What to expect from this workshop
Examine what separates mediocre simulation games from those generating millions in revenue. This masterclass dissects successful titles like SimCity BuildIt, Hay Day, and The Sims Mobile to reveal the design patterns and psychological hooks that drive player retention.
You will design complex interconnected systems where player choices create meaningful consequences. Study progression curves, difficulty balancing, and the timing of reward schedules that maintain engagement without frustrating players. The curriculum covers both free-to-play and premium monetization models with ethical considerations.
Instructors include Keiko Tanaka, who designed progression systems for a simulation game with 18 million downloads, and Devon Ashworth, economy designer for multiple successful mobile titles. Expect rigorous feedback on your designs and plenty of iteration based on data-driven insights.