Economic Simulation Games

Economic simulation games are designed to represent an aspect or the entirety of an economy or business, with players determining and laying the foundations for a particular situation, rather than interacting directly with individuals or items in the game. Examples of economic simulator games include Transport Tycoon, where the player designs a transport infrastructure and business for several cities, and Capitalism, a business simulator in which the player builds a financial and industrial empire.

Sub-genres include city games, in which the player acts as overall planner to meet the needs and wants of game characters by initiating structures for shelter, food, health, spiritual care and economic growth. Success is achieved when the budget makes a growing profit and citizens experience an upgraded lifestyle in housing, health and goods. Popular games in this genre include SimCity, Caesar and Tycoon City.

Other games in this genre include management games such as RollerCoaster Tycoon (simulating theme park management) and SimTower (where the objective is to construct and manage a skyscraper and keep its occupants happy).