Game Dev Story
Hidden instructions hamper fun in video-game company sim.
Game Dev Story
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Game Dev Story is a fun simulation game for players willing to dig around a bit to find the instructions. The game follows the growth of your video game development company as you hire employees, choose game genres, pay for advertising, and make as much money as you can. Great games can earn awards at an annual ceremony or get a best-seller nod. As time passes, new consoles are released and you'll have to purchase license rights in order to stay competitive. You have 20 game years to get the best score possible. After that point, you can keep playing (without a new score) or start a new company.
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What’s It About?
The app immediately establishes the game development simulation. Kids must select and double-click menu and dialogue items to hire, develop a new game, or enter into a contract to generate revenue. The secretary prompts and offers clues about strategies to increase sales, earn good reviews, and win the yearly game grand prize.
Is It Any Good?
GAME DEV STORY suffers from the lack of clear instructions early on. Unless you browse through the entire menu and stumble across the instructions, you're likely to feel a bit lost. You'll know what to do, but not why. The game includes plenty of subtle humor, and the gameplay is engaging, but It's not always clear how a particular decision impacts the results. Still, if you're feeling patient and video game development appeals to you, this one might be worth it in the end.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Help your aspiring game developer research a particular "dev" company.
Bring your kid to work and spend some time demonstrating teamwork.
Does your kid have a favorite game developer? What are some of the things about that developer's games that appeal to your kid? Are there common themes?
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
- Subjects: Language & Reading: following directions, reading comprehension, Social Studies: power structures, the economy, Math: money, statistics, subtraction
- Skills: Self-Direction: achieving goals, initiative, time management, Thinking & Reasoning: applying information, decision-making, strategy, Collaboration: group projects, teamwork, Emotional Development: handling stress, persevering
- Release date: October 9, 2010
- Category: Simulation Games
- Publisher: Kairosoft Co.
- Version: 1.0.0
- Minimum software requirements: OS 3.1 or later
- Last updated: August 23, 2016
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