Best Video Game Tycoon

242+ iOS apps & games curated and reviewed

4.6 avg rating
18 free apps & games
Updated September 2026

Game Dev Tycoon is the household name in video game tycoon, but it's far from the only option. We track 242+ alternatives and competitors on iOS โ€” many free, many higher-rated than you'd expect.

Compare top Video Game Tycoon (September 2026)

#AppPriceRatingAdsIn-App PurchasesUpdated
1Game Dev TycoonGame Dev Tycoon$4.994.9โ˜… (24K)NoNoSep 2026
2Console TycoonConsole TycoonFree4.1โ˜… (111)YesYesSep 2026
3Game Dev StoryGame Dev Story$4.994.9โ˜… (2.9K)NoNoSep 2026
4Dev Tycoon Idle Games OfflineDev Tycoon Idle Games OfflineFree4.7โ˜… (2.9K)YesYesSep 2026
5Virtual BeggarVirtual BeggarFree4.7โ˜… (9.1K)NoYesSep 2026
6War TycoonWar TycoonFree4.6โ˜… (1.2K)YesYesSep 2026
7Idle Streamer โ€” Tuber LifeIdle Streamer โ€” Tuber LifeFree4.7โ˜… (4.1K)YesYesSep 2026
8Box Office Tycoon - Idle GameBox Office Tycoon - Idle GameFree4.5โ˜… (4.7K)YesYesSep 2026

Top Picks for Video Game Tycoon

Game Dev Tycoon#1

Game Dev Tycoon by Greenheart Games Pty. Ltd.

Replay gaming history
Editor's Choice
๐ŸŽฎ Games
4.9๐Ÿ˜Š(24K ratings)
$4.99
#63in Games
Game Dev Tycoon screenshot 1
Game Dev Tycoon screenshot 2
Game Dev Tycoon screenshot 3
Game Dev Tycoon screenshot 4
Game Dev Tycoon screenshot 5

Build your own game development company from the 1980s to the present. Design and create your own games, research new technologies, and manage a team to become a market leader. Enjoy a full simulation experience without ads or in-app purchases.

What We Love

  • ๐Ÿ‘ Cheap price
  • ๐Ÿ‘ No in-app purchases or ads
  • ๐Ÿ‘ Addictive and fun gameplay
  • ๐Ÿ‘ Realistic game development simulation
  • ๐Ÿ‘ Detailed and complex mechanics
  • ๐Ÿ‘ Excellent port from PC version
  • ๐Ÿ‘ Engaging and challenging progression
  • ๐Ÿ‘ Developers are responsive and appreciated

Room to Improve

  • ๐Ÿ› Game crashes on launch for some users
  • ๐Ÿ› Orientation issues on iPhone X
  • ๐Ÿ› Difficulty remembering research and specialist information
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Game can be very time-consuming
  • ๐Ÿค” Lack of difficulty options or sandbox mode
  • ๐Ÿค” Repetitive nature of gameplay loop
Console Tycoon#2

Console Tycoon by Oleksii Cherneha

Console empire awaits you!
Strong Contender
๐ŸŽฎ Games
4.1๐Ÿ˜Š(111 ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
Console Tycoon screenshot 1
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Console Tycoon screenshot 4
Console Tycoon screenshot 5

Build your own gaming console empire from the ground up. Design and launch a variety of gaming devices, from home consoles to VR headsets, by managing every detail from concept to technical specifications. Navigate the historical evolution of the industry, research new technologies, and market your creations to become a global leader.

What We Love

  • ๐Ÿ‘ Amazing game
  • ๐Ÿ‘ Worth it
  • ๐Ÿ‘ Good game
  • ๐Ÿ‘ Finally
  • ๐Ÿ‘ Man this is cool
  • ๐Ÿ‘ Good game

Room to Improve

  • ๐Ÿ› Fix bugs
  • ๐Ÿ” Difficult to obtain research points
  • ๐Ÿ› Glitch
  • ๐Ÿ› Bugs
  • ๐Ÿ› Glitch
4.9๐Ÿ˜Š(2.9K ratings)
$4.99
#54in Games
Game Dev Story screenshot 1
Game Dev Story screenshot 2
Game Dev Story screenshot 3
Game Dev Story screenshot 4
Game Dev Story screenshot 5

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.

What We Love

  • ๐Ÿš€ Fun game
  • ๐Ÿ‘ Simple, creative, and fun
  • ๐Ÿ‘ Nostalgic and fun
  • ๐Ÿ‘ Relaxing and enjoyable
  • ๐Ÿ‘ Great time-killer
  • ๐Ÿ‘ Addictive and satisfying
  • ๐Ÿ‘ Cute game dev simulator
  • ๐Ÿ‘ Memories and great experience
  • ๐Ÿ‘ Fulfilling desire to develop games

Room to Improve

  • ๐Ÿ› Bugs and crashes on newer devices
  • ๐Ÿ› Lack of explanation for some mechanics
  • ๐Ÿ› Difficulty in obtaining certain resources (e.g. hardware engineer)

More Video Game Tycoon apps to explore

FAQ about Video Game Tycoon

What is the best video game tycoon for iPhone?
Game Dev Tycoon tops our video game tycoon ranking as of September 2026, with a 4.9-star average from 24K App Store ratings, and it's priced at $4.99.
Yes โ€” 18 of the top video game tycoon we rank are free to download, including Console Tycoon and Dev Tycoon Idle Games Offline.
Game Dev Tycoon has no ads and has no in-app purchases, according to its App Store listing as of September 2026.
We track 242+ video game tycoon on the iOS App Store as of September 2026, ranked by rating, recency, and analysis of real user reviews.
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.
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.