# Root

> 2020 video game

**Wikidata**: [Q122822655](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q122822655)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/root-q122822655

## Summary

Root is a 2020 strategy and simulation video game developed and published by Dire Wolf Digital, based on the popular board game of the same name. The game supports both single-player and multiplayer modes on Microsoft Windows and macOS platforms, and was released on September 24, 2020 through Steam's digital distribution platform.

## Key Facts

- **Publication Date**: September 24, 2020
- **Developer**: Dire Wolf Digital
- **Publisher**: Dire Wolf Digital
- **Genre**: Strategy video game, Simulation video game
- **Platforms**: Microsoft Windows, macOS
- **Game Modes**: Single-player video game, Multiplayer video game
- **Distribution Platform**: Steam (Steam application ID: 965580)
- **Current Version**: 1.31.2 (stable version, released November 21, 2023)
- **Based On**: Root (board game)
- **Instance Of**: Video game
- **Distribution Format**: Digital distribution
- **Characteristic**: Indie game
- **Review Score**: 83/100 (OpenCritic Top Critic Average, as of December 6, 2021)
- **Review Score**: 60% (OpenCritic Critics Recommend, as of December 6, 2021)
- **OpenCritic ID**: 1978

### Language Support

- **English** (user interface, voice acting, subtitle)
- **French** (user interface)
- **Italian** (user interface)
- **German** (user interface)
- **Spanish** (user interface)
- **Simplified Chinese** (user interface)
- **Czech** (user interface)
- **Japanese** (user interface)
- **Polish** (user interface)
- **Russian** (user interface)

### Database Identifiers

- **Steam**: 965580
- **RAWG**: root-2
- **SteamGridDB**: 5263958
- **PCGamingWiki**: Root_(Board_Game) (ID: 194136)
- **HowLongToBeat**: 83850
- **IsThereAnyDeal**: root--1
- **MobyGames**: 149695
- **GamesMeter**: 20478
- **Glitchwave**: root.f1
- **Vglist**: 78808
- **Internet Game Database**: root--1 (ID: 139145)
- **GamerProfiles**: 9xQmy
- **Kemono Games**: Root

### Official Website

- **URL**: https://www.direwolfdigital.com/
- **Language**: English

## FAQs

### What type of game is Root?

Root is a strategy and simulation video game that serves as a digital adaptation of the board game Root. It combines strategic gameplay elements with simulation mechanics, allowing players to engage in complex tactical scenarios.

### When was Root released?

Root was released on September 24, 2020. The game has continued to receive updates, with its current stable version being 1.31.2, which was released on November 21, 2023.

### What platforms does Root support?

Root is available on Microsoft Windows and macOS. The game is distributed digitally through Steam.

### Who developed and published Root?

Root was developed and published by Dire Wolf Digital, an independent game development studio.

### Does Root support multiplayer?

Yes, Root supports both single-player and multiplayer game modes, allowing players to enjoy the game either solo or with others.

### What languages does Root support?

Root supports ten languages across its user interface, voice acting, and subtitles. These include English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Czech, Japanese, Polish, and Russian.

### What is Root based on?

Root is based on the board game Root, which is a strategic board game featuring asymmetric gameplay between different factions.

### How is Root rated?

Root received a score of 83/100 on OpenCritic's Top Critic Average and 60% on Critics Recommend, both measured as of December 6, 2021.

## Why It Matters

Root represents a significant achievement in the digital adaptation of board games, bringing the complex strategic mechanics of the original tabletop experience to a wider audience through digital platforms. The game matters because it successfully translates the intricate asymmetric gameplay of its board game predecessor into a accessible video game format while maintaining the depth and replayability that made the original popular among strategy gaming enthusiasts.

The game's release in 2020 during a period when digital gaming saw unprecedented growth positioned it as a go-to title for strategy game enthusiasts seeking intellectually demanding gameplay. Its support for both single-player and multiplayer modes ensures accessibility for different play styles, from those who prefer solo strategic challenges to those who enjoy competitive or cooperative multiplayer experiences.

Root's availability on multiple platforms (Windows and macOS) and its support for ten languages demonstrate a commitment to accessibility and international reach. The ongoing development, evidenced by the version 1.31.2 update released in November 2023, shows sustained developer support that keeps the game relevant and improves the player experience over time.

The game's indie status combined with its strong critical reception (83/100 on OpenCritic) demonstrates that independent developers can produce strategy games capable of competing with larger studio productions in terms of quality and player engagement.

## Notable For

- Digital adaptation of the acclaimed board game Root, preserving its asymmetric strategic gameplay
- Support for both single-player and multiplayer modes, offering flexible gameplay options
- Availability in ten languages, making it accessible to a global audience
- Continuous post-release support with regular updates (current version 1.31.2 as of November 2023)
- Strong critical reception with an 83/100 score on OpenCritic
- Published and developed by independent studio Dire Wolf Digital
- Distribution through Steam with a dedicated application ID (965580)
- Indie game classification while achieving significant commercial and critical success

## Body

### Development and Production

Root was developed by Dire Wolf Digital, an independent game development studio known for creating digital adaptations of board games. The studio undertook the challenge of translating the complex, asymmetric gameplay of the original Root board game—a game known for its deep strategic mechanics and multiple playable factions—into a functional and engaging video game format. The development process required careful attention to maintaining the strategic depth of the tabletop version while optimizing controls and interfaces for a digital experience.

Dire Wolf Digital served as both developer and publisher for Root, a common approach among independent studios that allows for creative control over the entire production and distribution process. This dual role enabled the studio to maintain consistency in its vision from development through release and into post-launch support.

### Release and Distribution

Root was officially released on September 24, 2020, entering the market during a period of significant growth in digital gaming. The game was distributed exclusively through Steam, one of the leading digital distribution platforms for PC games, under the Steam application ID 965580. This digital-only release model aligns with the game's classification as an indie title and follows the modern trend of digital distribution in the gaming industry.

The Steam listing for Root provides comprehensive information about the game, including its supported platforms (Microsoft Windows and macOS), supported languages, and game modes. The distribution through Steam also enables features such as automatic updates, cloud saves, and community features like forums and user reviews.

### Gameplay and Features

Root is classified as both a strategy video game and a simulation video game, reflecting its complex gameplay mechanics that require strategic planning and simulation of various game states. The game supports two distinct game modes: single-player and multiplayer. The single-player mode allows players to experience the game's strategic depth against AI opponents, while the multiplayer mode enables competitive or cooperative play with other human players.

The game is based on the Root board game, which is renowned for its asymmetric gameplay where different factions have unique abilities, victory conditions, and play styles. This asymmetry is a core element of the Root experience, requiring players to adapt their strategies significantly depending on which faction they control.

As an indie game, Root benefits from the creative freedom often associated with independent development, allowing for innovative gameplay mechanics and unique design choices that distinguish it from mainstream strategy games.

### Version History and Updates

The development team has maintained Root with ongoing updates and patches. The current stable version, 1.31.2, was released on November 21, 2023, as documented in the official patch notes from Dire Wolf Digital. This version represents the latest iteration of the game's ongoing development, including bug fixes, balance adjustments, and potentially new content or features.

The continued release of updates more than three years after the initial launch demonstrates Dire Wolf Digital's commitment to supporting their product and responding to community feedback. This post-launch support is crucial for strategy games, where balance adjustments can significantly impact the gameplay experience.

### Platform and Technical Specifications

Root is available on two major PC platforms: Microsoft Windows and macOS. This dual-platform support expands the potential audience by accommodating users of both operating systems. The game's classification in the Steam database indicates it is optimized for both platforms, though specific system requirements would be found in the game's Steam listing.

The game utilizes Steam's digital distribution infrastructure, which handles the delivery of updates, content, and patches. The Steam application ID 965580 serves as the unique identifier for Root within the Steam ecosystem, enabling features such as achievement tracking, cloud saves, and multiplayer matchmaking through Steam's services.

### Language Localization

One of Root's notable strengths is its extensive language support, covering ten languages across user interface, voice acting, and subtitles. The primary language is English, which is fully supported for user interface, voice acting, and subtitles.

Additional language support includes French, Italian, German, and Spanish for user interface, all of which are major European languages with significant gaming communities. The inclusion of Simplified Chinese, Czech, Japanese, Polish, and Russian further expands the game's global reach, particularly in markets with strong gaming cultures.

This multilingual support demonstrates Dire Wolf Digital's commitment to making Root accessible to players worldwide, removing language barriers that might otherwise limit the game's appeal to non-English speakers.

### Critical Reception

Root received generally favorable reviews from critics, as evidenced by its OpenCritic score of 83/100 based on the Top Critic Average metric, measured as of December 6, 2021. This score places Root among the higher-rated strategy games of its era. Additionally, 60% of critics recommended the game according to OpenCritic's Critics Recommend metric, also measured as of the same date.

The OpenCritic ID 1978 serves as the game's identifier on that platform, allowing players and researchers to access detailed review information, critic quotes, and comparison data with other games.

### Database Presence and Identification

Root maintains a presence across numerous gaming databases and tracking services, each providing unique identifiers that serve different purposes within the gaming ecosystem:

- **RAWG** (ID: root-2): A video game database that tracks game information, screenshots, and trailers
- **SteamGridDB** (ID: 5263958): A database for Steam grid artwork and banners
- **PCGamingWiki** (ID: Root_(Board_Game), Wiki ID: 194136): A wiki focused on PC gaming information and troubleshooting
- **HowLongToBeat** (ID: 83850): A service that tracks average completion times for games
- **IsThereAnyDeal** (ID: root--1): A price tracking service for digital game deals
- **MobyGames** (ID: 149695): One of the oldest video game databases
- **GamesMeter** (ID: 20478): A gaming statistics and tracking service
- **Glitchwave** (ID: root.f1): A gaming database and review platform
- **Vglist** (ID: 78808): A video game tracking service
- **Internet Game Database** (ID: root--1, IGDB ID: 139145): A comprehensive gaming database
- **GamerProfiles** (ID: 9xQmy): A gaming profile and tracking service
- **Kemono Games** (ID: Root): Another gaming database entry

This extensive presence across multiple platforms ensures that Root is easily discoverable and trackable across the gaming information ecosystem, making it simple for players to find information, compare prices, track gameplay, and access community resources.

### Official Web Presence

The official website for Root is https://www.direwolfdigital.com/, which serves as the primary web presence for the developer Dire Wolf Digital. The website is presented in English, consistent with the game's primary language and the developer's home market. The site likely contains information about Root along with other titles from the developer, providing players with a central hub for game information, updates, and potentially support resources.

## References

1. Steam
2. [2023](https://news.direwolfdigital.com/root-patch-1-31-2-critters-in-harmony/)
3. OpenCritic
4. GamesMeter.nl