Manor Lords, a medieval RTS game developed solely by Greg Styczeń, has taken the gaming world by storm. With its unique city-building experience and full freedom of placement and rotation, Manor Lords has quickly become a favorite among players. The game was funded in part through Patreon and has received great reviews on Steam, with an impressive 87% positive rating. Its player count has skyrocketed, reaching 100,000 concurrent Steam players just hours after launch, and hitting a peak of 170,082 players. Currently, it sits at 164,484 players and is expected to continue climbing.
Priced at $40 but on sale for $30 at launch, Manor Lords is the #1 top-selling game on Steam. Its success is attributed to its ability to deliver a fun RTS experience in a time when the genre is not as popular as it used to be. The game’s building mechanic is inspired by the growth of real medieval towns and villages, allowing players full creative control over their settlement. The positive reception from players indicates that Manor Lords has successfully provided a satisfying gaming experience.
Manor Lords was developed using Unreal Engine, with Styczeń praising the engine for its versatility and ease of use. The solo developer received a “MegaGrant” from Epic, allowing him to quit his day job and focus full-time on development. With the help of additional freelance artists, Styczeń was able to create a visually stunning game that has captured the attention of gamers worldwide. Epic recently posted an interview with Styczeń discussing his use of the engine and the challenges he faced during development.
The success of Manor Lords has caught many by surprise, considering its humble beginnings as a passion project by a solo developer. The game’s innovative city-building mechanics and engaging gameplay have resonated with players, leading to its rapid rise in popularity. As Manor Lords continues to attract new players and receive glowing reviews, the future looks bright for Styczeń and his creation. Gaming enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the game’s growth and potential future expansions.
With Manor Lords topping the Steam charts and garnering widespread acclaim, it is clear that the game has struck a chord with the gaming community. Styczeń’s dedication to creating a unique and immersive gaming experience has paid off, as players flock to experience the world he has crafted. As Manor Lords continues to gain momentum, it is poised to become a staple in the RTS genre and a shining example of what can be achieved by a passionate developer with a vision.
