Hello Kitty Island Adventure and Disney Dreamlight Valley are only two out of hundreds of games currently making waves in the simulation genre. Cozy gaming has long been a profitable video game genre, but official forays by larger IPs into the genre have only cropped up recently. Both Hello Kitty Island Adventure and Disney Dreamlight Valley were released post-pandemic and after the massive success of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, when cozy gaming and video games as a whole saw a spike in popularity.
The rise in IP-based simulation games has also made headway with indie studios, not just AAAs. Tales of the Shire, slated to release in July of this year, is yet another IP-based simulation game created by indie developer Wētā Workshop. With so many different IP-based simulation games throwing their hats in the ring, and studios and developers across the gaming industry assisting in their creation, it’s clear that IP-based simulation games may be the next big thing.
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The Animal Crossing franchise should be inspired by a key Hello Kitty: Island Adventure feature as it preps for its next title.
IP-Based Games Hook Players Till the Next Animal Crossing
Because Hello Kitty Island Adventure, Disney Dreamlight Valley, and Tales of the Shire all have the brand recognition of Sanrio, Disney, and the Lord of the Rings universe respectively, many players automatically have a reason for testing these games out. The Animal Crossing franchise has established itself similarly, with players eager for the next title regardless of what’s in store.
While cozy gamers should of course give indie simulation games a fair chance, IP-based simulation games could fill out a year with large-scale releases, essentially filling the gaps until the next Animal Crossing title is released. Players and critics alike have speculated that the next Animal Crossing title could debut alongside the Nintendo Switch 2, though this has yet to be confirmed.
With the Switch 2 releasing sometime this year, major companies have a prime opportunity to throw their hat into the simulation game ring. Even if these popular IPs don’t capitalize on the simulation genre this year, companies should definitely consider expanding into the genre further down the line.
These Franchises Should Try Their Hand at Simulation Games
Disney Properties are Primed for the Genre
Disney Dreamlight Valley has a unique impact on which popular IPs can expand into the simulation genre. At this time, Disney Dreamlight Valley has only added characters to its roster from Walt Disney Animation and Pixar Studios. Neither Gameloft nor Disney has confirmed that this will remain the case, meaning that other IPs from Disney could make their way into Disney Dreamlight Valley eventually. However, standalone simulation games based on Star Wars and the MCU could be immensely popular. A Star Wars-themed game could follow players creating their own moisture farm on Tatooine, whereas an MCU-themed game could follow players inviting various superheroes to live at Avengers Tower.
One plausible simulation game still under the Disney umbrella would be one based on Winnie the Pooh. Once again, Winnie the Pooh has a high chance of making its way into Disney Dreamlight Valley, as two films based on the lovable bear and his friends have been made by Walt Disney Animation Studios. Nevertheless, a simulation game that specifically allows players to explore the Hundred Acre Wood could be another successful venture for the media giant.
Warner Bros. Should Give Simulation Games a Shot
Warner Bros. Games could capitalize on the success of the Harry Potter franchise and Hogwarts Legacy with a simulation game based on the IP. Focusing on the world’s magical creatures could lead to more Animal Crossing-esque gameplay, whether it’s taking up a role at Hogwarts as the Care for Magical Creatures professor or taking care of dragons in Romania with Charlie Weasley.
Massively successful franchises like Pokemon, Barbie, and Looney Tunes also have good material to support simulation games. Following in Animal Crossing’s footsteps is certainly intimidating, but Hello Kitty Island Adventure and Disney Dreamlight Valley have proven that it’s not only possible, but profitable, and highly entertaining.
- Released
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December 5, 2023
- ESRB
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E For Everyone