Witchfire proves that risky decisions can lead to success

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Releasing a new PC game without a Steam version, and in Early Access, can be risky, but the dark fantasy FPS Witchfire has shown that such an approach can be highly rewarding. After a year of exclusivity on the Epic Games Store, Witchfire has finally arrived on Steam, and the development team at The Astronauts is extremely satisfied with the results.

Adrian Chmielarz, the studio’s co-founder, shared that the Steam launch exceeded their expectations. The game has achieved a 91% positive user rating with over 3,000 total reviews, ensuring financial stability for the studio. It currently sits at more than 1.1 million wishlists, clearly showing strong interest ahead of the full release.

Reflecting on the period of Epic exclusivity, Chmielarz emphasized that it allowed the team to remain independent and continue the game’s development. The Steam version now offers more content and a more polished experience, though it is still in Early Access. He also encouraged indie studios to consider a similar approach, inspired by Supergiant’s success with Hades.

Positive reviews and support from content creators have doubled the player count, further fueling the game’s growth. Chmielarz concluded by highlighting the importance of listening to players and learning from feedback to continue improving Witchfire.