Hello Kitty Island AdventureandDisney Dreamlight Valleyare only two out of hundreds of games currently making waves in the simulation genre. Cozy gaming has long been a profitable video game genre, but official forays by larger IPs into the genre have only cropped up recently. BothHello Kitty Island AdventureandDisney Dreamlight Valleywere released post-pandemic and after the massive success ofAnimal Crossing: New Horizons, when cozy gaming and video games as a whole saw a spike in popularity.
The rise in IP-based simulation games has also made headway with indie studios, not just AAAs.Tales of the Shire, slated to release in Julyof this year, is yet another IP-based simulation game created by indie developer Wētā Workshop. With so many different IP-based simulation games throwing their hats in the ring, and studios and developers across the gaming industry assisting in their creation, it’s clear that IP-based simulation games may be the next big thing.
IP-Based Games Hook Players Till the Next Animal Crossing
BecauseHello Kitty Island Adventure,Disney Dreamlight Valley, andTales of the Shireall have the brand recognition of Sanrio, Disney, and theLord of the Ringsuniverse respectively, many players automatically have a reason for testing these games out. TheAnimal Crossingfranchise has established itselfsimilarly, with players eager for the next title regardless of what’s in store.
While cozy gamers should of course give indie simulation games a fair chance, IP-based simulation games could fill out a year with large-scale releases, essentially filling the gaps until the nextAnimal Crossingtitle is released. Players and critics alike have speculated thatthe nextAnimal Crossingtitle could debut alongside the Nintendo Switch 2, though this has yet to be confirmed.
Withthe Switch 2 releasing sometime this year, major companies have a prime opportunity to throw their hat into the simulation game ring. Even if these popular IPs don’t capitalize on the simulation genre this year, companies should definitely consider expanding into the genre further down the line.
These Franchises Should Try Their Hand at Simulation Games
Disney Properties are Primed for the Genre
Disney Dreamlight Valleyhas a unique impacton which popular IPs can expand into the simulation genre. At this time,Disney Dreamlight Valleyhas only added characters to its roster from Walt Disney Animation and Pixar Studios. Neither Gameloft nor Disney has confirmed that this will remain the case, meaning that other IPs from Disney could make their way intoDisney Dreamlight Valleyeventually. However, standalone simulation games based onStar Warsand the MCU could be immensely popular. AStar Wars-themed game could follow players creating their own moisture farm on Tatooine, whereas an MCU-themed game could follow players inviting various superheroes to live at Avengers Tower.
One plausible simulation game still under the Disney umbrella would be one based onWinnie the Pooh. Once again,Winnie the Poohhas a high chance of makingits way intoDisney Dreamlight Valley, as two films based on the lovable bear and his friends have been made by Walt Disney Animation Studios. Nevertheless, a simulation game that specifically allows players to explore the Hundred Acre Wood could be another successful venture for the media giant.
Warner Bros. Should Give Simulation Games a Shot
Warner Bros. Games could capitalize on the success of theHarry Potterfranchise andHogwarts Legacywith a simulation game based on the IP. Focusing on the world’s magical creatures could lead to moreAnimal Crossing-esque gameplay, whether it’s taking up a role at Hogwarts as the Care for Magical Creatures professor or taking care of dragons in Romania with Charlie Weasley.
Massively successful franchises likePokemon,Barbie, andLooney Tunesalso have good material to support simulation games. FollowinginAnimal Crossing’s footstepsis certainly intimidating, butHello Kitty Island AdventureandDisney Dreamlight Valleyhave proven that it’s not only possible, but profitable, and highly entertaining.
