Life Simulation
Ongoing coverage on Life Simulation.
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XCOM designer Jake Solomon reveals "Life Sims + The Truman Show" game... while announcing his studio's closure
Midsummer Studios, co-founded by XCOM developer Jake Solomon, is closing down just months after its May 2024 announcement. The studio's debut project, 'Burbank,' described as 'Life Sims + The Truman Show' and featuring generative AI for character interaction, will not be released by the company. Solomon expressed pride in the studio and the game despite the closure.
Jake Solomon-led Midsummer Studios shuts down
Midsummer Studios, founded by Firaxis Games veteran Jake Solomon, has ceased operations after two years. The studio, which raised $6 million in funding, was developing a life simulation game called Burbank. Solomon shared footage of the game, noting its use of AI for character writing and voice acting, while emphasizing that all art was created by human artists.
The Best Upcoming Cozy Games To Keep On Your Radar In 2026
This article highlights upcoming cozy games scheduled for release in 2026 and beyond, focusing on titles that offer relaxing gameplay, wholesome stories, and gentle exploration. Featured games include Petit Planet, Fangtopia, The Witch's Bakery, Fable, and Witchbrook, spanning genres like life simulation, puzzle, RPG, and farming simulation.
Starsand Island is a life and farming sim that isn't gacha, and it's out next week
Starsand Island, a life and farming simulation game from Seed Sparkle Lab, will launch into Early Access on February 11 for PC and Xbox. The developer anticipates a short Early Access period, with a full release planned for summer 2024, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch versions, along with Steam Deck support and multiplayer. The game features storybook, anime-inspired aesthetics and includes farming, mining, social interactions, and combat.
Best Cozy Games To Cuddle Up With In 2026
This guide highlights the best cozy games available in 2026, focusing on titles that offer comfort and escapism through farming, creativity, and social simulation. The list includes popular games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Stardew Valley, alongside indie gems such as Thrifty Business and Tiny Bookshop, catering to various preferences within the cozy genre.
Heartopia captures the hearts of Animal Crossing and The Sims fans to become the No.1 free download across 50 countries
The new life simulation game Heartopia, developed by XD Games, has achieved the No. 1 free download spot on the App Store in over 50 countries. The game, a blend of Animal Crossing and The Sims, is available on iOS and Android, with a PC release planned for 2026. XD Games is celebrating the launch with in-game rewards and upcoming seasonal content, including a My Little Pony collaboration.
Heartopia finally gets a release date... on everything but Steam
The life simulation game Heartopia, developed by XD Games, will launch on January 7, 2026, for Android, iOS, and PC via TapTap, but its Steam release is delayed. Pre-registration is open, offering in-game bonuses for players who sign up.
Where To Pre-Order Pokémon Pokopia For Nintendo Switch 2
Pokémon Pokopia is launching on Nintendo Switch 2 on March 5, 2026, offering a life-simulation experience where players build a town with Pokémon. This guide details pre-order options in the US and UK, including retailer-specific bonuses like tote bags and in-game items. The game utilizes a Game-Key Card format, requiring a download even for physical copies.
Pre-orders live for Dinkum's physical Switch release
Pre-orders are now open for the physical Nintendo Switch edition of Dinkum, a life simulation game developed by James Bendon. The physical release is scheduled for January 30, 2026, with North American pre-orders at GameStop offering exclusive Day-1 bonuses including a keyring and a costume set. Purchases from other retailers will still include the costume set.
New trailer shared for Tanuki: Pon's Summer
A new trailer has been released for the upcoming game Tanuki: Pon's Summer. Players will deliver packages, compete in sports, and restore a shrine within a one-month in-game period. The game is inspired by various Japanese cities and will feature activities like baseball, fishing, and sumo wrestling.
Games Like Animal Crossing To Get Cozy With In 2026
This guide explores games similar to Nintendo's Animal Crossing, focusing on titles that offer lovable villagers, town/island maintenance, and cozy vibes. It highlights various games across multiple platforms, including Stardew Valley, Cozy Grove, and Disney Dreamlight Valley, detailing their similarities and differences to the beloved life simulation series.
How to Research Angry Emotion in Sims 4
This guide details various methods within The Sims 4 to induce an 'Angry' emotion in Sims, a state useful for specific gameplay interactions. It outlines multiple in-game actions and scenarios, such as viewing angry paintings, interacting with angry Sims, or dealing with unfaithful partners, that can trigger this moodlet. The article also briefly touches upon ways to calm an angry Sim.
Amazing Cultivation Simulator Review: The Doctor's Assessment - Doctors of Gaming
Amazing Cultivation Simulator is a challenging life and building simulation game set in Chinese mythology, developed by GSQ Games and published by Gamera Game. Players manage a sect, balancing material and spiritual needs to achieve immortality, with a unique aesthetic and mechanics that encourage mindful play. Despite ongoing translation issues and occasional difficulty spikes, the game offers deep gameplay and engaging content, further expanded by its DLCs.
Best Animal Crossing Games Of All Time
This reader-ranked list explores the best games in the Animal Crossing series, celebrating its 25th anniversary. It ranks all mainline entries and notable spin-offs released in English, from the original Dōbutsu no Mori on Nintendo 64 to the highly successful Animal Crossing: New Horizons on Nintendo Switch. The ranking considers user scores and excludes apps and content within other games.
By: Shmgreat
This article presents a personal top 5 list of video games, including Assassin's Creed: Revelations on Xbox 360, Battlefield 3 and The Sims 3 on PC, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, and Crysis 2 on Xbox 360.