2. 2
Introduction
I selected the concepts of business management, strategies, and planning. Many
of the games I researched are very true-to-life and function off the existing
economic structures of our environment. On the other hand, many are loosely tied
to business management and would be best applied as an introduction to a lesson
or a conversation stimulator.
Although they vary widely in aspects of true-to-life economic structures, dynamics,
narratives, aesthetics, and mechanics, each game listed here can play an
important role in educating players about multiple aspects of business. Whether
it’s a K-12 student experimenting with a lemonade stand or an experienced CEO
of a company testing strategies in an online virtual world, these games bring value
and significance to the learning experience.
Games Included
Lemonade Stand
Gazillionaire
Roller Coaster Tycoon
Industry Player
Hollywood Mogul 3
Capitalism Plus
Air Bucks
Detroit
Monopoly Tycoon
Lay Off
Second Life
Shopping Street
Mansion Impossible
Virtonomics
3. 3
Lemonade Stand
Type Mac and PC computer game
Number of Players One
Subject Area /
Learning Domain
Business Management
Business Strategies
Business Planning
Link http://s3earch.teach-
nology.com/web_tools/games/lemonade/
Summary or Educational Fit
Lemonade Stand allows players to run their own lemonade stand. It reflects
components of business management, strategies, and planning in its dynamics,
mechanics, aesthetics, and narrative. Players have complete control over all the
aspects of running the business. The only predetermined component of the game
that affects sales is the weather. (Other aspects such as location are not in the
player’s control, but they’re not relevant to sales.) Players are able to select the
amount of inventory they supply, the amount of ingredients they use to create
each pitcher of lemonade, and the price of each cup they sell. The control offered
in this game contributes to the fun factor because players have the ability to see
how their decisions directly affect their sales. This game provides ample
opportunity to discuss subjects such as the inter-relationships of inventory,
supply and demand principles, customer satisfaction, and profit.
4. 4
Gazillionaire
Type PC computer game
Number of Players Up to six live players and six computer players
Subject Area /
Learning Domain
Business Management
Business Strategies
Business Planning
Link http://www.lavamind.com/gaz.html
Summary or Educational Fit
The goal of Gazillionaire is to be the first company to reach a billion kubars,
which it seems makes the player a Gazillionaire. It’s set in outer space, but the
narrative remains consistent with earth-bound economic tools and business
strategies. What makes this game unique from other business strategy games is
that it has been “re-skinned” with a new theme. The new theme provides a sense
of whimsy that connects players to their characters, their surroundings, and their
inter-galactic net worth. Players build their company from the planet up as they
decide and learn about profit margins, overhead, account balances, growth, and
more.
5. 5
Roller Coaster Tycoon
Type Atari, PC, + more
Number of Players One
Subject Area /
Learning Domain
Business Management
Business Strategies
Business Planning
Link http://www.atari.com/games/rollercoaster_tycoon/
Summary or Educational Fit
Roller Coaster Tycoon is a business simulation game where players run an
amusement park, but it is also much more. Typical business simulation games
ask players to play the role of a stuffy suit who sits behind a desk and orders
people around. However, Roller Coaster Tycoon allows players to remain
themselves. There is no pretense of who a player becomes once they enter the
game; they get to remain themselves because, let’s face it, who doesn’t want to
own an amusement park?
In addition to a business simulation, the game allows players to build rides that
vary from traditional to high-tech featuring what they describe as accurately
simulated motion dynamics. Players can fund research to develop new roller
coaster technologies, choose their quality, the types and amounts of beverage
and food stands, and admission prices. The educational value of this game lies in
its ability to appeal to a not-so-niche audience. Perhaps this would not fit into a
traditional corporate atmosphere, but it would fit perfectly into a high school or
college introduction to business class. It can reach a technological generation
and provide them with insight about business practices.
6. 6
Industry Player
Type Mac and PC computer game
Number of Players Thousands
Subject Area /
Learning Domain
Business Management
Business Strategies
Business Planning
Link http://www.industryplayer.com/
Summary or Educational Fit
Industry Player is an interactive online game where players can compete against
thousands of others in a virtual world of economics. Players compete to achieve
the highest market share and subsequently, the highest wealth. They can
purchase licenses (which represent companies) and upgrade their companies to
increase sales and profit. Basically, players can create and manage their own
company in compliance with real world economic structures. Educationally,
players learn financial strategy, investment, and finance as well as how to
interact with competitors, employees, customers, banks, and the environment.
Players are involved with live competitors, and their success depends on their
decisions; this contributes to the fun factor. It creates a dynamic environment
where actions have results. Industry Player even offers a competition edition that
is currently being used in worldwide business school competitions and corporate
events.
7. 7
Hollywood Mogul 3
Type Computer game; System requirements = Windows
Number of Players One
Subject Area /
Learning Domain
Business Management
Business Strategies
Business Planning
Link http://www.hollywood-mogul.com/
Summary or Educational Fit
Hollywood Mogul 3 challenges players to create movies that sell well by allowing
them to explore strategical business techniques, weigh risks versus benefits,
negotiate contracts, schedule film shootings, create and calculate budgets, and
decide release dates. Players run all aspects of their movie-making company as
they design, develop, and release fictional box office hits. The game allows
players to explore the educationally significant dynamics of business strategy,
economics, and marketing. However, its narrative appeals to a wide audience.
Players can make their own graphics and talent databases with real movie stars
and image files that can be imported into the game. They can also share and
trade their movies with other Hollywood Mogul 3 players around the world.
8. 8
Capitalism Plus
Type PC computer game
Number of
Players
Multiplayer is available through email if both parties have the
game
Subject Area /
Learning
Domain
Business Management
Business Strategies
Business Planning
Link http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/capitalismplus/index.html
Summary or Educational Fit
In the game Capitalism Plus, players assume the role of a Chief Executive
Officer (CEO). They have the freedom to set the goals, starting status,
competitors, products, and industries for their game. They can even raise and
lower landforms and add cities to their maps. These dynamics help players use
and adapt to business strategies and management techniques. The game even
has true-to-life threats such as bankruptcy and buy-outs.
9. 9
Air Bucks
Type Mac and PC computer game
Number of
Players
Not listed
Subject Area /
Learning
Domain
Business Management
Business Strategies
Business Planning
Link http://www.gamefaqs.com/computer/doswin/home/924229.html
Summary or Educational Fit
Although Air Bucks is not the most realistic simulation of a business; it does pay
attention to industry-specific details, which increases the fun factor of the game.
Players build their own airline and decide where to fly, where their hub is located,
if they should buy rights to airports, and the quality of meals and entertainment for
passengers. Players are able to buy new planes as they come available, in which
case they must manage their finances and shares. The educational value of Air
Bucks lies more in its narrative than its dynamics and would make an excellent
gateway into a conversation about business strategies and planning.
10. 10
Detroit
Type PC computer game
Number of Players Up to Four
Subject Area /
Learning Domain
Business Management
Business Strategies
Business Planning
Link http://www.mobygames.com/game/detroit
Summary or Educational Fit
Players of Detroit assume the role of a president of a new car company in 1908.
They compete against three rival companies as they design and build cars.
Players can enjoy designing and creating new cars as technologies advance.
Unlike most business simulations, Detroit explores the life cycle of a project.
Players manage, research, develop, design, test, manufacture, sell, and market
their cars. An additional educational aspect is how Detroit explores the affect that
large world events such as the World Wars and the Great Depression have on
the industry. This game is timely to our current economy and could be used to
explore the concept of world events and the state of the economy in relation to a
business industry.
11. 11
Monopoly Tycoon
Type PC computer game
Number of Players One or Multiplayer
Subject Area /
Learning Domain
Business Management
Business Strategies
Business Planning
Link http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/monopolytycoon/index.html
Summary or Educational Fit
Monopoly is a familiar business game, but its original dynamics fall short of a real
business experience. True to the original, the goal is to achieve a monopoly over
all other players. Players can invest in property, utilities, and railroads, as well as
build businesses. However, the video game version implements new features
such as the ability to build retail and residential buildings. Players can manage
their businesses by setting stock amounts, prices, and rent. Players can run polls
to discover the demographics and preferences of certain neighborhoods so they
can make educated decisions about the type of residential buildings and
business they choose to build. Utilizing a familiar game is an easy way to draw
the interest of players, and the new features add some educational value to the
experience. The dynamics of the game focus on the balancing of economics, as
well as the importance of research and marketing.
12. 12
Lay Off
Type Mac and PC computer game
Number of Players One
Subject Area /
Learning Domain
Business Management
Business Strategies
Business Planning
Link http://tiltfactor.org/layoff/play.html
Summary or Educational Fit
The game Layoff is a one-player computer game where the player is in charge of
a company’s workforce. Players must match three workers of the same type to
initiate a layoff. Businessmen are not eligible for layoff. As the player scrolls over
each worker, they have the opportunity to read details about their work
performance and personal lives. Most of the employees are hard workers with
families to support. If a player matches 5 or more workers, they initiate a
corporate takeover. Although this is not a business simulation game, it teaches
players about the politics and practices of companies. It is a powerful educational
tool in the sense that it acknowledges the harsh realities of business
management. A game such as this has the ability to spark thought-provoking
discussions about productivity and budget allocations.
13. 13
Second Life
Type Mac and PC computer game
Number of Players Unlimited (2.3 million residents)
Subject Area /
Learning Domain
Business Management
Business Strategies
Business Planning
Link http://secondlife.com/?v=1.1
http://www.entrepreneur.com
Summary or Educational Fit
Second Life is a 3D virtual world where people use avatars to explore and
communicate with other people. Its aim is to be a virtual second life where
players can work and play. Educators can use the platform of Second Life to
impart endless lessons about business. Players can create and maintain their
own virtual businesses with virtual or real dollars; an economic structure similar
to real life already exists. Players can create and manage their own company
and learn financial strategy, investment, and finance, as well as how to interact
with other players (competitors, employees, customers, etc.). Current successful
entrepreneurships that take place in Second Life include fashion design, real
estate, wedding planning, and tour guide companies.
14. 14
Shopping Street
Type Mac and PC computer game
Number of Players One
Subject Area /
Learning Domain
Business Management
Business Strategies
Business Planning
Link http://www.123-games.net/games/shopping-street
Summary or Educational Fit
The goal of Shopping Street is to create a retail empire. Players begin with an
empty street and some start-up money. They must choose what types of
businesses to add to the street, in which order, and in which location. They have
the choice to add things like benches, which slow shoppers down, newsstands,
which slow shoppers down and generate revenue, and music ads and bus stops,
which both attract more customers. As customers shop, revenue increases and
provides players with opportunity to purchase additional shops or upgrade
existing shops. From an educational standpoint, players must select best
businesses and place them in the most effective locations to earn the most
money. This game has a strong element of strategy, and although it does not
necessarily represent business strategy in a realistic manner, it provides a
gateway for conversations about marketing, strategy, consumer wants, supply
and demand, profits, and more.
15. 15
Mansion Impossible
Type Mac and PC computer game
Number of Players One
Subject Area /
Learning Domain
Business Management
Business Strategies
Business Planning
Link http://www.mansionimpossiblegame.com/
Summary or Educational Fit
The goal of Mansion Impossible is to make enough money buying and selling
houses to buy a 10 million pound mansion. A house will pop onto the market and
players must select it while the price is still low. The price will rise and then
eventually fall again. The player must choose the optimal time to sell each house
to make the most profit. As their profits increase, they’re closer to their goal of
being able to purchase the 10 million pound mansion. Speed is a factor in this
game, which increases its fun factor. Although the game is predictable and not a
true representation of the real estate business, the concept is of educational
value and can be used to start conversations and analysis about supply and
demand, industry market dynamics, and profit.
16. 16
Virtonomics
Type Mac and PC computer game
Number of Players Unlimited
Subject Area /
Learning Domain
Business Management
Business Strategies
Business Planning
Link http://virtonomics.com/
Summary or Educational Fit
The ultimate goal of Virtonomics is to create a successful business. Players
interact with other players around the world through an online community that
functions in accordance with the financial and economic laws of real life; they can
can create and manage their own company in compliance with real world
economic structures. Because players are able to interact with thousands of
other online players, the fun factor is high. The educational value is also high
because Virtonomics combines logical and business gaming, a real economic
simulation, and online strategy. It encourages communication, competition, and
cooperation by allowing players to study aspects of management, try strategical
business techniques, and calculate budgets in a clear and entertaining way.
17. 17
Appendix A – Collection of Links
Lemonade Stand
http://s3earch.teach-
nology.com/web_tools/games/lemonade/
Gazillionaire
http://www.lavamind.com/gaz.html
Roller Coaster
Tycoon http://www.atari.com/games/rollercoaster_tycoon/
Industry Player http://www.industryplayer.com/
Hollywood Mogul 3 http://www.hollywood-mogul.com/
Capitalism Plus http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/capitalismplus/inde
x.html
Air Bucks http://www.gamefaqs.com/computer/doswin/home/924229
.html
Detroit http://www.mobygames.com/game/detroit
Monopoly Tycoon http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/monopolytycoon/in
dex.html
Lay Off http://tiltfactor.org/layoff/play.html
Second Life http://secondlife.com/?v=1.1
http://www.entrepreneur.com
Shopping Street http://www.123-games.net/games/shopping-street
Mansion Impossible http://www.mansionimpossiblegame.com/
Virtonomics http://virtonomics.com/
