Best Management Games of 2023 According to Reddit

Management games have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, captivating players with their complex systems and strategic depth. As we dive into the best management games of 2023, drawn from the insights of Reddit users and enthusiasts, you’ll discover a diverse range of titles that offer engaging experiences and unique mechanics. From running a bustling city to managing a space station, these games provide challenges that test your strategic prowess and decision-making skills.

1. Two Point Campus
Two Point Campus takes the classic formula of Two Point Hospital and applies it to a university setting. The game challenges players to build and manage a college, handling everything from academic programs to student needs. What makes this game stand out is its whimsical art style and the depth of customization it offers. Players can create their ideal campus, design classrooms, and manage staff, all while navigating the quirky demands of students. Reddit users have praised its humor and the satisfaction derived from seeing your campus thrive.

2. Farthest Frontier
For those who enjoy historical and survival elements, Farthest Frontier is a must-play. Set in a harsh, medieval world, players are tasked with building and managing a settlement from the ground up. The game emphasizes resource management, survival, and city planning. Reddit users have highlighted its challenging mechanics and the satisfaction of seeing a small village grow into a thriving town. The game's emphasis on survival aspects adds a layer of tension, making each decision crucial.

3. Dwarf Fortress
Dwarf Fortress is a legendary title known for its deep and complex systems. Despite its challenging learning curve, it remains a favorite among management game enthusiasts. The game allows players to manage a colony of dwarves in a procedurally generated world, dealing with everything from mining to military defense. Reddit users often discuss the game’s steep learning curve but also praise its depth and replayability. The latest updates have made it more accessible while retaining its intricate systems.

4. RimWorld
RimWorld continues to be a standout in the management genre. This game places players in charge of a colony on a distant planet, where they must manage resources, handle colonists' needs, and defend against various threats. The game’s strength lies in its story generation system, which creates unique scenarios and challenges for each playthrough. Reddit users have lauded its replayability and the depth of its simulation, making it a top pick for those who enjoy complex management and storytelling.

5. Banished
Banished offers a different take on city-building games, focusing on the challenges of managing a small community in a medieval setting. The game’s simplicity in graphics is offset by its complex management systems. Players must carefully balance resources, manage the needs of their citizens, and ensure the survival of their town. Reddit users appreciate its challenging gameplay and the need for strategic planning, which keeps the game engaging.

6. Cities: Skylines
Cities: Skylines remains a favorite for those who love urban planning and city management. The game allows players to build and manage a city from scratch, dealing with everything from traffic management to public services. The game’s extensive modding community adds additional layers of customization and complexity. Reddit users frequently discuss its detailed simulation and the creative freedom it offers, making it a top choice for city management enthusiasts.

7. Oxygen Not Included
Oxygen Not Included presents a unique take on management games by placing players in a space colony where they must manage resources and ensure the survival of their colonists in a harsh environment. The game’s focus on resource management and survival creates a challenging and engaging experience. Reddit users highlight its depth and the satisfaction of overcoming its complex systems, making it a standout in the genre.

8. Anno 1800
Anno 1800 blends city-building with economic management in a historical setting. Players build and manage a city during the Industrial Revolution, dealing with trade, production, and social issues. The game’s detailed simulation and historical accuracy have been praised by Reddit users, who appreciate its depth and the challenge of balancing various aspects of city management.

9. Surviving Mars
Surviving Mars challenges players to build and manage a colony on Mars, dealing with the unique challenges of an alien environment. The game focuses on resource management, survival, and the development of a self-sustaining colony. Reddit users have highlighted its engaging gameplay and the thrill of overcoming the challenges of space colonization.

10. Planet Coaster
Planet Coaster allows players to design and manage their own amusement park. The game’s focus on creativity and management provides a fun and engaging experience, with players able to design roller coasters, manage park operations, and cater to visitors’ needs. Reddit users appreciate its detailed simulation and the creative freedom it offers, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy management games with a more lighthearted approach.

As we explore these top management games of 2023, it’s clear that the genre continues to evolve, offering diverse experiences that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether you’re managing a city, running a university, or surviving on Mars, these games provide rich and engaging challenges that keep players coming back for more.