11 Free Video Games That Will Develop Your Business & Personal Finance Skills

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I love simulation games. Ever since I played Sim City on the Super Nintendo back in 1990, I’ve been addicted. In fact, I feel simulation games gave me my first lessons in economics. By playing SimCity I learned about taxes, spending, and budgeting. While the real world is a bit more complicated, SimCity gave me a basic understanding.

I still think simulation games have a lot to offer as a way of introducing people to basic financial principles. About.com has put together a nice list of free business simulation games. Play these and you’ll increase your business savvy or at least motivate yourself to become more business savvy. If you think you’re too old or already know enough, have your kids play them. It’s an excellent way to teach your children business and personal finance skills.

1. Simutrans. The goal of Simutrans is to build a network of railroads and bus connections. Think Railroad Tycoon.
2. Food Force. The United Nations helped develop Food Force. The object of the game is feed 6 million people on an island in the Indian Ocean. Food Force will help develop budgeting and planning skills.
3. Lemonade Stand. Lemonade stands are most people’s first introduction to business. Now you can do it online. The object of this game is to make as much profit as possible in 30 days.
4. Chart Wars. Ever wanted to manage a band? Now you can with Chart Wars. You hire bands, plan road trips, and sell albums. Harness your inner Rick Rubin.
5. Fantasy Stock Market. The best way to learn about investing is to actually do it. But if you’re afraid of losing money while you’re learning, check out Fantasy Stock Market. It’s online game in which you compete with other investors to see who can develop the best portfolio.
6. GameBiz. It’s 1983 and you’re video game developer. Try to outperform other well known video game companies like Atari and EA.
7. Industry Player. This game is played online with other registered players. You start off with a set amount of money to be used to grow a business empire.
8. MiniMogul. You take the part as movie producer who invests in future movie releases.
9. Musical Manager 3. It’s the similar to Chart Wars. In this game you’re band manager trying to help your band make it big.
10. Rich Man Game. Perfect the art of the corporate take over in this massive multiplayer game.
11. The Second Chance for Mankind. This is very similar to SimCity. You goal is to build a successful metropolitan area.

If you go through all these and still haven’t satisfied your craving for simulation games, you can always play old school SimCity for free.

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9 Comments

1. Quang on 21.03.2007 at 19:55 (Reply)

   Hey nice list =]

   Have you heard of the board game “Settlers of Catan” I think you’ll like it…

2. The Frugal Law Student on 22.03.2007 at 04:42 (Reply)

   I haven’t heard of the game, Quang. I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for the tip!

3. Wakela on 30.03.2007 at 18:44 (Reply)

   Great list. I’m looking forward to checking these out. Unfortunately, I’ll probably do this at work and damage my actual productivity while developing my financial and business skills.

   Settlers is a great game. In the spirit of this post, there is a good, free online version here.
   http://settlers.servegame.com/

   Many other computer versions of board games here.
   http://www.boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/8323

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9. Quake Live Team on 05.08.2008 at 11:37 (Reply)

   haha good list… I rather develop my fragging skills so I chose to play Quake Deathmatch!

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