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!

GameReleaseGenreDeveloper
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.

Key features
  • Customizable hospital layouts
  • Wide range of humorous illnesses
  • Staff management and training
  • Dynamic challenges and scenarios

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.

Key features
  • Develop games across multiple genres and platforms
  • Manage resources and hire a talented team
  • Research new technologies and game engines
  • Respond to market trends and user reviews

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.

Key features
  • Extensive coaster and ride customization
  • Detailed park management system
  • Wide range of themed scenery and decorations
  • Varied scenarios with unique objectives

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

Key features
  • Comprehensive zoning system
  • Infrastructure and transportation management
  • Dynamic budgeting and resource allocation
  • Natural disaster simulations and response

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.

Key features
  • Focus on product development and innovation
  • Hire and manage a skilled team
  • Dynamic contract system for project bidding
  • Research and development investment

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.

Key features
  • Comprehensive building and facility customization
  • Intricate prisoner management system
  • Staff management and efficiency
  • Challenging scenarios and objectives

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.

Key features
  • Customizable aircraft fleets and liveries
  • Establish flight routes and schedules
  • Negotiate contracts and deals
  • Manage staff and crew training

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.

Key features
  • Extensive rail network construction
  • Wide range of historical locomotives
  • Dynamic economic system and trade
  • Research and development of new technologies

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.

Key features
  • Robust zoning and development system
  • Complex infrastructure management
  • Dynamic day-night cycle and weather system

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.

Key features
  • Over 100 different animal species
  • Emphasis on animal welfare and habitat design
  • Intricate genetics and breeding system
  • Research and conservation efforts

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.

Key features
  • Intricate production chains and resource management
  • Diplomacy system with alliances, trade, and warfare
  • Procedurally generated world with diverse environments
  • Visually stunning graphics and historical setting

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.