Developer Hinterland has announced a shift in its development priorities, moving some resources away from the sequel The Long Dark: Blackfrost to create new downloadable content for the original The Long Dark. This decision comes as the studio aims to ensure its long-term survival amidst what it describes as an "uncertain" and rapidly changing game industry. The sequel's early access release, originally slated for this year, has been postponed to 2025.
In an update, Hinterland explained that the industry landscape has significantly altered since Blackfrost was first announced. Factors such as shifting business models, complex geopolitical situations, and a less clear outlook for next-generation console hardware have contributed to players gravitating towards familiar titles. The studio believes that returning to its nine-year-old hit, The Long Dark, and supporting its established survival mode will provide a more stable foundation.
Over the next two years, Hinterland plans to deliver ongoing updates to The Long Dark's survival sandbox. These updates will include bug fixes, quality-of-life improvements, new gameplay features, and expansions into new regions inspired by the game's final story episode. Additionally, new DLC is planned, with one offering content in a piecemeal fashion similar to the previous "Tales From The Far Territory" expansion pass. Details on the second DLC remain scarce as it is still in the early stages of development.
Hinterland reiterated that Blackfrost remains in active development but its early access launch will now occur next year. The studio emphasized its commitment to remaining an independent entity, having turned down publishing offers. The company stated it has not yet found a partner whose motivations align with the best interests of Hinterland or its players, and will continue to self-fund and self-publish the sequel.
The studio is also considering adjustments to pricing for the standalone Survival Mode and upcoming DLCs. This consideration is driven by a need to offset revenue losses from games being purchased on sale, while also acknowledging the current economic climate where consumers face rising costs across the board. Hinterland is seeking a balance that is fair to both the studio and its player base.
The move reflects broader industry trends, including widespread layoffs and escalating hardware costs. For independent studios like Hinterland, focusing on proven successes like The Long Dark's survival mode is a pragmatic approach to navigating a crowded market and a challenging economic environment, especially as players become more selective with their spending.