Games with the most realistic economies

Along with war and combat, economics and trade are two of the most commonly exploited real-world features included in a title’s gameplay. There are good reasons for this, as economics, whether local or global, is a complex topic that lends itself well to being simulated in code.

Some games simply simulate a trading economy, in which the player attempts to buy low and sell high. Others take a more community-based approach, where the player has to acquire resources and establish complicated supply chains. And finally, there are games that have a full-featured economy run entirely by the players.

1

factory

Complex manufacturing and supply chains

Simulation

Real time strategy

Systems

Released

August 14, 2020

Developers

Wube Software

It is appropriate that factory It is the first entry. What is an economy without raw materials being converted into components and finished products? In factoryActors must establish interconnected manufacturing processes and ensure that raw materials are provided to keep these processes running.

factory It has a microeconomy, implementing only the manufacturing and production stages. But he does it very well. The player must learn to meet logistical demands to ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the manufacturing economy in this game.

2

Victory 3

Great strategy with commerce and industry

Systems

Released

October 25, 2022

Victory 3 is a great historical strategy game, set in the 19th century. This is a period in England known as the Industrial Revolution, in the Victorian era, when the country was transitioning from an agricultural economy to an industrial economy. This is an incredibly rich period of English history to look for inspiration for a strategy game.

Related

Victory 3: 5 best economic systems

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each economic system can make or break a game in Paradox Victory 3.

As expected, trading and crafting are a big part of the game in Victory 3. The economy is modeled after a real-world system and requires careful balancing to ensure the country is well funded at all times. In general, Victory 3 does a great job of putting economics at the forefront, resulting in a unique strategy gaming experience.

3

patrick 4

Historical trading simulator

• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS
• Released: September 2, 2010
• Developer: Gaming Minds Studios, Kalypso Media, RuneSoft
• Gender: Business simulation game, Strategy

patrick 4 is loosely based on the Hanseatic League, a group of merchants and trading companies that was active in medieval Europe. They operated a fleet of ships, which they not only used to forge new trade routes but also defended fiercely.

The game involves buying and selling products across the map, beating trading competition, and ensuring economic success. The game simulates an economy driven by the laws of supply and demand and does a great job of imitating the real world in this regard.

4

Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom

Nice real time strategy

• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS
• Released: March 23, 2010
• Developer: Ubisoft Blue Byte
• Gender: Real time strategy, city building game.

The Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom is a real-time strategy game that is respected for its surprising depth, despite its fun setting and often cartoon-like graphics. Resource management is a big part of the game, and resources support the entire economy.

Related

The best science fiction games with commercial mechanics

Being able to buy, sell, and bargain for goods can be a rewarding experience in sci-fi games and can make collecting resources and items more enjoyable.

Players gather resources, which feed complex supply chains to construct new buildings, train units, and manufacture products. The entire resource and build tree is interconnected, with complex dependencies. Just like in the real world, actors must plan logistics and ensure supply chains operate efficiently.

5

Europa Universalis 4

Complex and rewarding gameplay

Systems

Europa Universalis 4 It is one of the most respected great strategy games of all time, as is everything Universal Europe series. It is praised for the complexity and depth of the game, which is presented in a way that is easy for beginners to learn, but highly rewarding for advanced players.

The local and global economy plays an important role in Europa Universalis 4. Players must ensure that their empire produces goods and resources efficiently while establishing trades and generating wealth for the empire. This wealth is then spent on colonization efforts, which ultimately leads to winning the game if done right.

6

Capitalism 2

Build a business empire

Capitalism 2

Systems

Released

December 17, 2001

Developer

glow up

Considered one of the best business and trading simulations, Capitalism 2 It’s about making grotesque amounts of money. This is a complex game that requires the player to manage their entire trading empire at all times.

The game’s economy is dynamic and players must keep an eye on market trends to avoid losing money and highlight potentially profitable market loopholes. Every part of the trading enterprise is in the hands of the player; acquire resources, manufacture goods, market and sell them.

7

EVE online

Massive player-driven economy

Systems

As one of the longest-running MMORPGs of all time, EVE onlinemy It probably needs no introduction. Renowned for its massive multiplayer battles and political intrigue, it is a game like no other. The economy in EVE online It is completely player-driven and incredibly complex.

Related

Ten things you should know before starting Eve Online

EVE Online is a brilliant open-world MMORPG that allows players to travel through space. However, it is a very different experience than other MMOs.

Each module and ship must be built from a blueprint, which must first be researched to an efficient level. Miners need to acquire the raw resources and then a player skilled in production must produce the item. The ships and modules are then sold on the market, which has its own set of in-game skills to manipulate profitably. The developers of EVE onlinePCC periodically publishes market reports and also publishes the real-world dollar value of the in-game economy.

Further

10 Great Strategy Games That Focus on Trading and Trading

Trade and commerce are the cornerstones of many great strategy titles, but which games handled it best?