This Addictive Simulation Game Is One of the Top-Selling Games On Steam


SOURCE: CBR.COM
DEC 20, 2024

By Matthew Evans

Simulation games have become a huge part of the gaming world. There's a video game simulation of nearly every job, sport, hobby, or activity imaginable. Titles like Powerwash Simulator, Farming Simulator, Car Mechanic Simulator, and even Goat Simulator are among the most well-known. Recently, a new addition to this genre has quietly become one of the top-selling games on Steam and, as of writing, holds a full 10/10 rating with over 31,000 reviews. These reviews and sales figures are even more impressive when considering the game is still in early access.

This title fulfills a fantasy of many in the comic and gaming world, as it revolves around opening a card shop. The virtual store isn't selling greeting cards but trading cards. Players must stock the latest booster packs, sell rare cards, and can even host events and competitions. In true simulator fashion, staff can be hired, the shop can be decorated, and prices can be set.

TCG Card Shop Simulator Is a Hit Simulation Game

There Are Thousands of Active Players on Steam

TCG card shop simulator cards
TCG Card Shop Simulator Shelves
TCG Card Shop Simulator gameplay
TCG Card shop simulator cash register
TCG card shop simulator stinky shoppers
TCG card shop simulator cards
TCG Card Shop Simulator Shelves
TCG Card Shop Simulator gameplay
TCG Card shop simulator cash register
TCG card shop simulator stinky shoppers

TCG Card Shop Simulator might look a little rough around the edges, but thanks to its addictive gameplay, it's won over tons of fans. Like other simulator games, players start with the bare essentials to get to grips with the game's mechanics. From there, they can begin building their empire. The game offers extensive customization options, including different tables, chairs, shelves, counters, plushies, display cases, and a wide variety of cards and booster packs. This is where the realism kicks in. Prices need to be set carefully—not so high that business dries up, but not so low that rent can't be paid or new stock can't be purchased.

While the formula might seem familiar to simulation game fans, TCG Card Shop Simulator has a unique mechanic called stinky shoppers. As the name suggests, some customers enter the shop with a green fog around them, either to buy cards or battle against other people's decks. Players must deal with these customers quickly, either by serving them immediately or kicking them out. If even one of these fragrant patrons lingers too long, other customers will be scared away. The good news is that this onslaught of pungent patrons can be mitigated later on when an air freshener becomes available for the shop.

A joyful Pokemon, Pikachu, leaping out of MtG's One Ring and trading cards

Why is this game such a big hit? One reason TCG Card Shop Simulator has sold so well is that it caters to its audience perfectly. There's quite a bit of overlap between gamers and trading card enthusiasts, so giving this demographic a chance to sit back and run their own virtual card shop is a no-brainer.

Why Gamers Can't Get Enough of Simulation Games

Simulation Games Are Bigger Than Ever

TCG card shop simulator storefront
powerwash-simulator-1.jpg
a player hand holds a hammer in House Flipper
TCG card shop simulator storefront
powerwash-simulator-1.jpg
a player hand holds a hammer in House Flipper

From card shop simulators to cozy management sims, simulation titles have taken the gaming world by storm. Many people are happy to finish work, go home, and play a video game version of their jobs. Even farming RPGs like Stardew Valley essentially revolve around video game chores. Why are so many people playing games that simulate work? The answer boils down to a lack of responsibility.

In real life, work comes with responsibilities and the possibility of things going wrong. There are no save points or checkpoints, so the ability to go back in a game makes the experience far more enjoyable. Simulation games offer a sense of escapism, allowing players to either fulfill a dream or experience their day job without any stress. In TCG Card Shop Simulator, players can fulfill their trading card empire fantasy without any risk, all for the small price of $10.99.

TCG Card Shop Simulator Isn't the Only Unusual Simulation Game

Some Simulators Are Downright Bizarre

goat-simulator-multiplayer-cropped.jpg

TCG Card Shop Simulator might look strange, but there are plenty of other simulation titles that are much weirder. In Rock Simulator, players do nothing but watch the rock they 'play' as. Along the same lines is Coconut Simulator, which revolves around watching a coconut on the beach.

Other simulation games are a little more involved, like Viscera Cleanup Detail, which has players clean up the remnants of a gruesome battle. In Bee Simulator, players can be a bee collecting pollen. One of the most famous simulation games, Goat Simulator, has players run around as a goat who can destroy buildings and "Fus Ro Dah" like a Dragonborn in Skyrim.

Shadow in Shadow the Hedgehog and Snake in Metal Gear Acid

Whether game developers wanted to try something new or publishing studios chased temporary trends, game series like GTA and MGS, went off the rails.

Lots of other simulation games revolve around mundane chores players can do in real life. PC Building Simulator lets players build a gaming PC while playing on their gaming PC. Forklift Simulator lets players work as a forklift truck driver, and Dishwasher Simulator has players soap and scrub plates and utensils clean. Working at a card shop isn't easy in the real world, but TCG Card Shop Simulator proves that pretending to work can be a lot of fun.