# Game Dev Story vs Space Farmer Alien Tycoon

The clearest difference is price: Space Farmer Alien Tycoon at Free against Game Dev Story's $4.99. Space Farmer Alien Tycoon also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 4 months). Game Dev Story's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and chart position (#79 vs unranked). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Space Farmer Alien Tycoon is free to download; Game Dev Story costs $4.99 up front. Space Farmer Alien Tycoon sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Game Dev Story asks for nothing beyond the download.

Game Dev Story ships an update every 4 months, Space Farmer Alien Tycoon every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Game Dev Story | Space Farmer Alien Tycoon |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.9 (3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/game-dev-story/id396085661/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **3K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 95.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Best chart rank | **#79** | — |
| Size | 74 MB | 354 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Kairosoft Co.,Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/381477233) | [Seven Spirit Studio](https://appshunter.io/developer/6790160222) |

## What reviewers say

### Game Dev Story

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

**Currently charting:** #79 Top Paid · Strategy, #81 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


### Space Farmer Alien Tycoon

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space-farmer-alien-tycoon/id6790177212)

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1starter | $0.99 | one-time |
| shielded | $2.99 | one-time |
| boost | $4.99 | one-time |
| royal | $8.99 | one-time |
| mythic | $17.99 | one-time |
| ultimate | $24.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Game Dev Story free?

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

### Is Space Farmer Alien Tycoon free?

Space Farmer Alien Tycoon is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Game Dev Story or Space Farmer Alien Tycoon have ads?

Neither Game Dev Story nor Space Farmer Alien Tycoon shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Game Dev Story or Space Farmer Alien Tycoon?

Game Dev Story ships an update every 4 months, and Space Farmer Alien Tycoon every 5 days. Most recently, Game Dev Story was updated on November 4, 2026 and Space Farmer Alien Tycoon on October 31, 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.*