Winter-themed first-person survival sim The Long Dark has passed a quarter million copies since its launch on Steam Early Access back in September, developer Hinterland Studio 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 the note of expansion, the developer has announced that a new patch will be making its way to the game later this month. This patch 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 available through Steam Early Access at a price point of $19.99. A release date for its eventual launch has yet to be announced.