Software Inc.

Absolutely love this game. Finally purchased and played after watching others play for years!

Software Inc. has a promising concept but ultimately falls flat in delivering a fulfilling experience. While the idea of building a tech empire is intriguing, the game lacks the depth and content needed to keep it engaging long-term. The early learning curve may feel tough for new players, but once you get the hang of the basics, everything becomes disappointingly predictable.

The game systems and AI lack the complexity needed to keep players on their toes. Your competitors rarely pose a meaningful threat, and the predictable behavior of the AI quickly makes the game feel stagnant. Without the possibility of real competition, there’s no tension, no excitement—just a gradual grind with little to keep you invested.

It’s clear that Software Inc. could be so much more. If the developers implemented a dynamic AI that reacts to your decisions and throws actual challenges your way, the game would have real potential for long-term enjoyment. Right now, however, it feels like a halfway-complete project, and until significant improvements are made, it’s hard to recommend to anyone looking for a deep, engaging sim experience.

Addictive! Some of the tutorials can be skipped. Some of them break. I have had a bug twice now, where my iteration does not progress at all for an entire day. Also, I only need 2 artists, only 2 people will work on the project, but the other artists will not work on the next project. I need to test that more thoroughly.

Overall, the game is a lot of fun. On beginner mode, start-out in the garage. I quickly worked my way up to 8 people, counting me, and had over 1 million dollars. Sadly, I have to go to bed and go to work myself tomorrow.

The complexity is over-stated in some reviews. Probably a matter of limited intellectual capacity, making the learning curve harder for some people. Now that I have a handle on the game mechanics, I'm going to try a harder level.

Addictive game especially if you are into tech!

vertical integration on par with rockefeller

good game

This is one of the most in-depth and complex business simulator game out there, with a steep learning curve. If you don't mind having to micro manage everything, and taking the time to learn the game, then I think this will be a great game for you.

This game puts you into the role of a startup CEO developing software's that will affect your company's growth and worth. It's not the type of game where every time you develop a software, you tick every feature you can to give you the best chance of getting a high rating and for the software to sell well à la mad games tycoon. You actually have to pick and choose certain features to add, because after reaching a certain threshold, adding more features will just cause you to waste more money without any positives.

One of the best thing about the game is its range of software's and revenue generating options. You're not limited to making just 1 type of software, like games for example, because there are a variety of software's for you to make, including, 2d editors, games, antivirus's, office software's, and entire operating systems. And that's only just the base game, if you include mods, there are even more variety of software's for you to make.

In addition to that, developing software's is not the only way of making money. There are also other ways for you to make money in this game. You can: buy and sell stocks, put money into bonds to create interest and make passive income, make digital distribution platforms like steam, and pay for exclusive licenses to other software's for your platform, patenting technologies, winch makes other companies have to pay royalties to you for making that type of software. That's not all, you can even start your own manufacturing plant and make hardware's like controllers, consoles, pc's, etc., which also gets expanded greatly with mods. etc. Lastly, if you enjoy building houses in the sims series, then this game will be right up your alley, because you can design and build the company headquarter of your dreams in this game, however, there are not as many decorating options as the sims, but, you can always download mods to add more decorations.

This game has a lot to offer, however, there is also a negative to the game as well (for some.) One of the negatives is, like I said above, the game has a steep learning curve. When you first jump into this game, you might struggle and find yourself wondering why this game is so convoluted and difficult. You'll probably find yourself not understanding how some things work, or not being able to make money, or wondering why things take so long to make. The tutorial and hints the game gives you are decent, but not enough, so you might end up like me, and have to watch a couple of youtuber's play this game to kind of understand it.

Another thing to note that might be negative, like I mentioned, is that it takes a long time to make software's. For example, when you first start the game, if you want to jump straight into making OS's, you'll find that it'll take like 5 or more years for the software to finish, and depending on the difficulty, you only start with like $10k to $50k, so while you're making the OS, you'll have to pay bills each month, which will eventually lead to you running out of money and going bankrupt. Even when you have a lot of money and have a complete team, it still takes years to make a software, depending on what type of software you're making.

So yes, the game has a steep learning curve, but if you're willing to learn the game, then I think that this is one of the best software/game development game on steam. Plus, it's still in early access, so even with all the things I've mentioned, there's still more updates and features to come.

TLDR: This is one of the best business simulator game out there, but this game is quite complex and has a steep learning. There are many ways to make revenue in this game that's not limited to just making software's. Have patience and take your time learning the game, because once you've figure everything out, it'll be one of the most rewarding and in-depth business/game dev experience on steam.
I highly recommend this game.

a post-sale eula deserves negative review all by itself

eula claims we cannot resell what we've purchased
- this basic value of owning something is already removed by your game being on the steam platform
- there is no legal value in reminding us about our distopean gaming environment, so no need to rub it in our face

eula claims we cannot profit in any way from what we've purchased
- commercial game reviews are fair use under copyright
- this is not enforcable or appropriate

WHY ARE YOU SO HOSTILE TO YOUR CUSTOMERS HAVING ANY RIGHTS TO WHAT THEY BUY

This game used to have gender options like male and female and that was it now it uses body type 1 and 2. And you just have to choose a generic looking character and the only things that are different from the two is the hairstyle the body is the same. So you downgraded the game because of… what? This guy is a solo dev I really want to know who told him to put this in the game because it never was there before now

good fun, solo developer with a sense of humour

Can be a little hard to get into early on, the tutorials are pretty lacklustre in some areas, and marketing early on is just pain

rest is cool :>

can say lot, will only say it's nice

Have huge room for improvement, but already nice game.

Fun business simulator

I believe this game offers excellent value for money. While it does have its issues, they might not affect everyone. Updates can be slow, partly due to the small team behind it, but there are still mods available to enhance your experience. However, many of the more popular mods are no longer being updated, which limits your options. Despite these challenges, I think the game has something for everyone.

updates have caused a slow decline in quality of existing features while adding very little

Talk about VALUE for your money. I remember buying this game near its alpha, and man has it come a long way. Coredumping, if you are reading this, please give me another way to support your development.

Mmmmmicro manage. If you're into it, then this is a goodun. The hard part, for me, is not finding initial success, it's deciding which way you want your company to go once you've made your first 20mil. You better have a good revenue stream before rapid expansion or you'll find yourself SOL if you've had a few flopped releases. I enjoy keeping my eyes on the stock exchange and which new products are hitting the markets. Make a few simulated bets ;) Firing expensive team members and promoting cheap ones that I've 'groomed' for several years is always satisfying. This is a relaxed game that can have you on the edge of your seat hoping for a 'hit' product release. Or maybe I'm just a micro-managing nerd. Either way, over 100 hours and I have much more to unpack and play for. Also, constant updates on a game that is several years old (and still in 'beta' :)) makes me feel good about my investment. Thanks for the hard work!

i fucking love this game so muuch my wife just left me and i still love this game more than i ever loved her and abt the kids yes it gives me more time to play software inc i cosplay as the support team just to pick up random calls and help people please notice me

I really like the concept of doing my job as a game, but my wife does not understand.

10/10 recommend this game for anyone who likes making and designing their own games and software

Pirated this, game too fun, felt bad, paid creators when less poor.

Honestly the best management game on the market, been playing it since Alpha 8 and every update has always been great

Great game, developers keeps in contact and is always updating.

40 hours god that's an eternity for me. My next longest played tycoon style game is 9. This is the one I keep finding myself comparing every game since. Definitely worthy of the praise it gets.

Great game

ive played for 25 hours and i still barely understand the mechanics, it's pretty cool though

They just make game better and better with every update. Good workshop content for players. Very detailed develoment process. And it's still cheap af

Good game i cant play for shit

My views changed over the hours I played this game. It started out negatively because the systems are quite convoluted and the tutorials don't cover game flow but instead cover individual game systems. It took a video on Youtube to get the ball rolling but once you understand the game's logic it becomes quite addictive.

In terms of the gameplay, it is more complicated than others in the genre. The closest I can compare it to is Mad Games Tycoon which has reasonable depth but is easier to simply pick up and get going. There are far more things to juggle in Software Inc. and it can be overwhelming initially but once the gameplay loop clicks with trial and error and some experience, it hooks quite well.

At this point there are still quite a few systems that I have not explored yet but given the overall polish of the game I am looking forward to trying them.

TLDR; it takes a while to understand the convoluted mechanics but underneath is a good game. Patience is key to understanding and the tutorials are good if a little disjointed. This game is recommended.

Very nice game.
Enjoyable

Fun game, that is still pumping out updates and patches. Can be pretty intimidating at the start, so I suggest watching a few YT videos to get some help before starting. This game has a lot of potential, and has really gotten a lot better over the last year that I have owned it. Keep up the good work!

This game is the first game that I got me into the business management genre.

game dev tycoon but advanced

Doofenschmirtz Evil Inc. simulator

Might be my new favorite game.

Best company management sim i ever played.

Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars

Pros:

In-Depth Simulation: Software Inc. provides a comprehensive simulation of running a software company, allowing players to manage everything from hiring employees to developing software products. The level of detail is impressive, making it appealing for fans of management and simulation games.
Customizable Gameplay: Players can customize their companies by choosing different specialties, designing office layouts, and even creating unique software products. This flexibility encourages creativity and allows for varied play styles.
Realistic Business Dynamics: The game accurately reflects the challenges of the tech industry, including market trends, competition, and employee management. Players must adapt their strategies to succeed, making each decision impactful and rewarding.
Rich Research and Development System: The game features a robust R&D system, allowing players to innovate and improve their products. This element adds depth and encourages long-term planning and investment in technology.
Active Community and Mod Support: Software Inc. has an active community of players and modders, which means regular updates and a wealth of user-generated content. This enhances the game’s longevity and offers additional variety.
Cons:

Steep Learning Curve: New players might find the mechanics overwhelming at first. With so many systems and options to navigate, it can take time to fully grasp how to run a successful company efficiently.
Occasional Bugs: Some players have reported encountering bugs and glitches, particularly in the game's early access stages. While many issues have been addressed, occasional technical hiccups can disrupt gameplay.
Resource Management Challenges: Managing resources, such as employee happiness and project deadlines, can sometimes feel frustrating. Balancing these elements requires careful attention, and players may find themselves micromanaging to avoid problems.
Limited Visual Appeal: While the gameplay is engaging, the graphics are relatively simple and may not appeal to everyone. Players seeking a visually stunning experience might find the art style lacking in comparison to other simulation games.
Recommendation: I recommend Software Inc. to fans of simulation and management games, particularly those interested in the tech industry. Its in-depth mechanics, customizable gameplay, and realistic business dynamics create a challenging and rewarding experience. Although the steep learning curve and occasional bugs can be a drawback, the overall enjoyment and depth of the game make it a worthwhile investment. If you’re ready to dive into the world of software development and enjoy building and managing your own company, Software Inc. is definitely worth checking out.

It's great

good

I periodically binge The Sims, and I periodically binge management/business management games. This scratches both itches and is very dangerous for me.

I can't believe a solo dev made this, it's so insanely detailed, and the most stable Early Access game I've ever played (granted it's a long early access, but i digress). Currently this is my favorite game in this genre, highly recommended

Hard to learn, fun to play, worth it.

It's wild to think that this game came out almost ten years ago and is still receiving active updates. I bought it around when it came out, and I can remember spending many hours trying to build the perfect company and office space. I'm about to fire it up again for the first time in a while and see how much has been changed - that's what I love so much about this game and its developer - there's been so much replay value with this game having so many major core updates and the developer has seemed to keep their passion along the way.

I definitely recommend it if you're into the management type games. The office building system here is one of a kind and leads to infinite replayability. Thank you, Coredumping, for continuing your support after all these years and showing why indie gaming is so magical.

Really nice game! I would recommend this game, its worth it!

Been a while since I found a game that could put me in a trance. For reference- the last one was Rimworld. Kudos to the devs, hope to see more hardware/more video game categories soon!

Such a hidden gem. This game is quite in-depth and can be a lot of fun for the player looking for the freedom of running one's own software company. It is fun, requires some thinking and at the same time it somehow relaxes me. Great game

After playing for 23 hours (which in my opinion is just scratching the surface), I feel it's accurate to describe Software Inc. as a mammoth beast of a capitalism and tech industry simulator. It's a strategic and educational simulation product that immerses players in the exhilarating world of tech entrepreneurship. You must meticulously plan, innovate, and execute to build thriving software empires and dominate the market.

You can role-play as: Elon Musk (Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, The Boring Company), Sundar Pichai (Alphabet/Google), Satya Nadella (Microsoft), Tim Cook (Apple), Jeff Bezos (Amazon), Mark Zuckerberg (Meta/Facebook), Shantanu Narayen (Adobe), Steve Ballmer (Microsoft), Larry Ellison (Oracle), Marc Benioff (Salesforce), Jack Dorsey (Block), Reed Hastings (Netflix), Brian Chesky (Airbnb), Dara Khosrowshahi (Uber), Jen Easterly (CISA), Charles Schwab (Charles Schwab Corporation), Andy Jassy (Amazon Web Services), Arvind Krishna (IBM), John Chambers (Cisco Systems), Meg Whitman (Hewlett Packard Enterprise), Ginni Rometty (IBM), Eric Schmidt (Alphabet/Google), John Legere (T-Mobile), Pat Gelsinger (Intel), and Susan Wojcicki (YouTube) :-D

Okay so the game doesn't really simulate these CEOs I mentioned above (LOL), but to some extent it does allow you to simulate some of the strategies and business planning they used in real life. Just use your imagination and try to build a multi-million dollar software or game company like Bill Gates or Tim Sweeney did. and the sim will gladly introduce you to both the pain and satisfaction of it all ;-)

Or you can role-play as a coward like me, take whatever little money you made ( I made close to a quarter of a million quids solely by doing contracts), sell everything you bought for your business, fire all employees and then run away from it all as fast as you can with your tails between your legs like I did in my first play-through once the contracts started getting more difficult even on Easy mode.

It's an absolute shame that I knew absolutely nothing about this masterpiece of a sim all these years. Perhaps the developer should have advertised it some more?

Given my laid-back, patient and somewhat lazy play-style and the fact that I promised myself to continue playing the sim by experimentation only instead of looking up guides and youtube tutorials, I'm expecting to spend somewhere close to a thousand hours in future.

I will end by saying that this sim is a must-play for anyone interested in tech entrepreneurship or simulation games. Its strategic depth, educational value, and immersive gameplay make it a truly exceptional experience. The sim offers endless hours of entertainment and the opportunity to build your own tech empire. If you're intrigued by the cutthroat world of capitalism, the intricacies of business management, or the ever-evolving landscape of software and hardware, then Software Inc. is a must-play.

10⁶⁴ out of 10 IGN! A masterpiece!

FUN BUT HAS SOME RAGE MATERIAL

Like Game Dev Tycoon on steroids. Definitely one of the best business simulation games I've ever played

TL;DR: Unintuitive, weird UI, Mangement part rather thin, no innovation. Buy Mad Games Tycoon 2 for complex game development or GameDev Tycoon for streamlined UI.

- Not as extensive as Mad Games Tycoon.
- Not as good game-"flow" as GameDev Tycoon
- Low amount of feedback in and after developing games (The core part of this kind of games)
- Weird way to interact with publishers.
- User Interface lacks guidance and uniformity, literally had to search for buttons to submit/apply a action.
- Feels kind of decoupled from the time you choose (1980 / 1990 feel the same)

This is by far the most entertaining, exciting, and generally complex (yet simple) company management sim out there. It literally takes you from a garage to a billion-dollar enterprise and the hard steps along the way. You have to make real decisions based on HR, R&D, product management, and psychology. This game also boasts one of the most interesting stock market mechanics out there! This is literally that game that you avoid playing because you know for a fact that once the game starts, it will be hours before you finish your next big money move. Highly recommend (also not buggy really at all, and it has a huge modding community).