As far as Steam events go, Steam Capitalism and Economy Fest couldn’t be more ironically named. Happening from January 8th to 15th, the event spotlights “games that are about cold hard cash. Sure, these games might have KPIs that are not money, but really the focus is on that sweet, sweet money and that well-known economic structure called capitalism.”
Here are our favourite picks from Steam Capitalism and Economy Fest, or check out the event yourself here.
1. Anno 1800
Let’s begin with something a little more classic. In this Ubisoft city builder game, you’re welcoming in the dawn of the Industrial Age. The path you choose in your gameplay will define your world, or as this Steam reviewer puts it: “I played this game for some weeks, and now I understand why the British or any other European nations colonized my ancestors and took all the riches for themselves.”
Buy the game on Steam here.
2. Potionomics
From indie studio Voracious Games, Potionomics is a unique deck-building, shop management, and dating simulator game wrapped up in one witchy bundle. The story goes: You’ve inherited your uncle’s potion shop — and a huge debt. Customise your story, hire heroes to gather ingredients, and befriend (or romance) fellow vendors as you climb out from the trenches of financial ruin.
Buy the game on Steam here.
3. Let’s Build A Zoo
For the kids who grew up playing Zoo Tycoon, this indie title from Springloaded is a fresh take on a classic genre. Let’s Build A Zoo lets you construct and decorate enclosures, buy and breed animals, hire zookeepers and vets… then try your hand at DNA splicing, and stitch together over 300,000 different types of animal. Cue the Jurassic Park theme.
Buy the game on Steam here.
4. Jurassic World Evolution 2
If you’re actually looking to play with dinosaurs, the much-anticipated sequel to Frontier’s Jurassic World Evolution is also on sale! Jurassic World Evolution 2 offers a new narrative campaign voiced by cast members from the actual Jurassic World film franchise, four new game modes, and an expanded roster of dinosaurs.
Buy the game on Steam here.
5. Prison Architect
If you’re into building a different type of enclosure, Prison Architect is well-beloved in the simulation genre. Design and develop your personalized penitentiary, from tapping federal money with grant applications, to ensuring your prison stays mostly ethical and safe with top-notch staff including armed guards, psychologists, doctors, lawyers and snitches.
Buy the game on Steam here.
6. News Tower
We’ve had our eyes on this one for awhile! From indie studio Sparrow Night, live the life of an aspiring publisher in New York City during the 1930s. Search the globe for newsworthy stories of the decade, from The Prohibition to the Great Depression, but watch out for factions who want to use your influence to print their own “truth”. Will you compromise the freedom of the press, or will you print the truth no matter the cost?
Play the demo on Steam here.
7. Wonder Wandelier
From Indonesian indie studio Mushroomallow, Wonder Wandelier puts you in the shoes of an apprentice wand maker trying to graduate from school – but you only have 30 days to work on it! Manage your store, gather materials, and craft magic wands as you build your reputation as a wand maker in this relaxing role-playing simulator game.
Add to your wishlist on Steam here.
8. CorpoNation: The Sorting Process
CorpoNation isn’t out yet, but it’s definitely giving us Papers Please vibes. Developed by indie studio Canteen, the player is tasked with sorting the Ringo CorpoNation’s genetic samples. Spend the credits you earn to shop, game, and pay your bills on time. Rogue workers may try to entice you into betraying your beloved employer, but that happens in every good company… right?
Add to your wishlist on Steam here.
