Simulation games have quietly become one of the most successful and accessible genres for independent game developers. From driving trucks to washing cars to running drug empires, simulation games tap into a universal human desire to experience things we might never get to try in real life. And for solo devs, they offer an almost unbeatable combination of low development costs, clear gameplay loops, and massive audience appeal.
The Schedule 1 Phenomenon: A Masterclass in Indie Simulation Success
Let's start with the most striking example of recent years: Schedule 1 (note: the correct title uses the number 1, not the Roman numeral I).
Released in March 2025 by solo Australian developer Tyler (operating under the name TVGS), Schedule 1 is a darkly comedic crime simulation game where players build a drug trafficking empire in the fictional city of Hyland Point. The game's art style is simple and cartoonish—reminiscent of shows like Rick and Morty—and its gameplay mechanics are straightforward: acquire supplies, mix products, set prices, avoid police, and expand your operation.
Here's what makes Schedule 1 such a remarkable success story:
- Development Team: 1 person (Tyler of TVGS)
- Development Time: Developed independently, with no major budget or team
- Marketing Budget: $0—zero influencer partnerships, no trailer at major events, just Steam's algorithm and word-of-mouth
- Peak Concurrent Players: 459,075 (beating AAA blockbusters like GTA V and Monster Hunter Wilds)
- Copies Sold: Estimated 8.7 million copies on Steam alone
- Gross Revenue: Estimated $173 million
- Developer Net Revenue: Estimated $50–62 million after fees, taxes, and discounts
Is Schedule 1 the most technically impressive game ever made? No. Are its graphics cutting-edge? No. But does it tap into a powerful fantasy and deliver a satisfying gameplay loop? Absolutely—and that's why it became one of the most successful indie games of all time.
Why Simulation Games Are a Perfect Fit for Indie Developers
1. Simulation Games Fulfill Universal Fantasies
At their core, simulation games let players experience jobs, hobbies, or lifestyles they might never get to try in reality. This is their secret superpower. Think about it:
- Euro Truck Simulator: Let's you drive massive trucks across Europe, enjoying beautiful scenery and the simple satisfaction of delivering cargo on time. Who hasn't daydreamed about a life on the open road?
- PowerWash Simulator: Turns something mundane—cleaning dirt and grime—into an incredibly satisfying, meditative experience. There's something deeply calming about washing away muck to reveal a sparkling clean surface.
- Cooking Simulator: Lets you experiment with recipes and run a restaurant without the real-world risks of burning food or angering customers.
- TCG Card Shop Simulator / Supermarket Simulator: Let players run their own business, managing inventory, customers, and profits—something many people dream of but few get to do.
These games don't need to be "fun" in a traditional action-packed sense. They just need to be satisfying—and that's a much lower bar for indie developers to clear.
2. Low Art and Technical Requirements
Simulation games don't require photorealistic graphics or cutting-edge technology to be successful. In fact, many of the most popular simulation games use simple, stylized visuals that are much easier for solo devs to create:
- Schedule 1 uses cartoonish, exaggerated graphics that fit its comedic tone
- PowerWash Simulator has simple but clean visuals that emphasize the satisfaction of cleaning
- Even Euro Truck Simulator, while more detailed, doesn't need to compete with AAA open-world games on visual fidelity
From a programming perspective, simulation games are also relatively straightforward. You're often building systems around clear, predictable loops—managing resources, handling simple AI, and responding to player inputs in consistent ways. There's no need for complex networking, large physics engines (unless your simulation requires it), or intricate character animation systems.
3. Clear Gameplay Loops Are Easy to Test and Validate
Like puzzle games, simulation games let you validate your concept early. You don't need to build 40 hours of content to know if your game is fun—you just need one or two core loops that feel satisfying. For example:
- In Schedule 1: Buy ingredients, mix a product, sell it for profit—if that feels good, you have a solid foundation
- In PowerWash Simulator: Clean one small object—if that's satisfying, you're on the right track
- In Euro Truck Simulator: Drive one short delivery route—if that's enjoyable, you can build from there
This makes simulation games perfect for iterative development and early playtesting. You can release a demo or early access version with just a few features and get feedback quickly.
4. Simulation Games Have Incredibly Long Tails
Simulation games tend to have long lifespans. Players keep coming back to them for months or even years, and new players discover them long after release. This is partly because:
- They're often relaxing or meditative, making them perfect for casual play sessions
- They frequently get updates, DLC, or mod support that extends their lifespan
- They're great for streaming and content creation, which helps keep them in the public eye
Euro Truck Simulator, for example, was originally released in 2008—but it still has a thriving community today, with new DLC being released regularly.
5. They're Perfect for Word-of-Mouth and Streaming
Simulation games are incredibly shareable. Whether it's the satisfaction of cleaning something in PowerWash Simulator, the chaos of a failed recipe in Cooking Simulator, or the absurdity of Schedule 1's over-the-top drug combinations, these games give players something to talk about and streamers something to show.
Schedule 1's success was driven almost entirely by social media and streaming. Twitch streamers and TikTok creators loved showing off its wild recipe combinations, and that organic buzz was far more effective than any marketing campaign could have been.
Other Inspiring Indie Simulation Success Stories
PowerWash Simulator (FuturLab)
What started as a small indie project became a cultural phenomenon. PowerWash Simulator taps into the simple joy of cleaning, and it's been a massive hit with both players and streamers. Its success proves that you don't need a big, exciting concept—sometimes the simplest ideas are the best.
Euro Truck Simulator (SCS Software)
While SCS Software is a larger studio now, Euro Truck Simulator started as a small indie project. It shows that simulation games can find huge audiences by focusing on a specific niche and doing it well.
Stardew Valley (ConcernedApe)
Okay, Stardew Valley is technically a farming RPG, but it has strong simulation elements—and it's one of the most successful indie games ever made. Created entirely by one person (Eric Barone), Stardew Valley shows how a simple, heartfelt simulation can resonate with millions of players.
Potential Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Simulation games aren't without their challenges. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Finding the Right Niche: Don't try to make a "general" simulation—pick a specific, focused topic. Whether it's power washing, truck driving, or running a card shop, specificity is key.
- Making Mundane Tasks Satisfying: The trick to a great simulation game is making mundane tasks feel rewarding. Focus on feedback—satisfying sounds, visual effects, and clear progression can make almost anything feel fun.
- Balancing Complexity: You don't want your game to be too simple (it gets boring) or too complex (it's overwhelming). Start simple and add depth gradually.
Conclusion: Go Make a Simulation Game!
For solo indie developers, simulation games are one of the best choices you can make. They're cheap to develop, easy to validate, have massive audience appeal, and can generate incredible success—just ask the solo developer behind Schedule 1, who went from a bedroom project to earning tens of millions of dollars.
Remember: you don't need a big budget or a team. You just need a clear concept, a satisfying gameplay loop, and the drive to build it. So pick something you find interesting—whether it's running a business, driving a truck, or even something more unusual—and make a simulation game about it. You might be surprised by how many people feel the same way.
Happy developing!