Indie developing talent Emerick Gibson has recently transitioned his game Iron Mandate out of early access and made it completely free to play. Initially launched in March 2023 and inspired by the iconic sandworms of Dune, the game has faced a multitude of challenges that the creator candidly addressed in a retrospective. Gibson noted:

“I’m moving this game out of early access, leaving it free and moving on.”

This decision comes after recognizing that the game didn’t garner the expected popularity, although it received positive Steam reviews. Players have described the experience as engaging despite the game’s apparent shortcomings, which include limited content and control frustrations.

Having been inspired by a specific scene from Dune (2021), Gibson reflects on how the initial concept, intended to be a 2D roguelike, transformed during development yet failed to incorporate enough variety. With Rock Mandate, players commandeer giant mechanical worms and battle through various levels—“it’s a mess, but it works,” he shared, acknowledging both the faults and fondness for his project.

With future plans on the horizon, Gibson is already branching out to a new game titled The People of Sea, Sun & Salt, showcasing his continuous passion for game development. Despite the hurdles faced during Iron Mandate, he remains proud of the game and is thrilled that many players have enjoyed it.