Game Dev Story is a simulation video game developed and published by Kairosoft for Microsoft Windows, iOS, and Android. It was released for Windows in April of 1997, for iOS and Android on October 9, 2010, and for Windows Phone on July 6, 2015. 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.
Video Game Dev Story
Gameplay
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. 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.
Games are assigned review scores upon completion of a game ranging from 1รข€"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.
When you reach the Hall of Fame level, you can hire more staff. To reach the Hall of Fame, you need to get the critics to give you a score of at least 32.
Maps Game Dev Story
Development
The original Game Dev Story was released in Japan for Microsoft Windows in April 1997. It was ported in 2010 to both iOS and Android.
A Windows Phone port was released in July 2015.
Reception
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% on Metacritic. The A.V. Club praised the game's freedom for the player's choice in how they choose to develop their company. 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. Ron Gilbert, the original creator of the Monkey Island video game series, told Wired that he was a self-proclaimed addict to the game.
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. 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. Thunderbolt felt that the game would only appeal to those who understood the video game industry.
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