Summary
The indie horror gameIron Lung’s developer, David Szymanski, responded to backlash over a recent $2 price increase by stating, “Go pirate it or something.” After a series of accusations, Szymanski took to social media to express his thoughts, sparking discussion among some players about the value of games and the challenges faced by indie developers.
Iron Lungis a horror gamewhere players pilot a tiny submarine through an ocean of blood on an alien moon. Developed by David Szymanski,Iron Lungfeatures experimental gameplay, limited senses, dread-driven horror, and an original soundtrack inspired byDoom 64. In October 2023, David Szymanski announced thatIron Lung’s price would increase from $6 to $8 on November 2. This decision sparked some criticism against the developer, who recently responded.
David Szymanski took to Twitter to address the backlash surroundingIron Lung’s price hike, stating unequivocally that those who disagree with the new price are welcome to “go pirate it or something.” This bold statement follows the game’s recent $2 increase, a decision made by the developer based on his belief that the game’s value justified the adjustment. “Iron Lung’s price went up because the game is worth $8 so I want to charge $8, because I want to earn more money,” Szymanski wrote.
In response to accusations that he’s solely motivated by money, Szymanski affirmed his commitment to making a living from game development. He defended the straightforward business model of creating something valuable, pricing it accordingly, and exchanging it for monetary support. While acknowledging the lower pricing of indie games compared to other creative mediums, he emphasized the fundamental principle of valuing the work put into game development, especially whenindie game development has become expensive.
Iron Lung’s price went up because the game is worth $8 so I want to charge $8, because I want to earn more money.
Iron Lungis a brief indie gamewith a 1-hour gameplay duration, a factor that may have contributed to some players' complaints. However, despite the backlash, many players expressed support for Szymanski, affirming that the $8 price tag forIron Lungis still reasonable. Some defended the increase, highlighting the relatively low cost compared to other forms of entertainment. David Szymanski also addressed queries about console releases for his games, assuring players that he is actively working on overcoming hurdles for a console debut, even though it involves a complex process.
The response from the gaming community reflects a broader discussion about the perceivedvalue of indie gamesand the challenges faced by developers in setting prices that align with the effort invested in their creations. As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how the increase inIron Lung’s price affects the game’s sales.
Iron Lung
WHERE TO PLAY
Iron Lung is a short dread-driven submarine horror game from the developer of DUSK, The Moon Sliver, and Squirrel Stapler.Set entirely within a claustrophobic one-man submarine nicknamed the “Iron Lung,” you must blindly navigate an ocean of blood to take photographs of key locations, and hope whatever lives below doesn’t find you.There is only a single porthole on the sub, and it needs to be closed due to depth pressure, so you have to navigate purely via an incomplete map, proximity sensors, sound, and a primitive external camera which can be used to take the pictures you need to complete your mission, or to get a grainy low resolution visual of what’s happening outside.Success will require resourcefulness and patience.
