Game Dev Tycoon

 PC
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1191 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 835 out of 1191
  2. Mixed: 278 out of 1191
  3. Negative: 78 out of 1191

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  1. GildaTheGriffin
    May 3, 2013
    10
    I could play this game for hours and days. Hard to master as it has a unique mathematical algorithm to rate the games you make based on a number of different variety of mixing. The only problem is... the algorithm can be touchy and picky once you starts combining genres and other 'devices' to a certain topic. So it makes it a bit difficult to get around, but once you get the hang ofI could play this game for hours and days. Hard to master as it has a unique mathematical algorithm to rate the games you make based on a number of different variety of mixing. The only problem is... the algorithm can be touchy and picky once you starts combining genres and other 'devices' to a certain topic. So it makes it a bit difficult to get around, but once you get the hang of it, you might be playing it more and more.… Expand
  2. Korgalt
    May 7, 2013
    8
    A very fun and challenging game, especially during the first phase when your essentially an indie game studio trying to manage both a financial budget as well as a time one.
  3. LeonidasRex
    Feb 7, 2014
    10
    If you're an older gamer with a head full of useless gaming memories, then Game Dev Tycoon is for you. How will the NES fare against the Commodore 64? Will a ninja game do better as action or RPG? Do you know video games because you spent thousands of hours of your life playing them over the past few decades? This with this game you can turn that knowledge into million of unspendableIf you're an older gamer with a head full of useless gaming memories, then Game Dev Tycoon is for you. How will the NES fare against the Commodore 64? Will a ninja game do better as action or RPG? Do you know video games because you spent thousands of hours of your life playing them over the past few decades? This with this game you can turn that knowledge into million of unspendable dollars.

    I'm rating this a ten---for an indie that you can probably get for $5 or less on sale. The graphics and sound effects are minimal. The music gets annoying quickly. But the idea and underlying gameplay are clever and well-executed. You can start in your garage writing the equivalent of Zork, and finish the game with your own console and MMO.    … Expand
  4. Akauro
    Dec 9, 2016
    9
    Геймплей 9/10. Cюжет вы придумываете сами, создаете свою компанию, делаете игры. Можно даже создать свою консоль и делать игры эксклюзивно для нее повышая ее продажи. Очень крутая игра, всем советую, сам прошел игру 7 раз. Спасибо за внимание.Геймплей 9/10. Cюжет вы придумываете сами, создаете свою компанию, делаете игры. Можно даже создать свою консоль и делать игры эксклюзивно для нее повышая ее продажи. Очень крутая игра, всем советую, сам прошел игру 7 раз. Спасибо за внимание.
  5. felipedrl
    May 7, 2013
    10
    I don't remember the last time I played 6-hour-straight sessions on a game that costed me less than 10 bucks. That's how good and addictive this game is. It has neat graphics, nice sound SFX and music. You'll revive the console wars os the past 30 years, create your own game engines, hire employees, move to larger studios, design games and be anxious about the critics about them, and haveI don't remember the last time I played 6-hour-straight sessions on a game that costed me less than 10 bucks. That's how good and addictive this game is. It has neat graphics, nice sound SFX and music. You'll revive the console wars os the past 30 years, create your own game engines, hire employees, move to larger studios, design games and be anxious about the critics about them, and have lots of fun. The only thing I think they could improve is the UI. Like for instance when you want to make employee specialized in "Level Design". The UI display the pre-requisites in plain text like this: (D:560 T:360), using icons would be much better here.… Expand
  6. Badger91
    May 7, 2013
    8
    This is one of the "just one more, just one more" game. Simple and addictive. If you are "Tycoon" fan this is "must have" for you I spent about 40h in game and i won't regret.
  7. sabrewingz
    May 7, 2013
    9
    Game Development and Simulation are a great combination!
    But seriously, i could (and have) play this game for hours on end. It is fun to watch your company grow from one guy in their garage to having a whole team.
  8. Pomegranate23
    Oct 19, 2013
    10
    Incredibly fun game. What makes me enjoy it the most is the settings. Its an amazing feeling for me to run a game dev company,if you wont like that then its pointless to buy this game. The gameplay mechanics are maybe a bit basic,but I like them and the game has made itself well worth the money.

    Its also a very relaxing game. You can just jump into it and play for 10min if you have time    Incredibly fun game. What makes me enjoy it the most is the settings. Its an amazing feeling for me to run a game dev company,if you wont like that then its pointless to buy this game. The gameplay mechanics are maybe a bit basic,but I like them and the game has made itself well worth the money.

    Its also a very relaxing game. You can just jump into it and play for 10min if you have time over, or play it while watching a movie :)

    EDIT: I rewrote this just to mention that they have now done some major updates for this game. Fixed the most common issues such as lack of feedback!    … Expand
  9. R3GIST3R
    May 24, 2013
    8
    Game Dev and simulation is a great combination!

    Now on a more serious note, this game was really worth 8 bucks. The large span of different combinations of game topics, genres, platforms to develop for and engine mechanics made the game very re-playable. The only problem I have with the game is the tiny amount of "immersivness" in the game. Sure you can choose the game's topics and    Game Dev and simulation is a great combination!

    Now on a more serious note, this game was really worth 8 bucks. The large span of different combinations of game topics, genres, platforms to develop for and engine mechanics made the game very re-playable. The only problem I have with the game is the tiny amount of "immersivness" in the game. Sure you can choose the game's topics and genres and adjust an engine you have made to fit the kind of game you would really create but there is just so little that goes into it.

    The only other problem I had with it was the repetitive nature of the game. Once I got really "into it" with the game I found myself taking breaks from it. But again it was definitely worth the 8 bucks, for some good ol' indie game fun.    … Expand
  10. Cudex
    May 7, 2013
    9
    At first I was a little weary about trying such an odd game, but after the first few minutes I was hooked. Every day I find myself playing Game Dev Tycoon making more and more money, still discovering more little things about the game.

    Although, the game isn't quite perfect. Only being able to develop a game for one platform only bugs me a little, and the UI is a little glitchy every    At first I was a little weary about trying such an odd game, but after the first few minutes I was hooked. Every day I find myself playing Game Dev Tycoon making more and more money, still discovering more little things about the game.

    Although, the game isn't quite perfect. Only being able to develop a game for one platform only bugs me a little, and the UI is a little glitchy every now and then.

    All in all, a very good effort on Greenheart's behalf    … Expand
  11. Yogarpg
    May 9, 2013
    10
    Simple, fun, and after all, with lots of content, simply addictive and with a visually very beautiful. I do not see a good tycoon game style so long. I recommend.
  12. 12-Inch-Warrior
    Sep 14, 2013
    8
    Really enjoyable little game, bargain for the price, i picked this up at midnight after finishing my weeks work on steam and played until 8am. If you really can't shell out the 7 or 8 dollars for the game then wait for a sale and do yourself a favour and pick this game up.
  13. RealCritical
    Aug 29, 2013
    10
    Metacritic as always downgranding a good game, i really love it, good idea game, enjoyable graphis and cool "history" :P good job!

    Please metacritic, when you do a review on a indie game do it with your soul, the money is not what you need to do a good review!!!
  14. luisfg99
    Sep 1, 2013
    10
    The game is awesome! Long time did not play a game "Tyco". From the Roller Coaster Tyco I've never heard of a game "Tyco" success. But Game Dev Tyco overcomes espectavivas, the game is amazing! Pressure in the game leaves you impolgado with notes of their future games
  15. TheLagbringer
    Aug 29, 2013
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I loved this tycoon game. Not only it was extremely addictive and fun, but it actually made me realize I want to specialize as a game developer (I am a programmer). I even left my previous job and now I am starting in a simulation/game studio !

    Now, what makes this game such a gem It's really challenging and your head will be consumed with the idea of making a perfect game (10, 10, 10, 10). Ideas like what genre, what target audience, what kind of gameplay, do I put more graphics, or more intelligence in it Do I want to support gamepad or cloud service Yep, just like that. There is no optimal or safe way through this game, the options in the creation of games are endless and anything can become success or failure. Only the middle part of the game might get slightly repetitive, apart from that it's an amazing and colorful simulation game with very intelligent math and algorithm background that will make you ROCK HAR-

    Oh well, not to mention the guys behind Greenheart Games became famous for the anti-piracy security included in the game (I would only comment that as a "trololol & iseewhatyoudidthere paradox"). Damn, I am looking forward for another game from these gentlemen, now you go and enjoy this one I am sure you will.    … Expand
  16. jrfess
    Sep 3, 2013
    10
    This game is one of the most addicting games I've played in a while. It is difficult, and while it has a fairly sharp learning curve, it is a very rewarding experience.
  17. Bluefootedpig
    Sep 23, 2013
    10
    This is a solid game with great variety. People who complain you can't repeat yourself are being silly, you can repeat and develop sequels, just make sure they are space out by at least a year. The only thing you can't do is repeat the exact same combo, such as fantasy rpg. You can change it up by doing fantasy action and you are fine.

    The game randomizes what topics you can use so    This is a solid game with great variety. People who complain you can't repeat yourself are being silly, you can repeat and develop sequels, just make sure they are space out by at least a year. The only thing you can't do is repeat the exact same combo, such as fantasy rpg. You can change it up by doing fantasy action and you are fine.

    The game randomizes what topics you can use so reply is decent, the goal is to win in 35 years but is sandbox beyond that.

    This game is difficult to lose at, but difficult to win as well.    … Expand
  18. lava
    Oct 7, 2013
    10
    Fantastic game. I appreciate the actual difficulty of it. I've yet to discover any easter eggs or sell 100 million copies. :)

    We do not have to be hooked up to a social network to play it.

    Being a developer, I feel it is a very fun overview of the process.

    Thank you!
  19. los_majklos
    Sep 15, 2013
    9
    This Indie piece surprised me a lot! There's nothing complicated, yet the decision making is complex and challenging.
    The theme itself and number of references to real life game industry are just brilliant. Authors have shown some really deep understanding of the topic.
    I don't agree, that playthrough is repetitive, it's a great fun for me to play it for the 4th time.
  20. keefbaker
    Nov 13, 2013
    9
    Dead simple little casual game, but you know what? I love the hell out of it, there's something massively addictive about building your company up and becoming one of the great game developers.
  21. khornol
    Sep 5, 2013
    8
    Interesting Game Idea started and wanted to try it shortly, but ended up 5hours later deep in the night.
    It is a pretty simple game, has not much sound and an easy interface.
    In my first play I made it up to 50Mio and I guess I will try to beat that mark at some time. It's fun for a while, but gets repetitive after 1-2 plays and I highly recommend it to fans of simulations. More    Interesting Game Idea started and wanted to try it shortly, but ended up 5hours later deep in the night.
    It is a pretty simple game, has not much sound and an easy interface.
    In my first play I made it up to 50Mio and I guess I will try to beat that mark at some time.

    It's fun for a while, but gets repetitive after 1-2 plays and I highly recommend it to fans of simulations.
    More topics/genres would have been great.    … Expand
  22. Laeris
    Sep 7, 2013
    9
    It's a nice, fun game for folks interested in software development processes. It also has a nice chunk of elder gaming history thrown in. The only reason I didn't give it a 10 is because of its limited replay value. As casual games often go, they're great until you wear yourself out. So, in my opinion... it's a 10 until that happens... and when it does I may not play it again for aIt's a nice, fun game for folks interested in software development processes. It also has a nice chunk of elder gaming history thrown in. The only reason I didn't give it a 10 is because of its limited replay value. As casual games often go, they're great until you wear yourself out. So, in my opinion... it's a 10 until that happens... and when it does I may not play it again for a year. Until then though, it's a delightful game and more than worth its price.… Expand
  23. SX_Predator
    Oct 2, 2013
    10
    This game has it all. Mathematical algorithms, Micronoft, Vony, Ninvento, even Nigerian scammers! Super fun and highly addictive. Must buy. Only 10 dollars on Steam!
  24. gamereat
    Sep 3, 2013
    9
    The game in basic is fun.
    Fort a small indie game you can pick up any play is does well.
    Although i can't see you being able to put 50 hrs into it it is still a great game. But once competed the story and have almost unlimited money it becomes a tad boring but worth the money spent on it.
  25. H4llow
    Sep 4, 2013
    9
    I have a lot of fun playing this game. It's very engaging! If you want to play for a couple of hours every day in something really nice just buy this game and have fun.
  26. RobotNinja
    Sep 4, 2013
    9
    For a game that costs just seven euro, I've got more than enough value for money from Game dev Tycoon. The humour is one of the major strenghts, definately, for you might see companies like Ninvento invent the largely popular Gameling or Micronoft's mBox. Perhaps you'll buy a license for Vony's Playsystem 2 These are not spelling mistakes, these console names are in the game.) With manyFor a game that costs just seven euro, I've got more than enough value for money from Game dev Tycoon. The humour is one of the major strenghts, definately, for you might see companies like Ninvento invent the largely popular Gameling or Micronoft's mBox. Perhaps you'll buy a license for Vony's Playsystem 2 These are not spelling mistakes, these console names are in the game.) With many different game possibilities, such as popular ones like Fantasy/RPG to Wild West simulation game (bleurgh!) it's up to you.
    And, unlike many other games, it actually gets better in the later stages, with lots of new oppurtunities popping up all over the place. The random events are very also well implemented.

    Obviously, the creators at Greenheart Games poured their very heart and soul into the production of this game and an awesome anti-piracy stunt) However, the main fault I found with it is Replay value has much to be desired. No matter what way you look at it, you've probably done everything of interest in your first playthrough. That said, It's not that bad, and you'll probably get a couple of games out of it.

    Overall, Game Dev Tycoon is certainly worth the money, and DEFINITELY worth yours.    … Expand
  27. Diddlethumb
    Oct 15, 2013
    8
    This game is pretty amazing, but it's re-playable value is something to argue about. It's genuine, fantastic, and like an advanced Game Dev Story at first, but after a couple of games and getting to know about every single corner about this game, it starts getting repetitive, arduous, and plain boring. It's definitely fun to create your own games and get good reviews from it, but at thisThis game is pretty amazing, but it's re-playable value is something to argue about. It's genuine, fantastic, and like an advanced Game Dev Story at first, but after a couple of games and getting to know about every single corner about this game, it starts getting repetitive, arduous, and plain boring. It's definitely fun to create your own games and get good reviews from it, but at this current moment, it offers too little to play forever. It is a game in development, so I expect great things to come from it in the future, as a game where you can become Nintendo and make mature games and take series like Star Wars is absolutely fun, interesting, and bloody funny can go a long way in the case of an indie game. Oh, and it's only $9.99 worth it indeed if you like this sort of game, but again, it needs updates to become a fabled game like Minecraft.… Expand
  28. ThePancakeWorld
    Nov 1, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I like this game a lot, some say its a game dev story clone. I've got to agree, but this game is in my opinion better and has simply the best anti-piracy thing ever. Also the easter eggs where great: pong easter egg, Portal easter egg the red barrel one it's one of those games who you could just play for 6 hours straight… Expand
  29. Mossflake
    Nov 5, 2013
    10
    A really simple concept, but one that works well. On the surface it doesn't seem too complicated and certainly a person could pick it up and play without reading any of the tutorial information, however their is a very subtle set of aspects that make the gameplay quite deep, and the development of the game is steady and interesting. The fact that is mirrors actual history and has funA really simple concept, but one that works well. On the surface it doesn't seem too complicated and certainly a person could pick it up and play without reading any of the tutorial information, however their is a very subtle set of aspects that make the gameplay quite deep, and the development of the game is steady and interesting. The fact that is mirrors actual history and has fun parody companies such as 'Ninvento'. Genuinely a challenge at first but not one so difficult to conquer that it is frustrating, and most of the appropriate options for your games can be guessed using common sense.

    TLDR; A fun game that can be as deep as you want it to be. Great to pick up and play, but easy to lose a few hours after you get hooked; good parallels to real life.    … Expand
  30. GrumpyDan
    Jul 11, 2015
    10
    Ultimately Game Dev Tycoon feels like a polished and very absorbing online flash game. Especially considering I played one once about setting up your own game dev company a while back. I have to admit, it’s an addictive little game that eats away at your time. The giddy thrills received from getting rave reviews, along with more and more fans, is equal to the thrill of any racing game,Ultimately Game Dev Tycoon feels like a polished and very absorbing online flash game. Especially considering I played one once about setting up your own game dev company a while back. I have to admit, it’s an addictive little game that eats away at your time. The giddy thrills received from getting rave reviews, along with more and more fans, is equal to the thrill of any racing game, shooter or beat ‘em up Although this review sounds negative, it’s only because Game Dev Tycoon definitely shows potential, it just feels a little barren at times. But if business sims are your jam, this pocket-sized version is definitely worth the cash.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

22
#22 Most Discussed PC Game of 2013
46
#46 Most Shared PC Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 21
  3. Negative: 2 out of 21
  1. SpazioGames
    Sep 16, 2014
    65
    Taking into account the quite low price and the almost non-existent technical requirements, Game Dev Tycoon is a good and above all original game, albeit without great pretensions.
    Read full review
  2. GameCritics
    May 12, 2014
    30
    However, I don't really think Tycoon really wants to be more than ‘a glimpse' at video game production, and any attempt to comment on the industry from this dull, monotonous experience fails to hit its mark.
    Read full review
  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Oct 24, 2013
    80
    What is it like to start with a few thousand dollars and end up in an office full of people producing multi-million gaming hits? This game lets you find out and makes it worth your while. [Nov 2013]
See all critic reviews »