Players generally agree online that Game Dev Tycoon takes around 8 to 9 hours to play. However, did you know that you can extend or shorten the game? Let’s take a look at what options you can set, as well as what events will happen while you play the classic version for 35 years.
Basic in-game years/time settings
There are a total of three game length settings in the game:
- 30 years (fast)
- 35 years (recommended)
- 42 years (long)
Setting the length is done before the start of a new game in the advanced settings, which is hidden under the cogwheel just like the pirate mode option and cannot be changed afterwards.
I don’t recommend changing it, everything will be too fast or too slow – the 35 years option is enough to enjoy the game in the format the developers intended.
When are the events happening?
In the more advanced stages, a game show is held every year around the 6th month. So it’s a good idea to release big games after the show where you can show them being worked on and get more hype.
In the course of time, you may get an offer for cooperation where you have to pay something with the promise that you will get something. I think that apart from office improvements everything is a scam that will not end well and there is no point in fulfilling these events any more.
From time to time you may be approached by fans who want your old engine for making fan games. Feel free to lend it to them for free. It will increase the number of fans who will then buy your games.
When are special research unlocked?
There are several special research in the game that open up as you play. Specifically, the following technologies/research that you can try over time.
| Special research | Year |
|---|---|
| Target Audience | Y3 M1 W1 |
| Casual Games | Y3 M11 W1 |
| Marketing | Y4 M5 W2 |
| Sequels | Y8 M6 |
| Multi Genre | Y12 M8 |
| Multi-Platform | Y17 M2 W4 |
You may be wondering when other technologies are unlocked. These are unlocked based on the level of the previous technologies you have in the custom game engine which are no longer time dependent. To upgrade these technologies you have to gain better and better levels.
When do platforms unlock?
The game platforms are also unlocked during game time. The basic platform is count, which is available from start to finish. As the game progresses, other platforms arise and disappear, taking up a portion of the market and disappearing after a few years.
There are 25 other platforms available alongside the PC and G64 during the game, copying well-known developer brands, but the developers of Game Dev Tycoon ended up altering each brand slightly for rights reasons.
| Year | Platfrorm |
|---|---|
| Y2 M3 W2 | TES |
| Y3 M6 W4 | Master V |
| Y4 M9 W2 | Gameling |
| Y4 M2 W4 | VenaGear |
| Y5 M11 W1 | Vena Oasis |
| Y6 M10 W4 | Super TES |
| Y8 M8 W1 | Playsystem |
| Y10 M6 W2 | TES 64 |
| Y11 M9 W4 | DreamVast |
| Y13 M2 W1 | Playsystem 2 |
| Y13 M10 W4 | MBox |
| Y14 M11 W4 | Game Sphere |
| Y15 M10 W1 | GS |
| Y16 M6 W2 | PPS |
| Y19 M4 W1 | MBox 360 |
| Y20 M1 W3 | Nuu |
| Y20 M4 W4 | Wuu |
| Y20 M10 W4 | Playsystem 3 |
| Y21 M8 W2 | GrPhone |
| Y22 M9 W1 | GrPad |
| Y24 M2 W3 | MPad |
| Y26 M6 W2 | OYA |
| Y27 M6 W1 | MBox One |
| Y27 M8 W2 | Playsystem 4 |
| Y32 M2 W1 | MBox Next |
| Y32 M4 W3 | Playsystem 5 |
When do the offices unlock?
Unlocking additional offices in Game Dev Tycoon is both time-based and dependent on meeting the conditions of number of employees and amount of money in your account. Let’s take a look at each level.
The option to move to new offices will appear after 5 months from the time you meet the criteria.
| Level | Money on account | Year | Other information |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | – | starting office (garage) |
| 2 | 1M | – | first office with 4 employers |
| 3 | 5M | Y11 M6 W2 | “upgrade PC option” |
| 4 | 16M | Y13 M9 W2 | new building |
There is also an office upgrade called Hardware Lab and R&D Lab so to make it work you have to be at the last level and you have to employ specialists.
