- #1 JOY OF PROGRAMMING - Software Engineering Simulator
97% matchMostly Positive78% of 375 reviews2025
Dev: Prof. SchererPub: PlayWay S.A.
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 1.9 hrs≥1hr: 41%
Use real Python code to automate machines, robots, drones and more: Program self-driving vehicles; crack passwords; apply machine learning; automate logistics; use image processing to guide missiles. Gain real coding skills and solve exciting bite-sized programming challenges.
Why similar: Programming 39.1% ★, Simulation 31.1%, Education 19.2%, Software 10.7% ★
Why You'll Like It: A deep simulation that mirrors the actual workflow of a software engineer through coding tasks.
- #2 while True: learn()
96% matchVery Positive91% of 8,107 reviews2019
Dev: Luden.io
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 80%
You’re a machine learning specialist who makes neural networks but your cat seems to be better at it. Now you must solve puzzles to build a cat-to-human translation system (who knows what else this cat is capable of!). Earn a fortune, buy kickass cat outfits, learn how machine learning really works!
Why similar: Programming 47.3% ★, Simulation 34.5%, Education 18.2%
Why You'll Like It: Teaches the fundamental concepts of machine learning and programming through engaging visual puzzles.
- #3 TIS-100
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 4,067 reviews2015
Dev: Zachtronics
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 52%
TIS-100 is an open-ended programming game by Zachtronics, the creators of SpaceChem and Infinifactory, in which you rewrite corrupted code segments to repair the TIS-100 and unlock its secrets. It’s the assembly language programming game you never asked for!
Why similar: Programming 70.5% ★, Simulation 24.1%, Education 5.4%
Why You'll Like It: A challenging assembly language programming game that rewards logical thinking and code optimization.
- #4 SHENZHEN I/O
95% matchVery Positive95% of 4,452 reviews2016
Dev: Zachtronics
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 11.5 hrs≥1hr: 61%
BUILD CIRCUITS. WRITE CODE. RTFM.
Why similar: Programming 65.6% ★, Simulation 25.2%, Education 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on hardware design and assembly programming, perfect for those interested in the technical side of development.
- #5 Bitburner
94% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 7,237 reviews2021
Dev: Fulcrum Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Bitburner is a programming-based incremental game. Write scripts in JavaScript to automate gameplay, learn skills, play minigames, solve puzzles, and more in this cyberpunk text-based incremental RPG.
Why similar: Programming 68% ★, Simulation 25%, Education 7%
Why You'll Like It: A text-based hacking game that requires players to write actual JavaScript scripts to automate tasks.
- #6 Human Resource Machine
94% matchVery Positive94% of 4,642 reviews2015
Dev: Tomorrow Corporation
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Program little office workers to solve puzzles. Be a good employee! The machines are coming... for your job. From the creators of World of Goo and Little Inferno.
Why similar: Programming 61.3% ★, Simulation 24.5%, Education 14.2%
Why You'll Like It: Uses visual programming logic to teach the basics of computer architecture and flow control.
- #7 City Game Studio: Your Game Dev Adventure Begins
92% matchVery Positive92% of 1,809 reviews2021
Dev: Binogure Studio 🐺
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.0 hrsMean: 14.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Manage a game studio from the dawn of the gaming industry in 1976. Your journey starts with small indie titles and grows into a gaming empire. Develop, design, and conquer the industry. From humble beginnings to gaming legend – it’s your story, your studio, your legacy!
Why similar: Game Development 36.5% ★, Simulation 33%, Programming 30.6% ★
Why You'll Like It: A detailed management sim that covers the entire lifecycle of running a game development studio.
- #8 Game Dev Tycoon
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 44,810 reviews2013
Dev: Greenheart Games 💚
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.0 hrsMean: 15.4 hrs≥1hr: 94%
In Game Dev Tycoon you replay the history of the gaming industry by starting your own video game development company in the 80s. Create best selling games. Research new technologies and invent new game types. Become the leader of the market and gain worldwide fans.
Why similar: Simulation 100%
Why You'll Like It: The quintessential management simulation that captures the business and development cycles of the game industry.
- #9 Screeps: Arena
90% matchVery Positive85% of 124 reviews2025
Dev: Screeps, LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
Screeps: Arena is an online asynchronous PvP strategy game for programming enthusiasts. You write real JavaScript to control your units, and they fight autonomously against other players in a 1v1 match-based arena environment.
Why similar: Programming 50.8% ★, Simulation 49.2%
Why You'll Like It: A real-time strategy game where you must write JavaScript code to control your units' behavior in combat.
- #10 Adventure Land - The Code MMORPG
91% matchVery Positive83% of 139 reviews2019
Dev: Kaan Soral
Windows · Mac · Linux
Adventure Land is an experimental Indie MMORPG. ANYONE can Code not just one, but up to 4 characters! You can play manually, use the given default Javascript Code, or learn programming to do more! Going open-source at 10,000 installs!
Why similar: Programming 56.9% ★, Simulation 43.1%
Why You'll Like It: An MMORPG where you control your characters entirely through custom JavaScript code.
- #11 EXAPUNKS
89% matchVery Positive95% of 1,867 reviews2018
Dev: Zachtronics
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 11.9 hrs≥1hr: 58%
The year is 1997. You used to be a hacker, but now you have the phage. You made a deal: one hack, one dose. There’s nothing left to lose… except your life.
Why similar: Programming 67.7% ★, Simulation 32.3%
Why You'll Like It: A programming-heavy puzzle game that captures the aesthetic and challenge of retro assembly coding.
- #12 Game Dev Masters
88% matchVery Positive84% of 197 reviews2022
Dev: Ryan SaundersPub: One Man Media
Windows
It's time to become the Game Developer you always wanted to be. Make use of a large array of features, and player skills to create stunning 10 / 10 games. Compete with and eventually acquire other dynamic Ai Studio's. Raise the talent of your team and studio's in an effort to dominate the market.
Why similar: Game Development 51.5% ★, Simulation 48.5%
Why You'll Like It: A management-focused simulation that emphasizes the resource and economy aspects of game development.
- #13 Logicats
87% matchVery Positive99% of 67 reviews2023
Dev: Fernando AraujoPub: INK EYE Games
Windows
Logicats is a beginner-friendly programming game. Learn programming concepts through reading code in a fun and effective way. Perfect for classrooms or at home. Start your programming journey today!
Why similar: Programming 65.7% ★, Simulation 26.8%, Education 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: An accessible puzzle game that introduces programming logic and sequence planning to beginners.
- #14 Autonauts
86% matchVery Positive90% of 4,933 reviews2019
Dev: DenkiPub: Curve Games
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 13.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
In Autonauts you must build, create, and automate. Start by establishing a colony, crafting bots and teaching them via Scratch-style programming to build an ever evolving autonomous paradise of agriculture, industry and enlightenment.
Why similar: Programming 52% ★, Simulation 48%
Why You'll Like It: Teaches the principles of automation and logic by requiring players to program robots to perform tasks.
- #15 Game Builder Tycoon
83% matchMostly Positive78% of 157 reviews2024
Dev: AM PlayhousePub: PlayWay S.A.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 51%
In Game Builder Tycoon, begin as an indie game developer. Personalize your character, craft hit games, manage marketing, research stuff and manage a skilled team. Overcome competition to guide your game development studio to global recognition and dominate the gaming industry.
Why similar: Game Development 43.2% ★, Simulation 40.2%, Education 16.6%
Why You'll Like It: A management simulation that focuses on the iterative process of building and releasing games.
- #16 7 Billion Humans
82% matchVery Positive94% of 2,104 reviews2018
Dev: Tomorrow Corporation
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 11.6 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Automate swarms of office workers to solve puzzles inside your very own parallel computer made of people. A thrilling followup to the award winning Human Resource Machine. Now with more humans!
Why similar: Programming 59.7% ★, Simulation 29.8%, Education 10.5%
Why You'll Like It: Expands on programming logic puzzles by requiring the coordination of multiple units simultaneously.
- #17 Hacknet
82% matchVery Positive94% of 25,910 reviews2015
Dev: Team Fractal AlligatorPub: Fellow Traveller
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 13.2 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Hacknet is an immersive, terminal-based hacking simulator for PC. Dive down a rabbit hoIe as you follow the instructions of a recently deceased hacker, whose death may not have been the accident the media reports.
Why similar: Simulation 44%, Programming 40.3% ★, Education 15.7%
Why You'll Like It: A terminal-based hacking simulator that teaches real-world command line usage and logic.
- #18 Baba Is You
80% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 24,029 reviews2019
Dev: Hempuli Oy
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 13.5 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Baba Is You is a puzzle game where the rules you have to follow are present as blocks you can interact with. By manipulating them, you can change how the game works, repurpose things you find in the levels and cause surprising interactions!
Why similar: Programming 100% ★
Why You'll Like It: A brilliant puzzle game where you manipulate the rules of the game world using logic syntax similar to programming.
- #19 EmuDevz
78% matchVery Positive89% of 61 reviews2026
Dev: [r]labs
Windows · Mac · Linux
A game about building emulators! Implement your own NEEES core in JavaScript, get instant feedback with unit/video tests, build the graphics unit in real time, learn 6502 assembly, debug test ROMs, and have fun with the included homebrew games!
Why similar: Programming 32.1% ★, Game Development 29.9% ★, Simulation 26%, Education 12%
- #20 Learn Programming: Python - Retro
81% matchMixed69% of 59 reviews2021
Dev: Niema Moshiri
Windows
A terminal-based game for learning and practicing how to program in Python.
Why similar: Programming 72.2% ★, Education 27.8%
Why You'll Like It: A dedicated educational tool that uses a retro aesthetic to teach the basics of Python programming.
- #21 Pixel Art Academy: Learn Mode
76% matchVery Positive97% of 414 reviews2024
Dev: Matej 'Retro' JanPub: Retronator
Windows · Mac · Linux
Learn how to draw pixel art with a video game! Start from zero and develop real art skills in a relaxing way. Complete interactive tutorials, draw pixel art sprites, and play the games you create. Everyone can do this!
Why similar: Game Development 43.2% ★, Simulation 29.1%, Education 15.7%, Utilities 12% ★
- #22 Game Builder Tycoon - Prologue
77% matchMixed61% of 67 reviews2024
Dev: AM PlayhousePub: PlayWay S.A.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Game Builder Tycoon - Prologue is a free simulation game in which you begin your journey as an indie game developer. Personalize your character, craft hit games, manage marketing and research stuff. Create best game on the planet!
Why similar: Game Development 41.9% ★, Simulation 33.7%, Programming 24.4% ★
- #23 Indie Game Sim
79% matchVery Positive91% of 57 reviews2016
Dev: Valadria
Windows · Mac
Become an indie game developer! Make your own games by hand and publish them on a fantasy market like Steam. Earn fans, receive brutal reviews, and battle your inner demons. Can you become the creator of your dreams?
Why similar: Simulation 100%
Why You'll Like It: A simulation that captures the indie developer experience, focusing on the challenges of small-scale production.
- #24 Indie Dev Story
76% matchVery Positive84% of 111 reviews2024
Dev: CBgameDev
Windows
Indie Dev Story - Quit your job to become an indie developer and make your first game!
Why similar: Simulation 100%
- #25 Super Markup Man
79% matchVery Positive82% of 127 reviews2016
Dev: Roppy Chop Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Learn HTML and CSS through a 2D puzzle platformer! Carry and place real web tags, solve logic-based levels, and build your own web page templates. No coding needed!
Why similar: Game Development 41% ★, Programming 36.3% ★, Education 22.6%
Why You'll Like It: An educational platformer that teaches the basics of HTML and CSS through level design.
- #26 Intuitive Level Design
75% matchVery Positive83% of 52 reviews2025
Dev: Magic Beard Studios
Windows
"Intuitive Level Design" is an interactive course designed for aspiring game developers. Find and activate commentary nodes scattered throughout the game to learn about the core principles of intuitive level design, illustrated with dozens of practical examples. Learn while having fun!
Why similar: Game Development 71.5% ★, Education 28.5%
- #27 GameDev Life Simulator 🎮🕹
77% matchMixed58% of 152 reviews2023
Dev: Octo Games studio
Windows
In the Simulator of a game developer, you will be able to understand all the subtleties of this profession, understand how the game industry works and all the difficulties of one developer.
Why similar: Simulation 100%
- #28 SirKwitz
74% matchVery Positive94% of 86 reviews2024
Dev: Predict Edumedia
Windows
Dive into SirKwitz: a beginner-friendly edutainment game that makes learning programming easy & fun! Explore 28 puzzles across four topics to master the very core concepts behind programming and develop your problem-solving skills. Ideal for those that think coding & programming are scary words!
Why similar: Simulation 40.6%, Programming 37.4% ★, Education 22.1%
- #29 I Wanna Be A Game Dev!
72% matchVery Positive95% of 218 reviews2024
Dev: Lyko Studio
Windows · Mac
Live out your school days as you navigate the rocky world of game development! Can you make an amazing game, or will something get in the way?
Why similar: Game Development 63.7% ★, Simulation 36.3%
- #30 Game Dev Story
73% matchVery Positive91% of 1,391 reviews2022
Dev: Kairosoft Co.,Ltd
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 22.5 hrs≥1hr: 73%
Work hard and you may reach the top of the video game industry!
Why similar: Game Development 32.4% ★, Programming 28.8% ★, Simulation 22.6%, Software 16.3% ★
- #31 Mad Games Tycoon 2
69% matchVery Positive94% of 7,643 reviews2023
Dev: Eggcode
Windows · Mac
Median: 15.0 hrsMean: 36.6 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Start your own game development studio in 1976. Build your own offices, production facilities and server rooms. Develop the games of your dreams and produce the next next-gen console. Rise from a small garage company to a huge corporation.
Why similar: Game Development 39.3% ★, Simulation 35.5%, Programming 25.2% ★
- #32 3D Skills Start Here
70% matchMostly Negative33% of 52 reviews2025
Dev: Dave MillsPub: XRIO
Windows
Want to learn Blender but don't know where to start? START HERE! *Share your feedback on our Discord!
Why similar: Simulation 49%, Software 30.2% ★, Education 20.8%
- #33 Game Dev Studio
71% matchVery Positive85% of 676 reviews2018
Dev: Explosive Squat Games
Windows · Linux
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 10.9 hrs≥1hr: 55%
Welcome to your own Game Dev Studio! How will you run your own offices and ascend to greatness in the gaming industry?
Why similar: Simulation 100%
- #34 Multiplayer FPS Demo
73% matchMixed56% of 201 reviews2017
Dev: Vitor PêgasPub: Oryzhon Studios
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 8.3 hrs≥1hr: 37%
Ever wanted to create your own Multiplayer FPS? Now you can!"But.. it's hard." No, it isn't, you just need motivation and some basic programming knowledge.This game is the Free-to-play Demo of what you can create by watching the Video Series "How to Create a Multiplayer FPS in Unity" available on Steam Video Platform!
- #35 Indie Dev Simulator
71% matchMixed65% of 91 reviews2020
Dev: Egor MagurinPub: Indovers Studio
Windows · Mac
In this game, you're playing as game developer and encounter typical problems like eating and sleeping. You need to correctly allocate your time for human needs, hobbies and work, to live another day as indie developer.
Why similar: Simulation 100%
- #36 PC Building Simulator
65% matchVery Positive94% of 52,512 reviews2019
Dev: Claudiu KissPub: The Irregular Corporation
Windows
Median: 4.8 hrsMean: 38.2 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Build and grow your very own computer repair enterprise as you learn to diagnose, fix and build PCs. With real-world licensed components and comprehensive hardware and software simulation, you can plan and bring your ultimate PC to life.
Why similar: Simulation 68.2%, Education 31.8%
- #37 Hacker Simulator: Free Trial
67% matchMostly Positive79% of 474 reviews2022
Dev: Save All Studio
Windows
Become a hacker and build your online reputation to the top by discovering a simplified and enjoyable version of real-life hacking methods. Complete contracts, buy new programs, upgrade your computer, crack wifi networks and infiltrate peoples or companies online systems.
Why similar: Simulation 78.5%, Programming 21.5% ★
- #38 MAKE IT as an Artist
68% matchVery Positive82% of 119 reviews2017
Dev: Deathink
Windows
Super happy fun time artist simulator!!!
Why similar: Simulation 100%
- #39 Mad Games Tycoon
66% matchVery Positive91% of 4,416 reviews2016
Dev: Eggcode
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.2 hrsMean: 20.3 hrs≥1hr: 67%
Form your own game studio set in the early 1980s in a small garage. Develop your own game ideas, create a team and develop megahit video games. Research new technologies, train your staff and upgrade your office space, going from a lowly garage to a huge building. Expand your business and dominate the world market for video games!
Why similar: Simulation 60.1%, Programming 39.9% ★
- #40 Dev Inc
67% matchMixed60% of 86 reviews2021
Dev: Huntah
Windows
An in depth game development simulation game
Why similar: Game Development 52.9% ★, Simulation 47.1%
- #41 AI Learns To Drive
62% matchVery Positive97% of 183 reviews2025
Dev: ActivationFunction
Windows
Train AI to drive! Create your own neural network and watch it evolve from chaos to mastery with the power of evolutionary algorithms and natural selection. Fine-tune the learning process to craft the ultimate AI driver, and test your creation in campaign challenges or on custom-built tracks.
Why similar: Simulation 42.4%, Programming 36.5% ★, Education 21.1%
