Fact Check: Is Dwarf Fortress free?

Is Dwarf Fortress Free?

The claim under examination is whether "Dwarf Fortress" is free. This claim arises from the game's long history as a freeware title and its recent release on commercial platforms like Steam. The nuances of its pricing and availability warrant a detailed investigation.

What We Know

1. Freeware History: "Dwarf Fortress" was initially released as a free game by its developers, Bay 12 Games. The game has been available for download on their official website since its inception in 2006, and it continues to be accessible in this manner 110.

2. Commercial Release: In December 2022, a remastered version of "Dwarf Fortress" was released on Steam and itch.io, priced at $29.99. This version includes enhanced graphics and audio, distinguishing it from the original freeware version 249.

3. Availability: The original version of "Dwarf Fortress" remains available for free on the Bay 12 Games website, while the newer version on Steam is a paid product. Users can choose between the classic free version and the updated paid version 110.

4. Pricing Information: Various sources confirm the current price of the remastered version at $29.99 on Steam, with additional price tracking available through platforms like SteamDB and cost.games 345.

Analysis

The claim that "Dwarf Fortress" is free is partially accurate but requires clarification. The original version of the game remains free to download, which is a significant aspect of its identity and appeal. However, the remastered version, which offers updated features, is not free and is priced at $29.99.

Source Evaluation

• Wikipedia: The entry on "Dwarf Fortress" provides a comprehensive overview of the game's history and its availability. Wikipedia is generally reliable, but it is important to cross-reference with primary sources for the most accurate information 1.

• SteamDB and Steam: These sources provide real-time pricing and historical data about the game. Steam is a well-established platform for video games, and its pricing information is typically reliable. However, it is important to note that Steam's commercial interests may influence how they present information about games 24.

• Cost Tracking Websites: Websites like cost.games and GG.deals offer price tracking for games, which can be useful for understanding market trends. However, their reliability can vary, and they may not always provide the most current information 356.

• Bay 12 Games: The official website of Bay 12 Games is the most authoritative source regarding the game's availability and history. It confirms the ongoing availability of the original free version, making it a crucial resource for understanding the claim 10.

Conflicts of Interest

While many sources provide accurate information, commercial platforms may have a vested interest in promoting the paid version of the game. This could lead to a bias in how they present the game's availability and pricing.

Methodology and Evidence

The claim's verification relies on the examination of multiple sources, including the official developer site, commercial platforms, and community discussions. Additional information that would be helpful includes user testimonials regarding the differences between the free and paid versions, as well as any potential future changes in pricing or availability.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that "Dwarf Fortress" is free is partially true. The original version of the game remains available for free on the Bay 12 Games website, which is a significant aspect of its legacy. However, the remastered version, which includes enhanced features, is priced at $29.99 on platforms like Steam. This dual availability creates a nuanced situation where the game can be both free and paid, depending on the version in question.

It is important to acknowledge the limitations in the available evidence. While the original version is confirmed to be free, the commercial release's pricing may change over time, and additional context regarding user experiences with both versions could provide further insights. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the distinctions between different versions of the game when forming their own conclusions.

Sources

1. Dwarf Fortress - Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwarf_Fortress
2. Dwarf Fortress Price history · SteamDB. Retrieved from https://steamdb.info/app/975370/
3. Dwarf Fortress Price Tracker | Steambase. Retrieved from https://steambase.io/games/dwarf-fortress/price
4. Dwarf Fortress on Steam. Retrieved from https://store.steampowered.com/app/975370/Dwarf_Fortress/
5. Dwarf Fortress - Price - cost.games. Retrieved from https://cost.games/us/games/dwarf_fortress_price/
6. Buy cheap Dwarf Fortress Steam Key ️ Best Price - GG.deals. Retrieved from https://gg.deals/game/dwarf-fortress/
7. Is DF worth getting at the current price? :: Dwarf Fortress General. Retrieved from https://steamcommunity.com/app/975370/discussions/0/3773490640558951051/
8. Dwarf Fortress (SubID 320184) · History - SteamDB. Retrieved from https://steamdb.info/sub/320184/history/
9. Dwarf Fortress Best Prices - G2A.COM. Retrieved from https://www.g2a.com/dwarf-fortress-p10000337510
10. Bay 12 Games: Dwarf Fortress. Retrieved from https://www.bay12games.com/dwarves/