What is Manor Lords? The medieval city-building game that sold a million copies in a single day

Developer Slavic Magic's feudal simulator is Steam's latest early access sensation, but there's a seven-year story behind its overnight success

Launched as if from a trebuchet at the end of April, Manor Lords is the latest in a string of explosively successful video games that have been released this year. Indeed, the rise of this unassuming-looking city-builder is arguably more impressive than the enormous launch of Helldivers 2, or the breakout Poker phenomenon Balatro. Developed largely by one person and releasing in an incomplete state, Manor Lords shifted a million copies in its first 24 hours on sale.

The scale of Manor Lords' success is remarkable, but contrary to appearances, it hasn't emerged from nowhere. Momentum around the game has been building for years, part of a broader surge in popularity for city-building games in general. There's also more to Manor Lords than meets the eye, as its mundane medieval exterior hides a richly detailed, tangible simulation of feudal life.