Even though Factorio is now technically finished and quite enjoyable as it is, the developers have already started looking towards expanding the concept even further. However, instead of focusing on a bunch of smaller updates or even DLC packs, the Wube Software team has chosen to go with the oldschool 'big expansion pack' plan.

That plan, as you might expect, will be to introduce a whole bunch of new mechanics that will greatly shake up the usual gameplay formula and make Factorio feel completely fresh again. I would love to give you some actual details or examples, but the expansion is still in early development and as such everything is currently in a state of flux.

As for when exactly the expansion will launch, Wube Software has unsurprisingly given no exact release date. That said, under current plans the expansion will take less than a year to develop, though given how much time they've spent polishing Factorio before its Early Access launch, I wouldn't be too surprised if it ends up taking far longer.

Whatever the case may be, I'll make sure to let you know once we have some more information about the expansion, and ideally a gameplay trailer as well. Until then, however, you can read a little bit more about Factorio's future over at the official website.