Springloaded Announces New Management Simulation Game Let's Build a Dungeon

Ever dreamt of creating your own game? The thought may have crossed your mind. But how about the reality of managing a development studio, overseeing employees, juggling budgets, racing against deadlines, fielding urgent messages from investors, and navigating the complexities of data security? That’s a different story altogether.

Introducing Let’s Build a Dungeon

Springloaded, the creative force behind the 2021 hit Let’s Build a Zoo, has unveiled their latest venture: Let’s Build a Dungeon. This new management simulation game draws inspiration from the development processes of Let’s Build a Zoo and other earlier titles by the studio. The recently released trailer offers a glimpse into a world where players can design, construct, and engage with their very own MMORPG, showcasing just a fraction of the intricate challenges that lie ahead in game development.

In a recent demonstration, I had the opportunity to step into the shoes of a game developer. I navigated through the town I created, ventured into the dungeon I designed, and faced off against the creatures I summoned, all while collecting treasures hidden in chests. The climax of my experience was an encounter with the dungeon’s formidable boss—though not the boss of my studio, thankfully. This brief demo only scratched the surface of what Let’s Build a Dungeon has to offer.

During a meeting with James Barnard, the game director and CEO of Springloaded, I was introduced to the expansive features of the game. One particularly intriguing aspect was the simulated digital marketplace where my MMORPG would reside, closely mirroring platforms like Steam. This simulation extends beyond just my game; it encompasses the entire player base. I could delve into individual player profiles, examining their geographical locations, gameplay durations, and quest completions. The level of detail was astonishing, even revealing simulated credit card information used for transactions.

In Let’s Build a Dungeon, players face choices that reflect the real-world dilemmas of the gaming industry. You can opt for a secure payment system to protect sensitive information or gamble on security to save costs. The game invites players to confront ethical decisions, such as imposing extended work hours to meet tight deadlines or resisting investor pressure to safeguard the well-being of the development team.

For those who enjoyed the morally ambiguous choices in Let’s Build a Zoo, Let’s Build a Dungeon promises a similar depth of decision-making, albeit with a different tone. The potential for questionable practices exists, but it’s woven into the fabric of a narrative that mirrors the complexities of the gaming industry.

While a release date for Let’s Build a Dungeon has yet to be announced, eager players can register for a beta version on the official website, and further details can be found on its Steam page.

Update: 14 Aug 2024