# Game Dev Story vs Aqueduct 101

The clearest difference is price: Aqueduct 101 at Free against Game Dev Story's $4.99. Aqueduct 101 also leads on iOS requirement (8.0 vs 11.0). Game Dev Story's advantage is update cadence (every 4 months vs every 13 months) and ratings volume (3K vs 222). On rating, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Aqueduct 101 is free to download; Game Dev Story costs $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for Game Dev Story against 4.7 for Aqueduct 101. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Game Dev Story has 3K ratings behind it against 222, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 96% and 96% positive.

Game Dev Story ships an update every 4 months, Aqueduct 101 every 13 months. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Game Dev Story | Aqueduct 101 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.9 (3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/game-dev-story/id396085661/reviews)** | [4.7 (222 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aqueduct-101/id402516081/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **3K** | 222 |
| Positive reviews | 95.7% of reviews | **95.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 months** | Every 13 months |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | **#77** | — |
| Size | 74 MB | 56 MB |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 | **8.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Kairosoft Co.,Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/381477233) | [Kieffer Bros.](https://appshunter.io/developer/293702721) |

## What reviewers say

### Game Dev Story

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/game-dev-story/id396085661)

**Currently charting:** #77 Top Paid · Strategy, #85 Top Paid · Simulation (US App Store)

Build your own game development studio from the ground up. Hire and train staff, research new genres, and develop hit games to conquer the industry. Create your own consoles and aim for a million-selling title.

**Highlights:** Manage game company, Develop own game console, Train staff members, Unlock new genres, Discover popular combinations, Develop for latest platforms

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fun game
- 👍 Simple, creative, and fun
- 👍 Nostalgic and fun
- 👍 Relaxing and enjoyable
- 👍 Great time-killer

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and crashes on newer devices
- 🐛 Lack of explanation for some mechanics
- 🐛 Difficulty in obtaining certain resources (e.g. hardware engineer)

**Reported bugs**

- Blackouts causing loss of progress
- Compatibility issues with newer devices
- Difficulty in obtaining certain resources

**Requested features**

- More consoles and game genres
- Ability to customize console designs
- Expanded content and longer playtime
- More staff and office options
- Improved late-game progression and challenges


### Aqueduct 101

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aqueduct-101/id402516081)

This app challenges you to solve intricate water flow puzzles by rearranging pipelines and contraptions. Navigate locked gates and conveyor belts to restore order and master the basics of waterworks. It offers a unique blend of slider and pipe-connecting mechanics for a fresh brain-teasing experience.

**Highlights:** Rearrange pipelines, Restore water flow, Solve 48 unique puzzles, Master contraptions, Overcome locked gates, Navigate conveyor belts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 💎 Excellent puzzle game
- 🧠 Challenging and thought-provoking
- 👍 Relaxing and enjoyable experience
- 🎨 Polished and aesthetically pleasing
- 🕹️ Responsive and intuitive controls

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes when completing levels
- 🤔 Lack of hints or solutions for stuck players
- 💰 Desire for more free levels or cheaper full version

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when completing levels
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Add a hint system or ability to view solutions
- Introduce more levels and content in the free version
- Provide an option to reset completed levels


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Game Dev Story free?

Game Dev Story costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Aqueduct 101 free?

Aqueduct 101 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Game Dev Story or Aqueduct 101?

Game Dev Story is rated higher. Game Dev Story averages 4.9 out of 5 from 3K ratings, while Aqueduct 101 averages 4.7 from 222 ratings.

### Do Game Dev Story or Aqueduct 101 have ads?

Neither Game Dev Story nor Aqueduct 101 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Game Dev Story or Aqueduct 101?

Game Dev Story ships an update every 4 months, and Aqueduct 101 every 13 months. Most recently, Game Dev Story was updated on October 25, 2026 and Aqueduct 101 on October 22, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*