A Game-Changer in the Indie Scene

Since its debut, "Sultan's Game," a captivating card-based RPG crafted by a tight-knit team of just over a dozen developers, has generated waves across the gaming world. Its stunning visuals and rich storytelling have catapulted it beyond niche fandom, establishing it as one of the most talked-about Chinese games of the year.

Remarkable Success Metrics

The game's triumph is twofold. First, financially, it's performed outstandingly, raking in an impressive $12.4 million with over 660,000 copies sold—comparing this to typical indie games that often find success at just 20,000 copies is staggering.

Second, in terms of its online buzz, "Sultan's Game" has lit up platforms like Xiaohongshu and Bilibili. One report from 36Kr highlighted a Xiaohongshu post from a user with only 70 followers that accumulated over 10,000 views and 200 comments in just three days, while a search for "Sultan" now reveals nearly 100,000 posts.

Why Players Are Hooked

So, what elevates "Sultan's Game" to this level of success? The answer is simply that it's an absolute joy to play.

According to Qianshui, editor-in-chief at TapTap, the game impressed from the start with its gameplay, mechanics, narrative, and audiovisual design. "Sultan's Game" was already a favorite during its playtesting phase, showcasing a level of polish that's rare for early access titles.

Quality Over Marketing

By launching exclusively on Steam—a global gaming powerhouse—and opting for a pay-once model without intrusive in-app purchases, the developers focused on what truly matters. A representative from publisher 2P Games noted that the game's impressive commercial performance stemmed from one pivotal factor: its exceptional quality.

A Rich Narrative Experience

Storytelling is at the heart of "Sultan's Game." Players find themselves woven into a tapestry of rich content and emotional complexity, with the option to either align with the sultan’s rule or rebel against it, leading to diverse plot developments. Fans have highlighted the depth of character portrayals, particularly of the protagonist’s wife, Maggie, who serves as a beacon of hope amidst chaos.

The writing reflects this complexity, with tougher narrative branches unlocking darker, more twisted arcs—a testament to the game's ability to engage players on multiple emotional levels.

Visually Stunning

Visually, the game veers away from typical styles seen in indie titles, embracing a unique aesthetic inspired by Middle Eastern Islamic art. Surrounded by vibrant costumes, radiant mosaics, and gilded backgrounds, players are enthralled in a magical medieval empire.

Timing is Everything

The timing of the game's release aligned perfectly with the burgeoning presence of Chinese gamers on Steam. Valve recently reported that over half of its users prefer the platform in simplified Chinese. This trend mirrors the maturation of China's gaming industry, with more players ready to invest in quality titles.

Emerging titles like last year’s "Black Myth: Wukong," which shattered sales records, have only further fueled interest in Steam. Major Chinese publishers are also now releasing prominently on Steam, enhancing its appeal.

The Indie Landscape: Not So Simple

However, despite "Sultan's Game" being heralded as an indie success, it does not paint a complete picture of the indie game scene in China. While there are signs of growth—such as more developers and hit games—the path to long-term sustainability remains fraught with challenges.

TapTap's efforts highlight the importance of indie titles, with a dedicated team focusing on quality and representation. The excitement of indie expos suggests growing interest, yet profitability issues linger.

Many developers, once crushed by China's licensing freeze, turned to indie creation as a last resort, yet many still find they are unable to meet profitability goals. Steam serves as a haven for those unable to secure local licenses, but seasoned developers often misjudge the platform's audience, emphasizing low prices over gameplay quality.

A Unique Case

The road to success for "Sultan's Game" was riddled with risks, serving as the last chance for a studio on the edge of collapse. The developers poured their hearts into crafting a deep, narrative-rich experience. Despite the extraordinary effort, replicating its success remains an uphill battle.

In the realm of gaming, where only a few reach the heights of stars like "Sultan's Game" or "Black Myth: Wukong," the story of this breakout title underscores the pursuit of quality over mere quantity, illuminating a path forward in the indie scene.