Wintry first-person survival sim The Long Dark has sold a quarter million copies since it premiered on Steam Early Access in September, developer Hinterland Studio has announced.

"Our goal with The Long Dark was to create a very different type of experience - an artistic survival game - and we were prepared for the game to be quite niche as a result," said creative director Raphael Van Lierop. "Thinking that a quarter of a million people have embraced our vision, even in this early state - something we've put forward without compromise - is extremely rewarding. And we're just getting started."

On that note, the developer revealed that an update due later this month will "nearly double the size of the game world, adding new and interesting places to explore, as well as new threats to confront."

The Long Dark is currently going for £14.99 / $19.99 on Steam Early Access. No release date has been announced for its formal 1.0 launch.