| Game Dev Story | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Kairosoft |
| Publisher(s) | |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows, iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Nintendo Switch |
| Release | Microsoft Windows
|
| Genre(s) | Business simulation game |
| Mode(s) | Single player Multiplayer |
Game Dev Story is a simulation video game developed by Kairosoft and published by SNK for Microsoft Windows, iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch. It was released for Windows in April 1997,[1] on iOS and Android on October 9, 2010,[2] for Windows Phone on July 6, 2015,[citation needed] and on Nintendo Switch on October 11, 2017. The game follows a player-controlled video game company and its attempts to expand into a sales powerhouse over time. As a simulation, the game and the direction of the company is controlled by the player, following a parallel timeline of the video game industry and its history. The game was released to positive reviews, with many reviewers focusing on Game Dev Story's addictive aspects and its witty references to video game pop culture.
Gameplay[edit]
Game Dev Story. I remembered playing this game back in elementary school. So I typed it in the App Store. I bought the game at around 10 o'clock in the morning & played. I kept playing, and playing until I saw I was in year 20. I had my phone on the charger so I wouldn't lose my progress in case my phone died. Mar 20, 2013 Once more we take on a game company and running it into the ground. Mabobble returns to life in this high definition take on the popular handheld Android/IOS game! Let's have a good time.
The player takes control of a start-up video game developer, with the goal of making hit titles and consoles in order to make money.[2] The user controls a number of factors which can help or hinder the quality of the games released, including hiring staff, controlling the direction and speed of development, and using items which give boosts for workers or change their jobs. As the player progresses and earns more money, their building is improved upon and they are allowed to hire more staff, and thus create better games.[2]
Games are assigned review scores upon completion of a game ranging from 1–10 with a comment from the associated reviewer with his score. The scores generally affect the sales that go along with the game, and as they are in real life, sales are ranked with a number according to how they sold that week.[2]
When the player reaches the Hall of Fame level, they can hire more staff. To reach the Hall of Fame, the player needs to get the critics to give a score of at least 32.
Development[edit]
The original Game Dev Story was released in Japan for Microsoft Windows in April 1997.[3] It was ported in 2010 to both iOS and Android.[4]
A Windows Phone port was released in July 2015.[citation needed] It was also later released on Nintendo Switch on October 11, 2017.
Reception[edit]
| Reception | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Game Dev Story received positive reviews, praising the addictiveness of its mechanics and its somewhat realistic treatment of video game development. It received an 86/100 on Metacritic.[5]The A.V. Club praised the game's freedom for the player's choice in how they choose to develop their company.[9]Eurogamer's Keza MacDonald described Game Dev Story as 'the best thing I've ever played on the iPhone' and praised the game for its unpredictable and addictive simulation gameplay.[6]Ron Gilbert, the original creator of the Monkey Island video game series, told Wired that he was a self-proclaimed addict to the game.[10]
Criticism of the game mostly focused on the end-period of the game. Pocket Gamer felt that Game Dev Story slowed down towards the end of the game because it became too easy to churn out successful games at a quick pace.[11]Giant Bomb's Ryan Davis felt that although the game's menu system was clunky, Game Dev Story contained a large amount of charm and addictiveness that made it worth playing.[7] Thunderbolt felt that the game would only appeal to those who understood the video game industry.[12]
External links[edit]
- Official website (Japanese)
Game Dev Story Engineer
See also[edit]
Game Dev Story Mister X
- Game Dev Tycoon, a similar game made by Greenheart Games
References[edit]
Game Dev Story Combo
- ^'ゲーム発展途上国'. Kairosoft. Kairosoft. April 1997. Retrieved September 5, 2018.
- ^ abcdeAhearn, Nate (October 18, 2010). 'Game Dev Story iPhone Review'. IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved August 25, 2018.
- ^Lada, Jenni (June 1, 2012). 'Important Importables: Kairosoft'. Technology Tell. Retrieved June 1, 2015.
- ^Nicholson, Brad (November 30, 2010). ''Game Dev Story 2' Coming To iOS, But Not 'Soon''. Touch Arcade. Retrieved May 10, 2012.
- ^ ab'Game Dev Story for iPhone/iPad Reviews'. Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved January 31, 2012.
- ^ abMacDonald, Keza (November 2, 2010). 'Game Dev Story Review'. Eurogamer. Retrieved January 31, 2012.
- ^ abDavis, Ryan (November 2, 2010). 'Game Dev Story review'. Giant Bomb. Retrieved January 31, 2012.
- ^Nelson, Jared (October 12, 2010). ''Game Dev Story' Review – Create Your Own Game Company'. TouchArcade. Retrieved August 25, 2018.
- ^Heisler, Steve (November 1, 2010). 'Games: November 2010'. The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on October 2, 2011. Retrieved January 31, 2012.
- ^Schreier, Jason (December 3, 2010). 'What's Right (and Wrong) With Game Dev Story's Addictive Simulation'. Wired. Retrieved January 31, 2012.
- ^Mundy, Jon. 'Game Dev Story review'. Pocket Gamer. Retrieved January 31, 2012.
- ^Kemph, Calvin (March 1, 2011). 'Game Dev Story – iPhone review'. Thunderbolt. Retrieved January 31, 2012.