There’s a wide variety of games that fall into the management genre, including some much-loved titles such as House Flipper 2. The following are the 10 best management games of 2023 from various subgenres.
2023’s Top 10 Management Games
The management genre has a variety of games under its wing, like city builders, tycoons, or sports managers. A majority of the best titles this year came in the form of city builders, with different aspects represented in each. The following games are listed in alphabetical order, with multiple subgenres showing off their strengths.
Against the Storm
After an apocalyptic rain wipes out most of civilization, you’re charged by the Scorched Queen to reclaim the woods and build settlements for the people in Against the Storm. Not only do you need to manage the happiness and productivity of a single race, but you’ll also have to choose between the wants of various species, including Foxes and Harpies. Featuring roguelite mechanics, even if a settlement fails, you’ll still be able to progress the game, which makes more sense to me than having to start over. Will you survive the Blightstorm, or will you be washed away?
Big Ambitions
Big Ambitions launched into Early Access in March. Since then it’s seen a number of optimization and gameplay adjustments to its New York City business management mechanics. Instead of being pigeonholed into creating a specific type of company, you’re able to choose if you want a huge corporation or a small business. You can run a law firm or restaurant or go into web development. It’s a management game where you’ll need to interact with the world you’re in to obtain supplies and vehicles and make it to retirement.
Dune: Spice Wars
Dune Spice Wars will fill your need for Spice while we’re still waiting for the second movie in the Dune series to premiere. Survive the sands of Arrakis with leaders such as Baron Harkonnen or Duke Atreides on your side. Choose a faction with unique skills to aid in your quest to control the Spice flow. You’ll need to manage your resources, discover villages, and balance war and politics to win this strategy game. You can also play with or against your friends in a 2v2 multiplayer mode.
F1 Manager 2023
F1 Manager 2023 was the best of the best when it comes to race management titles released this year. Race replay allows you to live the events of the 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship, and a new circuit along the Las Vegas Strip puts you behind the wheel for all the action. The new Driver Tactics mechanic allows you to tell drivers how you want them to achieve the win, weighing the pros and cons of various actions. You can even manage how your Pit Crew operates with a Sporting Director, giving you the most control you’ve ever had.
House Flipper 2
The widely anticipated House Flipper 2 was released in mid-December and already has over 2,700 positive reviews on Steam. On top of that, the previous record of 15,900 simultaneous players in House Flipper was smashed, with a new record set for the sequel. Visuals and mechanics from the first were updated or adjusted to allow for a smoother gaming experience. Story Mode will let you renovate homes and discover the history of Pinnacove, while Sandbox Mode gives you the freedom to build the house of your dreams.
Papa’s Freezeria Deluxe
A good ol’ time management game, Papa’s Freezeria Deluxe has you slinging ice cream to impatient tourists. With the typical time management features of increasing difficulty and additional toppings or items to create, you’re also able to take a break from the shop and adventure in a food truck where your creativity can shine. The remastered game keeps the shop open all year round, adding in special seasonal sundaes, holiday decor, unlockable outfits, and Daily Specials. This is a must for players of the original Papa’s Freezeria.
Pokemon Sleep
If you’re having a hard time sleeping, you’ll want to check out the helpful habits and tips in Pokemon Sleep. As a mobile app, it tracks your sleep patterns and gives you feedback on how to improve your nightly rest. On top of that, you get to see cute Pokemon sleeping, learn their different sleep styles, and train your trusty Snorlax. This is a fun way to manage your sleep schedule, get into a routine, and keep things lighthearted while improving your health.
Potion Tycoon
Have you ever stirred a pot of soup and pretended you were a witch? If the answer’s yes, then Potion Tycoon is for you. If you answered no, it’s still for you, but you may want to try magically cooking a stew. You don’t know what you’re missing. In this tycoon title, you’ll be managing a potion shop that provides products to the local residents, as well as the occasional adventurer. Grow your business to a multi-level corporation by taking charge of staff, adjusting prices, and watching market trends. Source ingredients, experiment to learn new recipes, and obtain fame and fortune as the best potion maker in the land.
Railway Empire 2
With improved track building and two large maps to cover, Railway Empire 2 picks up where the first game left off. Released in May, it already has an expansion DLC, as well as other packs that enhance the game’s tactics. Ensure the trains make it where they need to go by utilizing multi-tracks that can span eight trains with signals automatically placed at intersections or railway reductions. Maps and cities are more detailed, and you can even board a train to watch the world zoom by. Playable solo or co-op, you can embark on 14 story missions or just build the track of your dreams in Free Play Mode.
Stranded: Alien Dawn
The last title in our top 10, Stranded Alien Dawn is another city builder. However, this one mixes in survival and strategy elements, as well. Shipwrecked on an unknown planet, you’re in charge of a band of survivors. Create a settlement, fortify its walls, and battle the everchanging elements to ensure the safety of the people. Manage your limited resources and those of the planet, prepare for alien attacks, decide how food will be sourced, and keep the residents happy as you build your tiny village into a thriving metropolis.
Those are the top 10 best management games of 2023. From simple time management games to complex strategy titles, there are multiple ways to enjoy the genre. If you’re looking for a present for a management enthusiast or a treat for yourself, these games are the place to start. Be sure to check out our other Best of 2023 lists, too.
