u/ichbinhamma

I have been working on this game solo for over 4 years, 2.5 of which the game was in Early Access. It fully released earlier this year on Steam, Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android!

Short description:
Build and command your own party of Dwarves in this mix of RPGs, roguelike and auto battlers. Prepare formations, assign equipment, and decide the fate of up to 10 Beardlings, as you lead the raid through reckless runs filled with Glory, Death, and Loot!

Link: https://dwarves.ateo.ch/

Reasons why I think it's a non-issue:

1. I'd rather have a player, that plays my game for $0 than somebody not playing my game at all.

2. In my experience, it seems that only a very small % of total players use pirated versions.

3. There are so many good games nowadays, I understand that not all players can afford all of them. Related to 1).

4. It's not always possible to provide a demo. Players might want to check out the game before buying something they don't like.

5. If the game keeps getting updated, it's much more convenient to buy it anyways.

6. I actually received messages like the one in the screenshot several times already and it honestly makes me feel more validated that somebody decided that the game is worth it AFTER already playing it for free.

I always loved thinking about builds in PoE or Diablo, but wasn't a fan of having to actively farm the required items and levels while randomly getting one-shot.
A perfect build for me was always one that (almost) worked fully automatic.
So I started working on this game where your dwarves farm for you while you theorycraft and analyze (and sometimes help them out a bit):

- Observe real-time battles with detailed logs and DPS/heal meters
- Choose and combine different classes with unique abilities
- Obtain legendary loot that transforms the gameplay and defines builds
- Discover deck-building synergies without playing cards
- Upgrade your clicker powers or optimize your build into idle play

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjyb75fRz-Q