7 Online Simulation Game Success Stories [2024]

Updated: November 19th, 2023
Create An Online Simulation Game

An online simulation game business involves creating and managing virtual games that mimic real-life situations or scenarios.

These games can range from running a virtual farm to managing a city or even simulating professional activities like flying an airplane.

To start this business, you'll need basic computer skills, creativity, and a passion for gaming.

You can use free or low-cost game development platforms to create your simulations, and once they’re ready, you can sell or offer them online for a profit.

This low-cost venture taps into the growing demand for engaging virtual experiences, making it a potentially lucrative option for budding entrepreneurs.

Here are some real life success stories of starting a online simulation game:

1. Monster MMORPG ($2.4K/year)

Furkan, the only owner and developer of Monster MMORPG, came up with the idea for his browser-based creature hunting game during his third year of Bachelor's education. Inspired by the popularity of fan-made Pokemon games, he and his colleague created a simple game that gained massive attention from players worldwide. After graduation, Furkan continued to develop the game solo, eventually converting it into a unique, full copyright-owned, branded creature hunting game. Today, Monster MMORPG generates about $200 per month and has a dedicated player base that has been with the game for around 10 years.

How much they make: $2.4K/year
How much did it cost to start: $100
Current team size: 1

article

I Turned A Fan-Made Project Into A Successful Online Game

Monster MMORPG is a browser-based creature hunting game generating $200 per month from ads and Patreon support, started as a fan-made project in 2009, and developed by a single owner and developer.

About
Furkan started Monster MMORPG over 14 years ago
Revenue
Furkan grew the business to $200/month
Costs
It cost Furkan $100 to start the business
Read by 2,380 founders

2. Twitch ($9K/year)

How much they make: $9K/year
Current team size:

How I earn $750 per month in Axie Infinity

Discover how one founder scaled their startup from a kitchen table idea to a global powerhouse, securing over $10 million in funding and reaching over 1 million customers in just three years, all while maintaining a strong company culture and focus on sustainability.

Revenue
They grew the business to $750/month
Read by 63 founders

So... can you actually make money with a online simulation game?

Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.

But how?

  1. Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
  2. Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
  3. Take action, because now you have the roadmap.

Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:

Start Now

3. 24/7 Golf ($6M/year)

In his early years, Igor displayed his entrepreneurial spirit by selling drinking water at a school camp, only to be scolded by bureaucrats. After years of corporate and consulting jobs, he found his passion in golf and decided to start a business selling affordable golf simulators. By leveraging his industry expertise and becoming known as a thought leader in the golf simulator community, Igor was able to attract customers and drive sales through word of mouth and online marketing tactics.

How much they make: $6M/year
Current team size: 3

article

How I Built A $500K/Month Golf Simulator Business

Australian startup founder Igor built a virtual golf empire selling affordable golf simulators for personal and commercial use, leading to the growth of his e-commerce platform and establishment of an event hire business, all through the power of online networking.

About
Igor started 24/7 Golf almost 8 years ago
Revenue
Igor grew the business to $500K/month
Read by 13,800 founders

So... can you actually make money with a online simulation game?

Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.

But how?

  1. Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
  2. Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
  3. Take action, because now you have the roadmap.

Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:

Start Now

4. World of Card Games ($48K/year)

How much they make: $48K/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
Current team size: 0

article

I Acquired An Online Card Game And Solo Run It [$4K/Month Revenue]

This case study article follows the journey of a designer-turned-programmer who acquired a multiplayer card game website, World of Card Games, and managed to increase its revenue to $4,000 per month within a year, sharing insights on building the product, launching the business, and attracting and retaining customers.

About
Holger started World of Card Games about 11 years ago
Revenue
Holger grew the business to $4K/month
Costs
It cost Holger $1000 to start the business
Read by 5,527 founders