My favorite PC game isn’t a complex strategy title or first-person shooter tailor-made for the platform. It’s Game Dev Tycoon, a casual business sim where players create a garage-based game studio and turn it into a full-blown corporation.
Initially released over a decade ago, Game Dev Tycoon captured my teenage brain with its simplicity and addictiveness. In fact, a review of this game played a pivotal role in my career, leading me to my first job writing about games. With such fond memories, I have eagerly awaited Greenheart Games’ next title, Tavern Keeper.
Recently, Tavern Keeper made its debut with a public demo on Steam during the SimFest event. As a hands-on player, I can attest that while nothing can replace the nostalgia of Game Dev Tycoon, Tavern Keeper is a captivating follow-up that promises to consume even more of my time. If you engage in just one gaming experience during 2024’s SimFest on Steam, let it be Tavern Keeper.
Contrary to Game Dev Tycoon‘s focus on building a video game company, Tavern Keeper immerses players in the world of running a medieval tavern. More sophisticated than its predecessor, this game stands as a competent, well-crafted business simulation akin to Two Point Campus.
The demo introduces players to a tavern in Halflington, where they manage operations and interact with patrons. Tasks include hiring staff with specialized skills, purchasing supplies, and opening the tavern for business. As gameplay unfolds, Tavern Keeper offers a rich simulation experience.
From interactions with patrons to handling dynamic events, Tavern Keeper offers a customizable experience. Players can meticulously decorate their tavern, adding personal touches to create a unique atmosphere. While not the most complex business sim, Tavern Keeper excels at making the genre accessible and enjoyable.
As Tavern Keeper gears up for early access later this year, it promises a delightful blend of fun and laughter through its whimsical interactions and events. The demo’s conclusion exemplifies the game’s humorous tone, allowing players to detonate their tavern after three simulated days. While the next release from Greenheart Games, Tavern Keeper, has been a long time coming, it undoubtedly holds promise. I eagerly anticipate diving deeper into the game once it enters early access.
Tavern Keeper will enter early access later this year.
