Solo developer Slavic Magic's Manor Lords has taken the Steam gaming platform by storm, becoming its best-selling title and the fourth most played game just hours after its launch. With over 156,000 concurrent players at the time of writing, the medieval city builder/strategy hybrid has surpassed expectations and captivated gamers since the release of its demo in 2022.

Manor Lords attracted immense interest even before its official launch, with half a million people adding the game to their Steam wishlists. This week alone, another half a million players joined the growing anticipation, pushing the total number of wishlists to over 3 million by the time of its early access release.

Since its release this afternoon, Manor Lords has rapidly climbed up Steam's most-played charts, surpassing popular titles like Grand Theft Auto 4, Rust, Apex Legends, and Rainbow Six Siege. It has also outshined newcomers like Helldivers 2 and returning favorites such as Fallout 4 and Stardew Valley. Currently, there are only three titles - PUBG, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike 2 - standing between Manor Lords and the coveted number one spot.

The success of Manor Lords is well-deserved, even in its initial early access form. The game's impressive achievements are a testament to the developer's skill, despite the need for further development. According to Eurogamer's Robert Purchese, Manor Lords exudes confidence and offers a spellbinding experience, yet there is still significant work to be done to enhance this pastoral idyll.

Bertie, in the same review, highlighted the game's potential and assured foundations, emphasizing the need to build upon them. As the Steam page indicates, Manor Lords is expected to remain in early access for approximately a year. This extended timeline offers ample opportunity for the game to transform its early magic into something truly extraordinary.

Players and critics alike eagerly anticipate seeing how Manor Lords evolves as it continues to captivate an ever-growing player base. With its impressive launch, this ambitious medieval city builder has proven its potential to become a standout title in the gaming world.