I talk a lot about independent art, and how much I
appreciate the numerous ways I’ve been able to express myself as an independent
writer. However, writing is not the only
form that independent art takes.
Recently, I purchased a video game from an independent
company. The company is called
Greenheart Games, and the game is called Game Dev Tycoon. Let me start by saying that, while I’m no
stranger to the gaming world, I don’t consider myself to be a gamer. I enjoy games with good stories, and I prefer
my playing experiences to be casual.
Game Dev Tycoon was perfect for my playing preferences.
What’s it about? Game
Dev Tycoon begins in the 1980s. You are
the main character, and develop games for a variety of different
platforms. The platforms mirror the
technologies made in the 80s, and lead all the way up to the next generation of
consoles (Xbox One, Playstation 4, and Wii U).
The names of the consoles have been changed, but closely resemble their
actual counterparts. The storyline
relies on the history of the gaming industry, and new consoles come out on a
regular basis. Most of the gameplay revolves
around developing games, and running your company.
What can you do? As a
player, you develop games by trying to create the most enjoyable game
combinations, and have to make decisions on game size, topics, genres, platforms
and game engines. You have the ability
to train your character (and other members of your team that you can hire later
on), research new technologies (such as MMOs, new topics, and self-created game
engines) and develop your own consoles.
A big chunk of the game involves devoting the right amount of time to
specific games. For example, RPGs should
have a lot of time devoted to dialogue, but racing games need a lot of work
done on artificial intelligence, and would do well with minimum dialogue.
Personally, I enjoyed playing through the timeline of
events. There are around 30 years of
progression in which new consoles will be released, consoles will go off the
market, and new technology will be born.
Also, I liked experimenting with the different game combinations… Pirate
Simulation? Racing strategy? Life RPG?
Virtual Pet Adventure??? All of
these combinations are possible within the game, although none are a guaranteed
success.
I really enjoy playing tycoon games, but this is probably
the best one since the lemonade stand game I used to play while growing up in
the nineties (simple, but iconic). The
creators of the game are very appreciative of their paying audience, and even
sent me an in-game message to tell me how awesome I was for supporting an independent
team. They also have a sense of
humor. Apparently, they released a
version of their game to be pirated. In
that version of the game, in-game pirates ruin the player’s company by pirating
their games. I think that’s
hilarious. However, I was so impressed
with the trial game that I went ahead and paid the eight dollars to get the
full version.
As an independent writer, I appreciate the hard work that’s
involved in creating independent work.
Sometimes, all the work is done by just one person. With Game Dev Tycoon, two brothers are
responsible. Support independent artists
by buying the stuff you like. Try the
free sample of Game Dev Tycoon. Don’t be
a pirate. Buy the game if it’s something
you think you’ll enjoy.
