From a young age I really liked videogames. A special place among those has always been reserved for Tycoon games. From the classics in my childhood like Transport Tycoon and Rollercoaster Tycoon to the more obscure little games floating around itch.io.
If it is a Tycoon game, chances are I will give it a try. And I know there are more people out there that love the genre. So I started this website, because I like playing them and I like telling others about what I have played.
My definiton of Tycoon games
There is a very interesting discussion (here and here) that deals with the definition of Tycoon games. The most interesting definition was given by VENTDEV who happens to be the developer of GearCity.
I do really like his division of the genre into 4 sub-genres based on economic detail:
- Business Management Games (In depth economics models, lots of numbers and micromanagement.) Think WallStreet Raider, GearCity, Hollywood Mogul.
- Industrial Infrastructure “Build It” Games. (Limited Product Design, Lots of Infrastructure Building, Medium economics), Thinks Transport Tycoon, Railroad Tycoon, Railway Empires.
- Product “Build It” Games. (Limited infrastructure building, Simplistic economics model.). Think Rollercoaster Tycoon, Prison Architect, Planet Zoo.
- Government “Build It” games. Think games like Cities Skylines, Tropico, Anno.
His comments in the thread go deeper into the list, but this fits rather nicely with the sort of games I want to discuss on this website. While VENTDEV doesn’t see all of the above as Tycoon games, I do. I know there is a wide variety between the sub-genres but there is also a wide variety in Tycoon enthusiasts. If I can fit it in one of the above, or make a convincing case to myself that I should make an exception, the game will be featured here.
Logo
The logo for TycoonTim is designed by Rose AKA Ragnarokdesign.