# Game Dev Tycoon — Replay gaming history

> Casual business simulation game about developing video games and building a company. (iPhone/iPad app by Greenheart Games Pty. Ltd..)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/game-dev-tycoon/id1162580001 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Greenheart Games Pty. Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/877999140)
- Category: Games, Simulation, Strategy
- Price: $4.99
- Rating: 4.90/5 from 24,004 App Store ratings · 1,103 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 17.0 · 204 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2017-11-28
- Data updated: 2026-09-01
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/game-dev-tycoon/id1162580001/reviews.md

## What is Game Dev Tycoon?

"It’s the perfect sort of game for mobile devices and there’s so much to do here [...]" -
5/5 - Toucharcade

Game Dev Tycoon is a casual business simulation game where your success depends on your creativity and willingness to experiment. The game does *not* contain any in-app purchases or ads. Slip into the role of a game developer: start your own company, design your own games and make your way to the top to become a Game Dev Tycoon.

 - Start your own game development company in the 80s
 - Replay gaming history
 - Design and create your own games
 - Hold your breath and wait for reviews to come in
 - Research new technologies
 - Hire and manage a world-leading development team
 - Become the leader of the market
 - Gain worldwide fans

Game Dev Tycoon for iPhone and iPad introduces:
 - An updated story line
 - New topics to enable even more varied games
 - A challenging (but optional) ‘pirate mode’
 - Built-in screen recording and streaming support

Game Dev Tycoon does not require an internet connection so go ahead and build your gaming empire in Airplane Mode.

## Key features

- Start a game development company
- Design and create your own games
- Research new technologies
- Hire and manage a development team
- Replay gaming history
- Built-in screen recording and streaming

## Chart rankings

- #101 in Top Paid · Games (US App Store)
- #43 in Top Paid · Simulation (US App Store)
- #40 in Top Paid · Strategy (US App Store)
- #168 in Top Paid (US App Store)

## What do users think of Game Dev Tycoon?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 👍 Cheap price
- 👍 No in-app purchases or ads
- 👍 Addictive and fun gameplay
- 👍 Realistic game development simulation
- 👍 Detailed and complex mechanics
- 👍 Excellent port from PC version
- 👍 Engaging and challenging progression
- 👍 Developers are responsive and appreciated

**Cons**

- 🐛 Game crashes on launch for some users
- 🐛 Orientation issues on iPhone X
- 🐛 Difficulty remembering research and specialist information
- 🔋 Game can be very time-consuming
- 🤔 Lack of difficulty options or sandbox mode
- 🤔 Repetitive nature of gameplay loop

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Loan payback amount inconsistency
- Game reports not carrying over knowledge

**Most requested features**

- Add more console and game genre options
- Implement employee personalities and interactions
- Provide more detailed game performance history
- Allow simultaneous game development
- Add difficulty settings and sandbox mode
- Implement mod support and custom content

## Recent user reviews (10 of 1,103)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/game-dev-tycoon/id1162580001/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Great, spot on and engaging

*2026-08-22, version 1.6.20*

Simple, engaging and fun. Second time I buy it!

### 5/5 — So smart

*2026-08-18, version 1.6.20*

I love the way it levels up…feels like one of those games that was meant to be made.

### 4/5 — Very fun but

*2026-08-16, version 1.6.20*

I went to create a medium size game it warns you that it will take multiple staff members but you can’t back out to hire anyone once development is started now I’m hard stuck because I only have one staff member and I can’t back out of the development screen.

### 5/5 — Perfect Casual Game

*2026-08-14, version 1.6.20*

I love tycoon type of games, and this game executes it perfectly, I don’t ever write reviews for games but this game is def worth the money

### 5/5 — Fun

*2026-08-13, version 1.6.20*

Great so far slight learning curve

### 3/5 — A couple small fixes from being really good

*2026-08-08, version 1.6.20*

The interface isn't the best when developing new games so it's really easy to mess up your game and end up with lots of "Game #x". Kinda silly but it bums me out when it happens. Otherwise it's pretty fun.

### 5/5 — Slight issue

*2026-08-05, version 1.6.20*

Been playing for over 10 years, just bought an iPhone 17e and it seems the game isn’t properly scaled. Text boxes and notifications are extra small. Please fix when you get t a chance :)

### 5/5 — Please add more or make another app!

*2026-07-23, version 1.6.20*

Ive played this game so many times over the years. No one else has a game like this, console desktop or ios. My favorite game of all time. Please make something new! Worth the money


July 23, 2026
Again, for the 6-7th year in a row, I am back asking for more. I’m begging. There is no other game like this game, none. Pleeeease. I would pay $30 for a sequel of this game, or a spinoff, do the cashgrab thing its okay (because this game is so good) yall are an awesome company and the mind behind this has done phenomenal. Its a curse that I have played something so good, and will never enjoy another game without thinking of this one. On mobile, its… Perfect. Thanks

### 5/5 — One Of The Best Games Ever But Need Updates

*2026-07-12, version 1.6.20*

Updates I Need: New Stuff To Research, Series Viewer, Remakes, Mods For Mobile, Game Engine Selling, Using Sold Game Engines From Other Companies, Game Updating, Game Engine Updating, & Game Dev Tycoon 2

### 5/5 — BEST GAME EVER!!!

*2026-07-11, version 1.6.20*

I usually NEVER leave game reviews or pay for games, but this game is 100% worth it! If you love simulators where you can try all different combinations to get different results, with the option to keep hints through multiple playthroughs, this is the game for you. I was so sad when it left the Apple Arcade and didn't think twice about paying for it. Genuinely one of my most favorite games that I would have if stranded on an island!

## Frequently asked questions about Game Dev Tycoon

### What is Game Dev Tycoon?

Game Dev Tycoon is a casual business simulation game where you step into the role of a game developer. You start your own company in the 1980s, design and create your own games, research new technologies, and manage a team to become a leader in the gaming market.

### What are the key features of Game Dev Tycoon?

Key features include starting your own game development company, designing and creating your own games, researching new technologies, hiring and managing a development team, replaying gaming history, and gaining worldwide fans. The iPhone and iPad version also includes an updated storyline, new topics, an optional pirate mode, and built-in screen recording and streaming support.

### How much does Game Dev Tycoon cost?

Game Dev Tycoon is a paid application. It does not contain any in-app purchases or advertisements, offering a complete and uninterrupted gaming experience.

### Can I play Game Dev Tycoon offline?

Yes, Game Dev Tycoon does not require an internet connection to play. You can build your gaming empire in Airplane Mode, making it accessible even without a Wi-Fi or cellular connection.

### Who is the target audience for Game Dev Tycoon?

This game is designed for players who enjoy casual business simulation games, have an interest in game development, or appreciate a nostalgic journey through the history of video games. It appeals to those who like strategic decision-making and building a successful virtual enterprise.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.6.20 — 2025-11-03

Thank you for playing!

Changes:
- Performance optimizations
- Bug fixes

### 1.6.12 — 2025-09-09

Thank you for playing!

Changes:
- Performance optimizations
- Bug fixes

### 1.4.2 — 2021-01-12

Thank you for playing!

Changes:
- Bug fixes

### 1.4.0 — 2020-10-19

Thank you for playing!

Changes:
- Bug fixes

### 1.3.8 — 2020-10-08

Thank you for playing!

Changes:
- Save game sharing
- Bug fixes

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-01.*
