosophy, moving away from the need to chase fleeting virality.
