Independent developer Tomas Sala has released The Falconeer: Revolution Remaster, a comprehensive free update for his 2020 aerial combat game. The overhaul includes expanded world-building, redesigned falcons, a condensed map, and new mouse and keyboard controls. This move reflects Sala's shift toward sustainable community-driven development amid an industry favoring viral hits.
Background on Tomas Sala's Approach
Tomas Sala, creator of The Falconeer and Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles, has navigated the challenges of indie game development for over a decade. In an interview with Eurogamer, Sala discussed the evolving market in 2025, dominated by viral successes like Escape from Duckov and Megabonk. He contrasts this 'mean-gaming' environment—where algorithmic flywheels amplify hits while most titles struggle—with a more sustainable model inspired by games like Dwarf Fortress and Brigador.
"I've lost my appetite for launching games because, but I've gained an appetite for working with players to make games better," Sala said. He emphasizes building long-term communities over chasing one-off virality, noting that post-launch support for his games has improved them significantly and fostered player loyalty.
Remaster Details
The Falconeer: Revolution Remaster, launched this week, is a top-to-bottom rework available for free to existing owners. Key updates include integrating Bulwark's town-building tech to expand settlements and enrich the world, remodeling the giant falcons, condensing the open-world map for better pacing, and adding proper mouse and keyboard support. A free-play weekend is currently underway on Steam.
Sala credits community feedback for these changes, stating, "You need people to shit over your work otherwise you can't improve." This remaster positions The Falconeer as a refreshed entry in his Ursee trilogy, alongside Bulwark and the upcoming ship-based game Ancient Waves, which he plans to prototype in Bulwark starting January.
Implications for Indie Development
By forgoing immediate monetary gains, Sala aims to cultivate trust and a stable player base, avoiding the 'casino' of Steam launches. This approach has left him more relaxed and focused on iterative improvements, potentially offering a blueprint for other indies in a volatile industry.