zlacker

> Factorio does have a rather steep learning curve

Not... at all? I mean, Vim has a steep learning curve[1]. Factorio is a game meant for the masses.

Of course any game is hard to master, but in that case any game that is not made for 3 year olds has a steep learning curve. You won't know how to set up and manage a 1kspm factory from day one, but that's okay, you can start by exploring and have a lot of fun doing that.

[1] (if you ignore that you can just start by hitting "i" and save with "<esc>:wq" and you have an ordinary editor, but that's not the point.)

>>lucb1e+(OP)
The fact that you would even consider comparing the controls of a video game to vim probably means it’s not the most intuitive.

>>vlunkr+t
I think the parent was assuming "steep learning curve" here was qualified as "for a piece of software used by programmers"; while the people that downvoted them assume "steep learning curve" here was qualified as "for a game." It is certainly easy to learn compared to a code-base; it is certainly hard to learn compared to Bejeweled.

Mind you, compared to other “programming games” like e.g. Shenzhen I/O, the main gameplay loop of Factorio is quite a bit simpler to wrap your head around. It's only when you try to ultra-optimize everything that it reaches that level of complexity. (Or when you "program in Factorio", ala "programming in Minecraft.")

>>lucb1e+(OP)
Pfff! The only vi command anyone ever needs to learn is :q! ;)

>>derefr+n7
> I think the parent was assuming "steep learning curve" here was qualified as "for a piece of software used by programmers";

No. For example, my cousin plays it, someone who typically plays games like the Sims (and other games popular amongst women), has no university degree. She has no trouble with Factorio. I am honestly confused how anyone would call Factorio a difficult game. It's nigh impossible to lose unless you change the default settings to generate a more difficult world with much more aggressive biters. It's a building game, not a shooter that requires any kind of skill or specialised software that requires a manual.

Edit: asked said cousin whether she thought it has a steep learning curve. Answer was "lol, yes! And the curve just continues, there is still lots I could do better". I suppose having nearly only programmers as friends skewed my view of how many people had no trouble getting into it.