CEO Simulator: Startup Edition is a browser-based simulation game where players take on the role of a startup CEO. You manage resources like cash, morale, and ideas, making decisions across departments such as marketing, engineering, and sales. The goal is to navigate the challenges of running a startup, balancing competing priorities and striving for a successful exit, either through acquisition or an IPO. The game features randomized events that force quick thinking and strategic adaptation, offering a simplified but engaging experience of the pressures and triumphs of the startup world.
Filfre's blog post revisits Railroad Tycoon II, praising its enduring appeal and replayability. The author highlights the game's blend of historical simulation, economic strategy, and engaging gameplay, noting the satisfaction derived from building a successful railroad empire. The post focuses on the Platinum edition, which includes expansions that enhance the core experience with additional scenarios, locomotives, and geographical regions. While acknowledging some dated aspects, particularly the graphics, the author argues that Railroad Tycoon II remains a classic for its deep mechanics, challenging scenarios, and the captivating power it gives players to shape transportation history.
Hacker News users discuss Railroad Tycoon II with a nostalgic fondness, recalling it as a formative gaming experience and praising its open-ended gameplay, detailed simulation, and historical context. Several commenters mention the addictive nature of the game and the satisfaction derived from building efficient rail networks and outcompeting rivals. Some discuss specific game mechanics like manipulating stock prices and exploiting the terrain. Others lament the lack of a modern equivalent that captures the same magic, with some suggesting OpenTTD as a potential alternative, though not a perfect replacement. A few users mention playing the game on DOS or through DOSBox, highlighting its enduring appeal despite its age. The overall sentiment is one of deep appreciation for a classic strategy game.
Summary of Comments ( 46 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43102414
HN commenters generally found the CEO Simulator simplistic but fun for a short time. Several pointed out the unrealistic aspects of the game, like instantly hiring hundreds of engineers and the limited scope of decisions. Some suggested improvements, including more complex financial modeling, competitive dynamics, and varied employee personalities. A common sentiment was that the game captured the "feeling" of being overwhelmed as a CEO, even if the mechanics were shallow. A few users compared it favorably to other similar games and praised its clean UI. There was also a brief discussion about the challenges of representing startup life accurately in a game format.
The Hacker News post titled "CEO Simulator: Startup Edition" linking to the CEO Simulator web app has generated several comments discussing various aspects of the simulator and its portrayal of startup life.
Several commenters focus on the game mechanics and user experience. One notes that the game gets repetitive quickly and lacks strategic depth, suggesting it's more of a clicker game than a true simulation. They express a desire for more complex decision-making and branching narratives. Another commenter echoes this sentiment, pointing out the lack of feedback on decisions, making it difficult to learn and improve. The simplistic nature of firing employees is also criticized, with one user suggesting the game trivializes the human impact of such decisions.
Some commenters discuss the simulator's realism. One finds the game's portrayal of investor interactions and term sheets somewhat accurate, albeit simplified. Others debate the realism of the financial aspects, with one user suggesting the burn rate is unrealistic for a pre-seed startup. The rapid pace of decision-making in the game is also brought up, with commenters noting it doesn't reflect the often slower, more deliberate pace of real-world startups.
A few comments delve into the broader implications of the simulator. One user wonders if the game could be used as an educational tool, potentially introducing players to basic startup concepts. Another commenter raises ethical concerns about the game's potential to normalize toxic startup culture, particularly regarding employee treatment.
Several commenters offer suggestions for improvement. These include incorporating more detailed financial modeling, adding more diverse employee roles and skill sets, and introducing more complex challenges beyond just managing cash flow. One commenter suggests adding a "morality" score to reflect the ethical implications of player decisions.
There are also a few shorter comments that simply express enjoyment of the game or offer minor observations about its mechanics. One user appreciates the simplicity and quick gameplay loop, while another notes the addictive nature of the clicker elements.