# Game Dev Story vs Shotgun King

Game Dev Story and Shotgun King both sit at 4.9 stars, but that hides the real split: 96% of Game Dev Story's written reviews are positive against 66% of Shotgun King's. Game Dev Story also leads on price ($4.99 vs $6.99) and ratings volume (3K vs 769). Shotgun King's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 4 months). On rating, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Game Dev Story costs $4.99 and Shotgun King $6.99 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 4.8 for Shotgun King. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3K and 769 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 96% of Game Dev Story's written reviews are positive against 66% of Shotgun King's.

Game Dev Story ships an update every 4 months, Shotgun King every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 30, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Game Dev Story | Shotgun King |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$4.99** | $6.99 |
| Rating | **[4.9 (3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/game-dev-story/id396085661/reviews)** | [4.8 (769 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shotgun-king/id6744170498/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **3K** | 769 |
| Positive reviews | **95.7% of reviews** | 65.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | #90 | **#50** |
| Size | 74 MB | 468 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Kairosoft Co.,Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/381477233) | [Plug In Digital](https://appshunter.io/developer/608306412) |

## What reviewers say

### Game Dev Story

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

**Currently charting:** #90 Top Paid · Strategy, #93 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


### Shotgun King

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shotgun-king/id6744170498)

**Currently charting:** #50 Top Paid · Puzzle, #89 Top Paid · Strategy (US App Store)

Experience a unique twist on chess where you command a king armed with a shotgun. Fight your way through enemy pieces, strategically reload, and upgrade your abilities to reclaim your kingdom. This roguelike chess adventure offers challenging gameplay and extensive replayability.

**Highlights:** Chess with a shotgun mechanic, Roguelike progression with upgrades, 15 difficulty ranks, Unlockable cards, Over 100 achievements, Endless and chase modes

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Game Dev Story free?

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

### Is Shotgun King free?

Shotgun King costs $6.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Game Dev Story or Shotgun King?

Game Dev Story is rated higher. Game Dev Story averages 4.9 out of 5 from 3K ratings, while Shotgun King averages 4.8 from 769 ratings.

### Do Game Dev Story or Shotgun King have ads?

Neither Game Dev Story nor Shotgun King shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Game Dev Story or Shotgun King?

Game Dev Story ships an update every 4 months, and Shotgun King every 5 days. Most recently, Game Dev Story was updated on October 30, 2026 and Shotgun King on October 30, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Game Dev Story or Shotgun King?

Game Dev Story currently peaks at #90 in the App Store charts, and Shotgun King at #50. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*