Developer Chat on Turmoil’s New DLC and Game History

Deeper Underground: How Turmoil Is Refueling the Strategy Sim Genre

For fans of historical simulation and high-stakes tycoon games, Turmoil has carved out a memorable niche. Set against the backdrop of the volatile 19th-century North American oil rush, the game blends real-time strategy with gritty entrepreneurial ambition, successfully capturing the feeling of becoming a successful oil baron.

With millions of copies sold across various platforms, Turmoil has proven its staying power. Yet, even creators like lead designer Jos Bouman were pleasantly surprised by the depth of audience engagement. After months of playtesting and calibration, the team realized that the game resonated far more deeply than they initially anticipated, leading them to seek out ways to expand this rich world.

This successful foundation prompted a return to the oil well, bringing forth substantial new content. Following the initial The Heat Is On DLC, the team delivered Deeper Underground, an expansion packed with fresh mechanics designed to deepen the player experience and challenge their mastery of resource management.

The heart of this new expansion lies in a shift in economics. Players no longer deal solely in oil; they must navigate a more complex system where finding and utilizing new resources—such as water, dynamite, and rubies—allows them to create a new, high-value substance: petrol. This introduces a fascinating layer of complexity, demanding players rethink their entire approach to profitability.

But the innovation doesn’t stop there. Deeper Underground introduces the concept of Deep Mode levels, which offer an entirely distinct gameplay experience. Instead of traditional oil management, these modes challenge players to focus purely on drilling as deep as possible, demanding careful planning and strategic use of limited resources underground.

Bouman explained that this move was inspired by the community’s requests for more verticality in the game. The goal was to create a genuine break from the standard experience. Unlike traditional gameplay where players must manage surface operations while digging, Deep Mode levels allow players to immerse themselves entirely in the act of exploration and drilling, emphasizing control and management amidst intense subterranean challenges.

This split approach ensures that while maintaining the core themes of oil barons and rivalry, the game offers new avenues for engagement. It proves that adding unique mechanics can invigorate an established world without compromising its core identity.

Adding a touch of musical flair to the expansion’s branding, the titles themselves paid homage to classic tunes—like Jamiroquai’s Deeper Underground and Glenn Frey’s The Heat Is On. This nods to the creative spirit that drives these kinds of game innovations.

While Bouman has deflected immediate announcements about further expansions, he confirmed that the team remains focused on delivering new content. In fact, he hinted at exciting developments outside of Turmoil as well, mentioning they are currently developing two new strategy games, promising even more strategic adventures for the future.

Deeper Underground remains a compelling proposition, offering players a fresh way to explore the depths of the oil rush and uncover the next chapter in this unique simulation adventure.