Have you ever dreamed of building your own business empire from scratch? Business simulation games offer the perfect opportunity to test your entrepreneurial skills and strategies without risking real-life capital.
This article presents you with best business sim games that will challenge your decision-making abilities and take you on a thrilling journey from a small startup to a successful tycoon. Get ready to unleash your inner entrepreneur and dive into virtual business management!
Game | Release | Genre | Developer | |
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Two Point Hospital | 2018-08-29 | Simulation | Two Point Studios | |
Game Dev Tycoon | 2013-08-29 | Indie | Greenheart Games | |
Rollercoaster Tycoon 2 Triple Thrill Pack | 2002-10-15 | Strategy | Chris Sawyer Productions | |
Simcity Complete Edition | 2014-11-13 | Economy | ||
Simcity 4 Deluxe Edition | 2003-09-22 | Strategy | Maxis | |
Startup Company | 2017-08-11 | Indie | Hovgaard Games | |
Prison Architect | 2015-10-06 | Indie | Introversion Software | |
Airline Tycoon Deluxe | 1998-01-08 | Simulation | Spellbound | |
Airline Tycoon 2 | 2011-10-24 | Strategy | b-Alive | |
Railway Empire | 2018-01-26 | Simulation | Gaming Minds Studios | |
Cities Skylines Deluxe Edition | 2015-03-10 | Strategy | Colossal Order | |
Planet Zoo | 2019-11-05 | Simulation | Frontier Developments | |
Anno 1800 | 2019-04-16 | Economy | Blue Byte | |
Youtubers Life | 2016-05-18 | Indie | U-Play online | |
Tropico 4 | 2011-09-01 | Simulation | Haemimont Games | |
Transport Fever 2 | 2019-12-11 | Simulation | Urban Games | |
Rise Of Industry | 2018-02-09 | Indie | Dapper Penguin Studios | |
Motorsport Manager | 2016-11-09 | Race | Playsport Games | |
Mashinky | 2017-10-06 | Indie | Jan Zelený | |
Constructor Plus | 2019-05-27 | Indie | System 3 |
Two Point Hospital
Release date: | 2018-08-29 |
Genre: | Simulation |
Developer: | Two Point Studios |
Two Point Hospital is an engaging business simulation game that puts players in charge of building and managing a network of hospitals.
Developed by Two Point Studios, this captivating title combines strategy, creativity, and humour, making it an enjoyable experience for players of all ages.
Two Point Hospital is a wide variety of bizarre and humorous illnesses patients suffer from, such as “Light-headedness,” where patients have light bulbs for heads. This whimsical approach keeps the gameplay fresh and entertaining.
The game offers a diverse range of challenges and objectives, ranging from curing specific diseases to achieving high patient satisfaction ratings.
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Game Dev Tycoon
Release date: | 2013-08-29 |
Genre: | Indie |
Developer: | Greenheart Games |
Game Dev Tycoon transports players into the world of game development, where they create and manage their own video game company.
The title presents an immersive and addictive experience for both casual players and avid fans of simulations.
A standout feature of Game Dev Tycoon is the ability to research and develop various genres, platforms, and technologies, mirroring the real-world evolution of the industry.
It includes unique ratings and reviews mechanics, where virtual critics assess the player’s newly released titles, offering insights and feedback that influence sales and the company’s reputation.
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RollerCoaster Tycoon 2
Release date: | 2002-10-15 |
Genre: | Strategy |
Developer: | Chris Sawyer Productions |
RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 takes players on an exciting journey of designing and managing their own amusement parks in a captivating business simulation game.
This classic title has garnered a dedicated following for its strategic gameplay, creativity, and fun-filled theme park settings.
RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 provides extensive customization options for creating unique and thrilling roller coasters, as well as other park attractions.
The game’s focus on visitor satisfaction, which is influenced by factors such as ride quality, park cleanliness, and food options, challenging players to maintain a high level of guest happiness. Nostalgic isometric graphics and a vibrant soundtrack contribute to its enduring charm.
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SimCity
Release date: | 2014-11-13 |
Genre: | Economy |
Developer: |
SimCity, a cornerstone of city-building and management simulation games, invites players to create and oversee their own metropolises, shaping the urban landscape and infrastructure to their liking.
Developed by Maxis, this iconic title is renowned for its depth, complexity, and satisfaction derived from guiding a city’s growth and development.
SimCity emphasizes the intricacies of urban planning, resource allocation, and governance. An important feature of the game is the zoning system, where players designate areas for residential, commercial, and industrial development, dictating the city’s growth patterns and socio-economic balance.
It incorporates a dynamic system of natural disasters, which players must prepare for and respond to, adding an element of unpredictability and excitement to the gameplay
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Startup Company
Release date: | 2017-08-11 |
Genre: | Indie |
Developer: | Hovgaard Games |
In Startup Company, players step into the role of a budding entrepreneur aiming to build a successful tech company in a highly competitive market.
The game captures the excitement and challenges of the fast-paced startup environment, offering a compelling experience for strategy enthusiasts.
One interesting aspect of Startup Company is the emphasis on product development and innovation, as players create software products, websites, and applications to cater to the market’s demands.
Resource management is crucial because company owners must hire and supervise a skilled team of developers, designers, and sales representatives while balancing budgets and maintaining employee morale.
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Prison Architect
Release date: | 2015-10-06 |
Genre: | Indie |
Developer: | Introversion Software |
Prison Architect provides a distinct twist on the business simulation genre, tasking players with the design, construction, and management of a high-security prison.
It delivers a captivating experience, blending strategy, creativity, and the ethical dilemmas that arise from running a correctional facility.
Prison Architect includes a comprehensive building system, allowing to create many prison facilities, from cells and canteens to recreation areas and solitary confinement units. This level of customization ensures that each prison is unique and tailored to the player’s vision.
Additionally, the game introduces an intricate prisoner management system, where players must address the needs and behaviors of inmates, ranging from physical well-being to security and reform programs. Managing staff, like guards, cooks, and janitors, is another essential aspect of the gameplay, as their efficiency and well-being directly impact the smooth operation of the prison.
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Airline Tycoon
Release date: | 1998-01-08 |
Genre: | Simulation |
Developer: | Spellbound |
Airline Tycoon takes us to new heights as they assume the role of an airline owner, responsible for establishing and managing their company.
This business simulation game offers an engaging and entertaining experience as players navigate the complex and competitive world of the airline industry.
In Airline Tycoon there is a possibility to customize aircraft fleets, selecting from various airplane models, designing liveries, and optimizing seating configurations to maximize profit and passenger satisfaction.
The negotiation of contracts and deals, which includes securing gate slots at airports, arranging partnerships with other airlines, and purchasing or leasing new aircraft are on the agenda.
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Railway Empire
Release date: | 2018-01-26 |
Genre: | Simulation |
Developer: | Gaming Minds Studios |
With Railway Empire players immersed in the enthralling realm of railway development and growth throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Created by Gaming Minds Studios, it blends strategic gameplay, historical authenticity, and an engaging experience for those fascinated by the heyday of rail travel.
The game presents a wide range of authentic locomotives and train cars, allowing players to customize their fleets for various purposes, such as passenger transport or goods delivery.
It also challenges gamers to research and develop new technologies to improve train performance, station facilities, and other aspects of their rail empire. Railway Empire provides a series of scenarios and campaigns, each with unique objectives and historical settings.
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Cities: Skylines
Release date: | 2015-03-10 |
Genre: | Strategy |
Developer: | Colossal Order |
Developed by Colossal Order, Cities Skylines gives the opportunity to design, construct, and govern their thriving metropolis.
It enables players to discover the limitless possibilities of city-building and management.
An engaging element of Cities: Skylines is the dynamic day-night cycle and weather system, adding visual variety and realism to the game world.
It also includes a modding community, with user-created content and modifications that enhance and expand gameplay possibilities. Another aspect is the forgiving learning curve, making it accessible to a wider range of players while still offering depth and complexity for veterans of the genre.
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Planet Zoo
Release date: | 2019-11-05 |
Genre: | Simulation |
Developer: | Frontier Developments |
With a strong emphasis on animal welfare, Planet Zoo challenges players to create suitable habitats that cater to the unique needs of over 100 different animal species.
A remarkable aspect is the game’s intricate genetics and breeding system, which encourages us to maintain a diverse and healthy animal population. Planet Zoo also incorporates comprehensive research and conservation feature, reflecting real-world efforts to preserve endangered species and ecosystems.
Players can unleash their creativity with an extensive selection of decorations, landscaping tools, and custom structures, allowing for the creation of truly unique and visually stunning zoos.
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Anno 1800
Release date: | 2019-04-16 |
Genre: | Economy |
Developer: | Blue Byte |
Anno 1800, developed by Blue Byte, plunges players into the era of the Industrial Revolution, blending city-building, economic strategy, and naval warfare in a captivating gaming experience.
Set during the 19th century, players must balance the needs of their growing cities, carefully managing resources, trade, and workforce to expand their empires.
The game also introduces a fascinating diplomacy system, in which players can form alliances, engage in trade agreements, or declare war on rival empires, adding a layer of strategy and intrigue.
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These 11 best business sim games offer a wide array of experiences and challenges, catering to various interests and playstyles. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned strategist, these games about running a business will surely provide hours of entertainment, creativity, and immersive gameplay.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to hone your management skills and build your dream empire in the digital realm.