Guide

Video Games and Sims That Can Teach You About Finance

One of the main attractions to gaming in the first place is obviously the fun and entertainment it provides, but it can also represent an alternative way to learn about something. For example, gamers who aren’t necessarily clued up on soccer can educate themselves on the beautiful game through products like EA Sports FC 24. Likewise, games like Call of Duty offer gamers an insight into the workings of weapons and how to navigate combat situations, while food-themed titles like BurgerTime help people perfect their burger-making skills in real life.

In the world of finance, we’re also able to make the most of a variety of products that enable us to gain a clearer understanding of the financial markets. Likewise, there are a number of money-related titles that have a strong focus on budgeting, while other options give gamers a unique insight into strategies around building and maintaining capital. For financial traders, in particular, there is an abundance of games that can be played in their spare time. Likewise, for aspiring traders who are keen to soak up any information related to the stock markets and forex, there are some standout releases.

Of course, these games aren’t going to provide a deep enough dive into the world of trading, but they can supplement other materials. For beginners, there are many ways to learn about financial trading, not least through demo accounts or educational resources on brokers’ websites. There are other options, too, such as copy trading or online auto trading strategies, which allow you to mimic the trades of successful traders on a specific platform. It’s a good option for beginners, as they can build a strategy by copying experienced players in the industry. That said, learning the ropes of finance can be achieved through a variety of means, including some video games, but it’s always worth conducting your own research alongside any gaming escapades in this arena.

Overall, though, there are plenty of finance games and sims to play that can be enjoyed alongside your YouTube binges and detailed reading sessions. Let’s take a look at some of them below.

Trading Game: Stocks & Forex

Available to play on iOS devices, Trading Game: Stocks & Forex is a stock market simulator and trading academy that covers the world of trading in extensive detail. In the game, players are able to gain knowledge and experience in trading, perhaps by mastering strategies and certain markets, all without having to put any real money on the line. There are fun trading battles to get stuck into, the real-time graphs are fascinating, and while it does have its flaws as it’s not entirely representative of the trading landscape, it’s a game that beginners will enjoy.

House Flipper

Most of society invests their hard-earned cash in houses. Getting on the property ladder is tough to accomplish, though. However, some people get there and even manage to build up their own real estate investment empire. That’s exactly what House Flipper entails, a Steam favourite that tasks players with flipping houses. From rundown properties that require a major facelift, to houses with the potential to bring in a strong profit, this engaging release will give you the lowdown on all things in the real estate investment sphere. If you’re interested in real estate, then House Flipper is definitely worth a download.

The Great Piggy Bank Adventure

Many people grew up with a piggy bank at their disposal, with parents perhaps topping it up after a successful school report or relatives adding to it on birthdays. As such, it comes as no surprise to find products like The Great Piggy Bank Adventure out there. A virtual board game release, players pick a goal they’d like to reach, before being able to save for it by putting coins into piggy banks with different savings rates. The essence of the game is to essentially save enough to reach your ultimate goal. While this fun product takes the seriousness out of saving struggles, it provides enough education about money management and the positive impact saving can have on an individual. As such, The Great Piggy Bank Adventure warrants some attention.

Build Your Stax

A top game that has received a number of positive reviews in recent times, Build Your Stax challenges players with growing their wealth over a 20-year period. Featuring a variety of classic decision-making points in an individual’s life, players have to manage their savings, invest in the right things and at the right times, navigate major life transition costs, crash stocks, and loads more. A top investing and saving game that can also be explored with friends and family, Build Your Stax is a solid product in this category.

The Sims

A well-liked classic that has been entertaining mass audiences for decades, The Sims is a product that will certainly boost your financial savviness. While you’ll also have to design your home and smash through a selection of tasks that aren’t necessarily related to finance, The Sims also boasts a range of features that cater to money management. Players have to budget their limited funds, find a job in order to improve their living conditions and experience the type of financial growth that occurs in the real world. A realistic offering that is capable of keeping you entertained for a good few hours at a time, The Sims’ strong reputation among the gaming community is understandable as soon as you sample it for yourself.

Kerbal Space Program

(Image via https://twitter.com/DerekL1963)

Although Kerbal Space Program’s main focus is around space and venturing into unknown environments, it’s a game that also possesses a varied package, with some aspects of it focusing on teaching financial lessons, particularly when players mine for precious metals and barter for resources. Instilling a strong work ethic and offering a strong focus on strategy, saving money and allocating it towards must-have resources is a major part of Kerbal Space Program’s offering. It’s a great game.