# King under the Mountain

> 2021 early access video game

**Wikidata**: [Q122823660](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q122823660)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/king-under-the-mountain

## Summary
*King under the Mountain* is a 2021 early access video game developed in England, where players build and manage an underground dwarven settlement. It is distributed digitally via Steam and supports multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, with a focus on single-player gameplay.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: Launched in early access on November 24, 2021.
- **Platforms**: Available on Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- **License**: Initially proprietary; transitioned to the MIT License in 2024.
- **Game Mode**: Single-player video game.
- **Business Model**: Early access, with crowdfunding as a funding scheme.
- **Distribution**: Exclusively digital via Steam (Steam ID: 930230).
- **Languages**: Supports English, Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese.
- **Engine**: Built using the libGDX software engine.
- **Source Code**: Hosted on GitHub at [rossturner/king-under-the-mountain](https://github.com/rossturner/king-under-the-mountain).
- **Country of Origin**: Developed in England.
- **Kickstarter**: Funded via Kickstarter under the project ID `rocketjumptechnology/king-under-the-mountain-0`.
- **Database IDs**:
  - Steam: 930230
  - RAWG: `king-under-the-mountain`
  - PCGamingWiki: `King_of_the_Dwarves:_Underground_City_Builder` (ID: 126456) and `King_Under_The_Mountain` (ID: 126432)
  - Mobygames: 175832
  - HowLongToBeat: 62580
  - GOG Dreamlist: `king-under-the-mountain-2021`

## FAQs
**What platforms does *King under the Mountain* support?**
The game is available on Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux, all distributed via Steam.

**Is *King under the Mountain* open-source?**
Yes, the game transitioned to the MIT License in 2024, with its source code available on GitHub.

**What languages are supported in the game?**
The game supports English, Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese.

**How was *King under the Mountain* funded?**
The game was funded through crowdfunding, including a Kickstarter campaign.

**Where can I find the game’s source code?**
The source code is hosted on GitHub at [rossturner/king-under-the-mountain](https://github.com/rossturner/king-under-the-mountain).

## Why It Matters
*King under the Mountain* represents a niche but growing subgenre of city-building games focused on underground environments, offering players a unique challenge in managing resources and logistics in a constrained space. Its transition to an open-source license in 2024 also makes it a notable example of commercial games embracing community-driven development, potentially inspiring similar projects in the indie game space.

## Notable For
- One of the few city-building games centered on underground dwarven settlements.
- Transitioned from a proprietary license to the MIT License in 2024, fostering community contributions.
- Successfully crowdfunded via Kickstarter, demonstrating strong early community support.
- Supports a wide range of languages, making it accessible to a global audience.
- Built using the libGDX engine, a popular choice for cross-platform game development.

## Body
### Overview
*King under the Mountain* is a single-player video game released in early access on November 24, 2021. Developed in England, the game tasks players with building and managing an underground dwarven settlement, blending elements of city-building, resource management, and survival.

### Development and Funding
The game was funded through crowdfunding, including a Kickstarter campaign under the ID `rocketjumptechnology/king-under-the-mountain-0`. This approach allowed the developers to gauge community interest and secure funding before full release.

### Platforms and Distribution
The game is available on Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux, exclusively distributed via Steam (Steam ID: 930230). It supports digital distribution, ensuring wide accessibility.

### Licensing and Source Code
Initially released under a proprietary license, *King under the Mountain* transitioned to the MIT License in 2024. This shift allows for greater community involvement, with the source code hosted on GitHub at [rossturner/king-under-the-mountain](https://github.com/rossturner/king-under-the-mountain).

### Localization
The game supports multiple languages, including English, Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese, making it accessible to a diverse player base.

### Technical Details
The game is built using the libGDX engine, a Java-based framework known for its cross-platform capabilities. This choice facilitates compatibility across Windows, macOS, and Linux.

### Database and Community Presence
*King under the Mountain* is listed in numerous gaming databases, including:
- **RAWG**: `king-under-the-mountain`
- **PCGamingWiki**: `King_of_the_Dwarves:_Underground_City_Builder` (ID: 126456) and `King_Under_The_Mountain` (ID: 126432)
- **Mobygames**: 175832
- **HowLongToBeat**: 62580
- **GOG Dreamlist**: `king-under-the-mountain-2021`

These listings help players discover the game and contribute to its visibility in the gaming community.

### Reception and Impact
As an early access title, *King under the Mountain* has garnered attention for its unique premise and open-source transition. Its focus on underground city-building offers a fresh perspective in the strategy genre, while its crowdfunding success highlights the viability of community-backed game development. The shift to the MIT License further positions it as a project that values collaboration and transparency.

## References

1. Steam
2. Mod DB
3. Online Games-Datenbank
4. Q124398839
5. GOG Dreamlist