Common Sense Media Review
By Christy Matte
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Hidden instructions hamper fun in video-game company sim.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
Game Dev Story
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
- Pricing structure :
- Release date : October 9, 2010
- Genre : Simulation Games
- Publisher : Kairosoft Co.
- Version : 1.0.0
- Minimum software requirements : OS 3.1 or later
- Last updated : November 11, 2020
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate