Summary
- Combining cyberpunk settings with action gameplay is a surefire way to create a hit game in Game Dev Tycoon.
- Simulation games focused on schools can be a surprising success, as long as they are high-quality and bug-free.
- Developing RPGs with vampires, rhythm action games, and post-apocalyptic RPGs are all profitable combinations in Game Dev Tycoon, but should be attempted with caution and care.
Game Dev Tycoon is a title that lets players fulfill their wildest fantasies and head a game development studio of their own. From humble beginnings, gamers will be able to craft amazing experiences that will span a career of more than three decades with some truly exciting games. A big part of releasing a successful game in Game Dev Tycoon is to combine certain gaming topics and genres to create engaging titles that are a blast to play through.
However, finding these perfect combinations can prove to be quite a chore, so this list will elaborate on some of the safest and most profitable combinations that players can make in the game to boost their sales from the get-go. Given how challenging things can get in Game Dev Tycoon, it becomes important to nail the right combination as soon as possible so that players can hit the ground running before eventually unlocking bigger offices and creating high-budget AAA games that are truly impressive in every way!
Updated September 6, 2023 by Ritwik Mitra: Game Dev Tycoon allows players to live out their wildest dreams of being a game developer who starts from scratch before making something truly magical that becomes an instant hit and sells like hotcakes.
Of course, reaching this level takes quite a bit of effort, and players need to be really wise when it comes to the appropriate game combinations if they want to get an instant hit as soon as possible and sell a ton of games in no time at all!
18 Cyberpunk Action Games
If Cyberpunk 2077 has proven anything, it's that action games based in this setting are bound to be a hit. After all, a futuristic cyberpunk setting allows developers to go all out in the development of some truly damaging weapons and unique powers that allow players to enjoy a power trip for the ages. So, suffice it to say, it only makes sense for players in Game Dev Tycoon to use this combination and sell their games.
Of course, players should ideally wait to have a slightly bigger office before trying to make such an ambitious title. If they play their cards right, then a player's company can turn into something truly magical in no time at all with the success of this game.
17 School Simulators
Given how gaming has a reputation for being rife with action-heavy experiences, it's refreshing to see simulation games that allow players to focus on activities that should be mundane but end up being quite exciting. For example, the act of running a school sounds like the most boring thing in the world... But games that manage to make this act feel as satisfying as possible can definitely become a huge hit in no time.
So, it's easy to see why simulation games that focus on schools can be such a great combination in Game Dev Tycoon. It's clear that the developers behind this game did their research and then some, but the game itself needs to be of the highest quality and completely devoid of bugs for the studio's fans to have great reviews and high sales.
16 An RPG With Vampires
Vampires are mythical creatures that have become quite popular in the realm of pop culture for obvious reasons. Their pale skin, ethereal beauty, and charming attitude make them instantly likable personalities... Which almost makes most people forget that these bloodthirsty creatures actively hunt humans for their blood.
Developing an RPG with these creatures at the helm is a winning formula that certainly works out well in Game Dev Tycoon. Players can have an instant hit on their hands if they settle for this combination, although trying out this combination for their very first game may not be the smartest move.
15 Rhythm Action Games
Rhythm games can be a tough sell, which is why pairing them off with a fun genre can increase their marketability quite a bit. As a result, it's easy to see why rhythm action games can prove to be major sellers in the market.
As is the case with any Game Dev Tycoon title, the game needs to be developed immaculately and be free from any bugs to sell well. With this genre combo, fans can guarantee that their title will amass its fair share of fans.
14 Post-Apocalyptic RPGs
The post-apocalyptic setting has become one of the most popular backgrounds for everything from movies to video games. This is quite accurate in Game Dev Tycoon as well, with this setting being great for selling games from the get-go.
Combining this setting with the tried-and-tested RPG format is a surefire way to boost the sales of any video game. It's easy to see why so many people go down this route while developing a title in Game Dev Tycoon.
13 Time Travel Adventure Games
The idea of time travel is an enticing one that has seen its fair share of interpretations across many entertainment mediums. Video games need a great genre to accompany this setting, with the adventure genre being a great pick for the same.
Developing an adventure game that deals with time travel is a great idea for any Game Dev Tycoon player. It's a safe and great option that is sure to be a hit with fans...as long as the game is developed properly.
12 Racing Simulations
Racing simulations are some of the easiest and best titles that players can make in Game Dev Tycoon. However, players shouldn't take the development of these titles lightly at all.
The developers on these games need to have a ton of talent and the game itself should be optimized to a T. Ensuring this will lead to a smashing racing hit that players can churn multiple sequels out for with ease!
11 Horror Action Titles
The horror genre is one of the most misunderstood genres in gaming. Most horror games might be cheap jumpscare fests, but several other titles in the genre boast great atmospheres and compelling plots!
Combining this genre with action gameplay is a great way to make a successful game in Game Dev Tycoon. Players will be rolling in the dough as long as this game is developed with panache.
10 Fantasy Action RPGs
Perhaps the most obvious inclusion on this list is that of fantasy-action RPGs. One need only look at the gaming market and its most popular titles to see how popular high fantasy really is, especially when combined with the elements of an action game with RPG elements.
These games are incredibly popular in Game Dev Tycoon but keep in mind that a focus on action would require the game to run smoothly as butter and look pretty good too. So, players should ideally start small before venturing into this challenging yet highly successful combination.
9 Strategic Action Games With Dungeon Crawling
Dungeon crawling is a huge part of most action games, with these enclosed areas providing ample opportunities for enemy variety and level design. Combining a bit of strategy into the proceedings would make things even more engaging.
So, it's only a given that this combination rakes in a ton of cheddar for a player's company. While this can be attempted early on too, players should still try out a different avenue that's less resource-intensive and takes the strengths of the company's workforce into account.