Game Dev Story

by Kairosoft Co.,Ltd
4.0 out of 5 stars717 customer ratings
All Ages
Price: $4.99
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Sold by:Amazon.com Services, Inc
Languages Supported: Chinese, English, Korean

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Latest updates

What's new in version Varies by device
  • Fixed minor issues.

Product Details

Release Date: 2012
Date first listed on Amazon: December 24, 2012
Developed By: Kairosoft Co.,Ltd
ASIN: B00AQCMK32
Customer reviews:
4.0 out of 5 stars717 customer ratings

Product features

  • Work hard and you may reach the top of the video game industry!

Product description

Manage your own game company and try to create a million-selling game in this unique simulation.

Features the ability to develop your company's own game console, plus a system for changing your staff members' professions.

Your staff members can have a variety of game-related professions, from programmer to sound engineer.

Work hard and you may reach the top of the video game industry!

User Data Privacy

Information not provided by the developer.

Technical details

Size: Varies by device (5.6MB - 39MB)
Version: Varies by device
Developed By: Kairosoft Co.,Ltd
Application Permissions: ( Help me understand what permissions mean )
  • Access information about networks
  • Open network sockets
Minimum Operating System: Varies by device
Approximate Download Time: Less than 5 minutes

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5
717 global ratings

Customers say

Customers like the quality, value, and graphics of the mobile application. They mention it's an addictive fun game and totally worth the money. However, some complain about the performance and entertainment value. They say the game crashes frequently and becomes repetitive after prolonged play. Opinions are mixed on documentation, pacing, and replayability.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

294 customers mention277 positive17 negative

Customers find the mobile application very addictive, fun, and incredibly addicting. They say it's a good game for Faotd, a nice diversion, and an addictive strategy game. Customers also say the management of the games company is fantastic, and the games are distinctive and solid.

"...--Like other Kairosoft games, cute and distinctive, but unsophisticated, graphics.--Not much action or variety...." Read more

"I got the full game as free app of the day off amazon appstore. It is nice diversion, however it sticks strictly to game industry standards with..." Read more

"...But all in all, it's a fun little game that'll keep you busy for at least a little while." Read more

"...numbers get higher and higher somehow draws you in and gives you a sense of progress...." Read more

53 customers mention47 positive6 negative

Customers find the mobile application totally worth the money, and say it's the best free game they've gotten to date. They appreciate that there are no advertisements or expenses involved.

"...considering this game, you need not worry about the price... It's well worth it considering how deep you will immerse yourself into this game once..." Read more

"...If that sounds appealing, just go buy it, because it is absolutely worth it. The rest of this review is just details...." Read more

"...++Great value: Replays are not just a bonus, they're a must!++Playable Offline! Yes!!!+++Cons:..." Read more

"...I have at least learned that board games for PC are super cheap to make and I can use all my in-house developers for it making it even cheaper...." Read more

30 customers mention22 positive8 negative

Customers like the graphics in the mobile application. They say the graphics are cute, and love the pixel art/animations. They also say the 8-bit design is not only cute, but keeps it simple.

"...All of this is put together in a charming retro design style with acceptable music--which works flawlessly on my Razr phone...." Read more

"...--Like other Kairosoft games, cute and distinctive, but unsophisticated, graphics.--Not much action or variety...." Read more

"...The graphics are not spectacular, but they do not need to be, it's the number crunching you play this game for, not the fancy graphics...." Read more

"...etc but this time you are running a video game company and it was cute yet fun!" Read more

90 customers mention54 positive36 negative

Customers are mixed about the documentation. Some mention that the games are simple to learn and a blast to play, while others say that the graphics are cute but un sophisticated. They also say that there is a lack of 100% filled game learning program and that there really is no strategy to the game.

"...This app is simple, yet somehow it manages to keep just enough complexities in the game to keep you thinking but not so much as to make you ever..." Read more

"...--Like other Kairosoft games, cute and distinctive, but unsophisticated, graphics.--Not much action or variety...." Read more

"...It's very easy to pick up and start playing and you can save at any point, immediately, and put it down when you're done...." Read more

"So, this game starts off simple enough: you have two employees and an opportunity to hire two more for a grand total of four employees working in a..." Read more

34 customers mention22 positive12 negative

Customers are mixed about the pacing of the mobile application. Some mention that the game itself is fast paced and really tests your ability to multitask. They progress very quickly, making it a great time killer. However, others say that it moves rather slow, takes too long, and the dialogues can be tediously slow.

"...grammatical errors in the game's worded text, I found this game ran very smoothly on my Kindle Fire HD 8.9...." Read more

"...This game is ploddingly slow, has numerous events you have to watch repeatedly and can't skip and doesn't explain enough about what's going on and..." Read more

"...The pacing is very good as well...." Read more

"...The game ran a lot faster and used much less battery life after I took off maximum graphic level...." Read more

22 customers mention12 positive10 negative

Customers are mixed about the replayability of the mobile application. Some mention that it has great replayability, is addictive, and has enough in-game choices to increase the replay value. Others say that the replay values drops significantly in subsequent playthroughs and the game becomes repetitive.

"...It's replayable in the same way that Civilization is replayable...." Read more

"Fun, not really re-playable. My 1st play through I absolutely sucked...." Read more

"...++Great value: Replays are not just a bonus, they're a must!++Playable Offline! Yes!!!+++Cons:..." Read more

"...I never won the top award, though.The replay value went down during my second runthrough of the game...." Read more

40 customers mention10 positive30 negative

Customers are dissatisfied with the performance of the mobile application. They mention that the game crashes incredibly frequently, making prolonged play repetitive. They also say that the app is unplayable and gets old quickly. Customers also say the game is not very reliable and gets tiresome after a while. They feel that it needs more features and a much longer game play.

"...a contract gets you money quickly if you need it, but it's not very reliable...." Read more

"...It does stay the same and so it can get old but its very hard to stop playing. You try to make the best game you can and make lots of money with it...." Read more

"...Review based on roughly 10 hours of playtime.- Plays smoothly on Nexus 4." Read more

"...or improve the results and have to just sit there make the game get old pretty fast." Read more

34 customers mention10 positive24 negative

Customers find the entertainment value of the mobile application monotonous, repetitive, and boring after a few levels. They also say it's not worth the time or effort, hard to grasp, and lose interest quickly. Customers also mention the music is repetitive and annoying.

"...When I play, I usually decide it's not worth the time or effort (but a creative idea)...." Read more

"...is just heavily depended on real word stats that its just not not any fun at all, except as a time waster, but in that regard it IS a time muncher...." Read more

"So this game is really fun and addicting, with funny parodies of real game consoles and the employees names, but it's fairly frustrating how quickly..." Read more

"...dialog box texts are always the same, the music is repetitive and kind of annoying...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

Lazzarith
5.0 out of 5 stars Great game - offered me several days of enjoyment
Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2013
Verified Purchase
I grabbed this app as the FAOTD. I found the few permissions required a refreshing change compared so one app similar to this one released a few days later. If you've played games like lemonade tycoon or any other game that has you managing a micro-business and enjoyed them, then you will enjoy this one. The graphics are not spectacular, but they do not need to be, it's the number crunching you play this game for, not the fancy graphics. The historical evolution on console/pocket sized gaming is rather accurate in terms of the timeline for the 20 year cycle of the game. Knowing the booms and busts of various gaming consoles will definitely give you an advantage when it comes to your gaming choices.

From the moment I downloaded this game, I just could not put it down. From the hiring, training, designing games, performing out-sourced contracts, firing, attending gaming conventions, awards ceremonies, moving into larger offices, designing my own gaming console.... whew, where did the time go? I will admit, I'm one of those cheep prime members that grabs the FAOTD and settles for that. Not many games would I consider worthy to pay for and still hold a 5 star rating. Game Dev Story is the exception. For those of you that are considering this game, you need not worry about the price... It's well worth it considering how deep you will immerse yourself into this game once you start.

The one thing I really enjoyed in addition to the game is that when you restart your game some stats will be carried over. There is only one save location so you are not able to have multiple games on this app. Perhaps this might be something Kairosoft Co. could consider amending to allow 2 or 3 saved games. After all, a saved game file that takes under 1 second to save couldn't take up all that much memory on my device could it?

There was nothing offensive when it came to content. Other than a few grammatical errors in the game's worded text, I found this game ran very smoothly on my Kindle Fire HD 8.9. I would recommend this game to all ages, however it might be a little more complicated for the very young. This app is simple, yet somehow it manages to keep just enough complexities in the game to keep you thinking but not so much as to make you ever think of just calling it quits.

This app is a keeper. Of the hundreds of apps I've downloaded onto my Kindle, I think I have about a dozen I have kept. This one is one of them.
One person found this helpful
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R. Stockton
5.0 out of 5 stars Addictive game, well worth the cost
Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2013
Verified Purchase
Game Dev Story is a simulation of a game development company. If that sounds appealing, just go buy it, because it is absolutely worth it. The rest of this review is just details.

The game follows a predictable format...you have staff, you have funds, and you design games. The better the games, the more money you have to develop the next game. And you are ultimately scored by success over 20 years.

There are three major variables that make the game interesting.

First, there are the games themselves. You pick the style of game you want to develop--for example, RPG, Education, or Action. You pair that with a game theme, such as ninja, dungeon or historical. Each style and theme has a cost, popularity, and compatibility (which you learn by trial-and-error--though there is nothing that keeps you from creating "Action+Checkers")

The second major variable is the staff. There are basically three levels of staff...the people you start with, the upgrades, and the superstars. They all have skill points, and all have jobs. The job define what they can do, the points define how well they do it.

The third major variable is the resource management. You have research which you can apply to "boosts" to make your game better, or you can use research for staff leveling. And you of course have money, which you balance between training upgrades, game development, console licensing costs, hiring, purchasing boost-mechanics and various forms of advertising.

And outside the players control there are the usual assortment of random elements that improve or hurt your company.

All of this is put together in a charming retro design style with acceptable music--which works flawlessly on my Razr phone.

It's replayable in the same way that Civilization is replayable. It's a Sim, and once you get the rules, it loses some of its mystery, but it's still fun.

As for negatives...the "always one more thing to accomplish" approach can cause you to be irresponsible about your time...AND the game drains your battery if you didn't bother to plug your phone in before starting 4 hours of gaming. I have to blame the game for these, because they couldn't be MY fault.

Seriously, it was the Amazon FAOTD, but if I had known about it beforehand, I'd definitely have picked it up. It's probably the best Android game I've found.
9 people found this helpful
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Miss Chee Balls
1.0 out of 5 stars How is this addictive?
Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2013
Verified Purchase
I don't understand how everyone thinks this is an addictive app. You have four people that develop a game that you choose from a list of choices. They work around the clock developing one game at a time. I like the idea, don't get me wrong. I would have enjoyed playing this game if....

1. The workers could possibly work on more than one game at a time.
2. The workers could have something positive to say about their work. "I guess this works." and "I guess that's good enough." aren't phrases I would ever want to hear from my workers. Plus, when you give the same girl the task of writing a proposal again and again, she says "Another proposal? I will try". Honey, it's your job. I guess I could have fired her.
3. The cost of things seemed a bit high. Online advertising isn't $50,000 a pop.
4. When you don't have enough money to hire someone to do the music, you have to stop all production on the game? That goes back to the whole more than one developing game at a time. The games only stay on the market for like 3 months and then you have no inflow of money and you're stuck.
5. Finally, if the game wouldn't have froze twice during game play and even after game play was off, thus making me delete it.

If those things were changed, I would play this all the time. I might even become addicted as some people have.
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Top reviews from other countries

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Bruno
5.0 out of 5 stars Toujours aussi parfait.
Reviewed in France on December 24, 2013
Verified Purchase
Un vieux titre qui fonctionne toujours aussi bien. Peu de chose à lui reprocher si ce n'est sa facilité, une fois les techniques connues. Il faut préciser également que ce n'est pas le genre de jeu que l'on démarre pour combler quelques minutes d'ennuis, il conviendrait à quelques dizaines de minutes ou quelques heures.
One person found this helpful
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Tridello Cris
5.0 out of 5 stars Crea dipendenza...
Reviewed in Italy on December 19, 2013
Verified Purchase
Un gioco semplice da imparare, con poche ma funzionali variabili e che garantisce un impegno e un divertimento continuo. Non pensavo fosse così divertente, appassionante e impegnativo dirigere una compagnia di videogiochi ed era tempo che non facevo l'una di notte rimanendo attaccato ad un gioco pensando "solo altri 5 minuti, solo altri 5 minuti..."; se non fosse stato per il tablet che ha esaurito la batteria, avrei fatto ancora più tardi.

Consigliatissimo, vale tutti i soldi spesi.
One person found this helpful
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Chris Norris
5.0 out of 5 stars Most fun app I have tried in a long time
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 15, 2013
Verified Purchase
I downloaded this app a few days ago when it was free for the day and I have to say I was blown away by the app. It's incredibly fun.

You start out in a small office with only your Secretary and you have to hire more staff and either develop a game for the PC or get a contract and earn money that way. Soon, consoles will be released and you can buy licenses for them so you can develop games for them. The whole idea is to make the best game on the market, every year there is an awards ceremony where you can win an award for best graphics, best music, runner up and game of the year. The goal is to win game of the year in 20 years. If at the end of 20 years you haven't managed, it's fine, you can carry on playing past that point and keep trying.

Overall, the game is really addictive, I love it. I would definitely recommend.
One person found this helpful
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lgh
5.0 out of 5 stars Genial simulador de compañía de videojuegos
Reviewed in Spain on December 13, 2013
Verified Purchase
Lo he tenido en todas las plataformas, y cada vez que lo vuelvo a jugar me vuelve a enganchar.
Es, como todos los juegos de Kairosoft, adictivo, encantador, con personalidad y mucho sentido del humor. Con la mezcla justa para un juego portátil de profundidad y facilidad de uso.
Muy recomendado, los fans viejunos de los videojuegos lo adorarán.
El único defecto es que llega un punto en el que se vuelve demasiado fácil.
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Hansi
5.0 out of 5 stars Woot, das ist doch mal eine gelungene App
Reviewed in Germany on October 27, 2013
Verified Purchase
Ich kann mich anderen nur anschliessen. Diese App hat suchtpotential.
Ihr habt Programmierer, Grafik und Sound Designer und natürlich auch Scriptschreiber. Die könnt ihr leveln, trainieren und einfach durch neue ersetzen. Ziel ist es das ihr mit euren Leuten neue Spiele entwickelt. Dabei könnt ihr Typ und Subtyp des Spiels definieren (mehr und mehr Möglichkeiten eröffnen sich während ihr spielt) und müsst es dann programmieren und vermarkten. Mit dem Gewinn baut ihr neue Spiele für neue Platformen usw. usw. .

Bitte bedenkt, daß das Spiel vollständig in englischer Sprache ist!
5 people found this helpful
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