‘Go Pirate It or Something’ Iron Lung Dev Responds to Price Increase Backlash

Highlights

• Developer David Szymanski responds to criticism over a $2 price increase for indie horror game Iron Lung, telling detractors to “go pirate it or something.”
• Szymanski defends the price increase, stating that the game is worth $8 and he wants to earn more money from it.
• The controversy sparks a debate among players about the value of indie games and the challenges faced by developers in setting prices.

The indie horror game Iron 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 Lung is a horror game where players pilot a tiny submarine through an ocean of blood on an alien moon. Developed by David Szymanski, Iron Lung features experimental gameplay, limited senses, dread-driven horror, and an original soundtrack inspired by Doom 64. In October 2023, David Szymanski announced that Iron 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 surrounding Iron 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 when indie 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 Lung is a brief indie game with 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 for Iron Lung is 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 perceived value of indie games and 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 in Iron Lung‘s price affects the game’s sales.