The base price of the classic indie platformer Rain World is being increased after February 2. Slated to hit the digital stores on January 20, the Downpour expansion pack for Rain World promises to substantially increase the amount of the game's available content, but those interested in it will need to purchase it as an optional upgrade to the base game.
Having started its development in 2011 only to release six years later, in 2017, Rain World has been around for a long while now. Though it's not as popular as some of the other indie games from this era, Rain World presents its players with a unique atmosphere and physics-driven gameplay centered around the curious Slug-Cat creature, who needs to survive in a remarkably hostile post-apocalypse where rainfall means certain death.
As one of the rainiest games of all time, Rain World presents its players with a series of unique environmental challenges that will only increase in number and complexity once players optionally upgrade it with the $14.99 Downpour DLC. However, those who hadn't yet purchased the game at all will need to spend a bit more starting early in February, as the base game's price will increase from $19.99 to $24.99. The developer, Videocult, hasn't provided any additional reasoning for the price bump, but the studio did clarify that those who already own the game won't be affected in any way, shape, or form.
Since Rain World may not sell quite as many copies as Dwarf Fortress has sold over the past couple of months, for example, it's possible that Videocult aims to leverage the release of the game's substantial Downpour DLC to bolster its revenue while the game is making headlines. Its niche appeal means that Rain World won't enjoy as widespread of an audience as the biggest PC indie titles have historically enjoyed, but its advanced physics engine, inventive gameplay systems, and the simulation of an entire alien ecosystem mean that it's almost certain to find its footing in the more hardcore gaming communities.
While Rain World is among the first indie titles to receive a price increase as of late, the situation does mirror the more widespread industry trend that's been particularly egregious for console players. Broadly speaking, game price increases have made Xbox Game Pass an even better deal, and rumor has it that Rain World itself might make its way onto Xbox with the Downpour DLC.
Whatever the case may be, an all-new expansion for Rain World is certain to draw in the game's old player base, with a non-insignificant number of newcomers sure to follow suit. Those who aren't interested in hardcore survival-based platformers might be wondering what to expect from indie gaming in 2023 moving forward, and overall, the news is very good indeed, with titles such as The Plucky Squire and Hollow Knight: Silksong almost certainly making rounds.
Rain World is available now on PC, PS4, and Switch, with the Xbox version possibly launching sometime in the future.
Source: Steam, TrueAchievements
