The Most Popular Tycoon Game, Ranked

Choose the game you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 6, 2024 06:52
For those passionate about building empires from the ground up, the right Tycoon game can turn a leisurely afternoon into a pulse-pounding venture into economics and strategy. Each game offers a unique twist on managing resources, building infrastructures, and optimizing workflows. However, finding a game that suits your interests and challenges your skills can be daunting amidst the multitude of options available. This is where the power of community input becomes invaluable. By allowing gamers to cast votes for their preferred Tycoon games, a dynamic ranking list is crafted, reflecting the collective preferences and insights of fellow enthusiasts. Voters influence the standings directly, encouraging a descriptive and current pecking order that helps new players identify which games might deserve their attention and possibly their admiration.

What Is the Most Popular Tycoon Game?

  1. 1
    68
    votes

    RollerCoaster Tycoon

    Chris Sawyer
    This classic game allows players to design and manage their own theme park, attracting guests and making money. It has spawned multiple sequels and is a favorite among gamers.
    RollerCoaster Tycoon is a popular simulation game where players assume the role of a theme park manager. The objective is to build and manage amusement parks, design thrilling roller coasters, and ensure the happiness of park visitors. As the game progresses, players can unlock new rides, attractions, and scenery to enhance their parks. RollerCoaster Tycoon offers a realistic simulation experience with challenging objectives and a sandbox mode for creative freedom.
    • Release Date: March 31, 1999
    • Platforms: PC, Xbox, iOS, Android
    • Genre: Simulation, Strategy
    • Single Player: Yes
    • Multiplayer: No
    RollerCoaster Tycoon in other rankings
  2. 2
    35
    votes

    Zoo Tycoon

    Frontier Developments
    As the name suggests, this game lets players build and manage their own zoo, including animals, exhibits, and attractions. It has been praised for its educational value and realistic animal behavior.
    Zoo Tycoon is a simulation game where players can create and manage their own virtual zoo. They have the freedom to design the layout, adopt and care for a variety of animals, and provide entertainment and amenities for visitors.
    • Platform: Windows, Xbox One
    • Release Date: November 12, 2013
    • Game Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
    • Graphics: 3D
    • Sandbox Mode: Yes
    Zoo Tycoon in other rankings
  3. 3
    23
    votes

    Railroad Tycoon

    Sid Meier
    This game puts players in charge of a railway company, building tracks, buying trains, and transporting goods and passengers. It has been praised for its historical accuracy and attention to detail.
    Railroad Tycoon is a classic tycoon game that simulates the management and operation of a railroad company. Players are tasked with building and expanding their railroad empire, controlling various aspects such as tracks, trains, stations, and finances.
    • Release Date: 1989
    • Platform(s): PC, Mac
    • Genre: Simulation, Strategy
    • Game Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
    • Map Size: Varies, ranging from regional to continental
  4. 4
    24
    votes
    This classic game lets players build and manage their own city, dealing with issues like zoning, crime, and pollution. It has been praised for its realism and complexity.
    SimCity is a popular simulation game where players act as the mayor of a virtual city, responsible for building and managing various aspects of the city's infrastructure and services. The game provides a sandbox environment that allows players to create and shape their ideal city, while facing challenges such as resource management, citizen happiness, and natural disasters.
    • Release Date: February 2, 1989
    • Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Macintosh, Amiga, SNES, PlayStation, Nintendo 64, Xbox, iOS, Android
    • Genre: City-building, Simulation
    • Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
    • Graphics: 2D, Isometric
  5. 5
    15
    votes

    Theme Hospital

    Bullfrog Productions
    This quirky game puts players in charge of a hospital, treating patients and managing staff. It has a unique sense of humor and has been praised for its addictive gameplay.
    Theme Hospital is a popular tycoon game that allows players to manage and operate their own virtual hospital. It was developed by Bullfrog Productions and released in 1997. The game tasks players with building and maintaining a successful hospital, where they must manage staff, treat patients, and handle various medical conditions. Theme Hospital combines strategy and simulation elements, offering a humorous and light-hearted approach to the healthcare industry.
    • Release Date: 1997
    • Genre: Tycoon, Simulation
    • Platform: Windows, PlayStation, DOS, Macintosh
    • Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer (Network)
    • System Requirements: Pentium II processor, 32MB of RAM, 4MB Video Card, Windows 95/98
  6. 6
    4
    votes
    In this game, players become the leader of a small Caribbean island, managing its economy, politics, and tourism industry. It has been praised for its humor and political satire.
    Tropico is a popular Tycoon game set in a fictional Caribbean island nation. As the player, you assume the role of 'El Presidente,' the leader of the island, and your goal is to build and manage the nation's economy, infrastructure, politics, and society. The game offers a unique blend of city-building, resource management, and political strategy.
    • Genre: Tycoon, City-building, Simulation
    • Platform: PC, Mac, Linux, Xbox, PlayStation
    • Release Date: 2001
    • Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
    • Setting: Caribbean island nation
  7. 7
    0
    votes

    Prison Architect

    Introversion Software
    This game lets players design and manage their own prison, dealing with issues like security, rehabilitation, and inmate management. It has been praised for its complexity and attention to detail.
    Prison Architect is a popular simulation game that puts players in charge of designing and managing a maximum security prison. It offers a unique and immersive experience of building and running a prison facility, dealing with various challenges and making critical decisions to maintain order and security.
    • Release Date: October 6, 2015
    • Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360
    • Genre: Simulation, strategy
    • Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
    • Graphics: 2D
    Prison Architect in other rankings
  8. 8
    10
    votes

    Game Dev Tycoon

    Greenheart Games
    In this game, players run their own game development company, creating and marketing games to the public. It has been praised for its realism and addictive gameplay.
    Game Dev Tycoon is a popular tycoon game where players take on the role of a game developer, starting in the early '80s and building their own game development empire. The game revolves around managing various aspects of the development process, including game design, programming, hiring and training staff, marketing, and more. As players progress, they can unlock new technologies and genres, compete in in-game awards, and strive to become a dominant force in the gaming industry.
    • Platform: PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android
    • Release Date: December 10, 2012
    • Genre: Simulation, Strategy, Management
    • Modes: Single-player
    • Graphics: 2D
  9. 9
    5
    votes

    Hotel Tycoon

    Deep Red Games
    This game lets players build and manage their own hotel, attracting guests and earning money. It has been praised for its simplicity and relaxing gameplay.
    Hotel Tycoon is a popular Tycoon game that allows players to build and manage their own hotels. The game offers a realistic simulation experience where players need to make strategic decisions to create a profitable hotel empire. As the owner of hotel chains, players must design and construct different types of hotels, manage staff, attract guests, and provide top-notch services to ensure customer satisfaction.
    • Platform: PC, Game Boy Advance
    • Genre: Simulation, Strategy
    • Release Date: PC - 2003, Game Boy Advance - 2004
    • Singleplayer: Yes
    • Multiplayer: No
  10. 10
    6
    votes

    City Skylines

    Colossal Order
    This modern take on the city-building genre lets players design and manage their own metropolis, dealing with issues like traffic, pollution, and budgeting. It has been praised for its realistic graphics and modding community.
    Cities: Skylines is a popular city-building and management simulation game that allows players to create and customize their own virtual city. It offers a realistic and detailed gameplay experience with a vast range of features and tools to design and manage different aspects of the city.
    • Release Date: March 10, 2015
    • Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
    • Single Player: Yes
    • Multiplayer: Yes (mod-supported)
    • Map Size: Up to 36 square kilometers

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Ranking factors for popular game

  1. Overall popularity and sales figures
    This is an important factor because it indicates the game's overall success and appeal to players.
  2. Gameplay features and mechanics
    A good Tycoon game should have a variety of gameplay features and mechanics that are engaging and challenging for players.
  3. Customization options and creative freedom
    The ability to customize and personalize the game world allows players to express their creativity and makes the game more immersive.
  4. Replay value
    A game with high replay value offers players a reason to keep coming back for more, whether it's through new challenges or gameplay modes.
  5. Graphics and sound design
    The quality of graphics and sound design can greatly enhance the player's immersion in the game world.
  6. Online multiplayer and community features
    Tycoon games with online multiplayer modes and active communities can provide a more social and competitive experience for players.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Tycoon game. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or game is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 3140 views
  • 185 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each game once every 24 hours. The rank of each game is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular tycoon game

Tycoon games have been a popular genre of video games since the early 2000s. These simulation games allow players to manage their own businesses, build empires, and become virtual tycoons. The genre has evolved over time, and today, there are countless tycoon games available on various platforms, from PC to mobile. Some of the most popular tycoon games include RollerCoaster Tycoon, Zoo Tycoon, and SimCity. These games offer players a chance to build and manage their own amusement parks, zoos, and cities, respectively. Other popular tycoon games include Railroad Tycoon, Theme Hospital, and Game Dev Tycoon. Tycoon games are beloved by gamers of all ages and backgrounds for their immersive gameplay and challenging mechanics. Whether you want to build a bustling city or run a successful theme park, there's a tycoon game out there for everyone. At StrawPoll, we host thousands of polls and rankings on various topics, including the most popular tycoon games. So, if you're looking for a new tycoon game to try out, be sure to check out our latest rankings and see what other gamers are playing.

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