Sawyer had to be conscious of available memory during every decision in order to achieve an acceptable performance level on a wide range of PCs. PC limitations would be a big problem for the game. Sawyer recalls, “I spent a lot of time on research at the beginning but mostly from books and videos rather than trips to theme parks, and the game’s toolset sort of grew organically depending on what really interested me personally and also what was possible within the limited power and capacity of the PC at that time (around 1997-1998).” Following this game’s moderate success, he began exploring new challenges and soon settled on the idea of a theme park management sim, where players work through a number of scenarios while trying to turn over a profit. Prior to that, he’d already made a name for himself by being the lead designer on Transport Tycoon ( a favourite of Adam's), a game where players build supply routes and move goods around a map. We took the opportunity to speak to Sawyer about his work on RollerCoaster Tycoon and to get his opinions on the genre’s status as a whole.īefore starting, it’s worth noting that, although, RollerCoaster Tycoon is Sawyer’s most popular title, it wasn’t his first foray into the simulation genre. Initially released on iOS and android, the game has finally made its way onto PC. We’ve even seen the return of RollerCoaster Tycoon, in the form of RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic, a revamped version of the first two games by the original designer Chris Sawyer. Cities: Skylines, Prison Architect, and Planet Coaster, among others, give a wide range of creations to simulate and control. Planet Coaster felt like work.Ĭan you tell it felt like work? I don't work.Management games have had quite a turbulent ride over the last two decades, but for the moment the genre seems to be on the up. I find the journey in Parkitect more satisfying as it's simple and quick moving and enjoyable. In this case, I guess it's more than the end result. I'm very impressed by the stuff people make and what it can do, but I don't enjoy the process at all. Planet Coaster is a construction tool more than anything. Parkitect is moving slow, but they have the game in mind. Plus, I prefer there still be some game about. I'm looking for a diversion, not a full time job (both in time and skills needed).Īnd I know it's not just me because all these insane creations people make take 40, 50 or 100 hours.for one building or ride or whatever. Flexible as all hell, but tedious and complicated.

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