Faraway’s Unprecedented 16-Year Development Has Resulted in an Instant Classic
Steph Thirion’s solo-developed game Faraway has emerged as a critical success after an extraordinarily prolonged development cycle, demonstrating that patience can occasionally pay off in the video game industry. Published by Annapurna Interactive, the game has been in active development for approximately 16 years or longer, yet has been received as a polished and accomplished title rather than the fragmented product that typically results from such extended development periods.
Thirion previously gained recognition as the creator of Eliss, an iOS puzzle game that became critically acclaimed upon its 2009 release. The developer’s return with Faraway marks a significant achievement, as games with extended development timelines commonly suffer from technological shifts, changing design philosophies, and accumulated design compromises that undermine their artistic vision. The fact that Faraway has managed to avoid these pitfalls and be considered an instant classic speaks to both the developer’s vision and the support provided by publisher Annapurna Interactive, known for championing unconventional and artistically ambitious games.
The success of Faraway stands in contrast to industry trends where rapid development cycles are often prioritized over quality. This achievement underscores the potential value of allowing developers adequate time to realize their creative ambitions, provided they maintain a clear artistic vision throughout the process.