We are aware of this very well. This is the reason why we feel, that the current complexity of things you need to do is enough when we added the oil industry. This is the reason we are planning to do things that don't add complexity. Things like multiplayer, having tech tree as real tree, replays, better control of map information layers, some tiers of energy generators or turrets, different terrains, fire. Things like this add to the game experience without adding much complexity.badminton wrote: These two issues need to be balanced carefully I think. Factorio has the potential to become very complicated, rather than very complex. At the moment the balance is pretty good, but if it becomes too complicated (ie Dwarf Fortress) before you do a big release then you're going to force the game down a niche that will cost you sales. As awesome (and free) as Dwarf Fortress is, it's not easy to recommend to a lot of people, games like Gnomoria and Towns have a broader appeal.
Then there are things that might add complexity, better circuit network integration for example, but the player doesn't need to do it. Only those that play for long time, or those that want to play with it might explore some depth there.
This is great news indeed! This is exactly what we were trying to achieve all the time. To make it interesting and complex enough to hook people, but not complicated too much so new players will not be discouraged.badminton wrote: My housemate is a perfect example: He's seen me playing Dwarf Fortress quite a lot but he's never felt the need to try it out for himself because of all the screens and hotkeys and 3rd party programs you need to really get the most out of it. When I got Factorio (after watching SplatterCat's spotlight vid <3) I didn't bother to tell him about it because it's a similar kind of game. When he saw me playing it he asked about it and I talked him though my objectively crappy factory and he was hooked. Literally within 10 minutes he'd bought his copy and started playing it. And now, even a couple of months later, every second conversation we have is about Factorio
and i love the game, make it 2 d 3 d dosent matter for me, its the concept that works and what i love, and with the mods now it takes even longer to get all the science. more stuff GIMMI more MODS 
just added solar plants right now.
