The challenges of developing the colony sim, from Dungeon Keeper to Dwarf Fortress and beyond
PC Gamer’s feature examines the unique challenges of developing colony simulation games, a genre that remains almost entirely exclusive to PC gaming. Colony sims task players with the foundational work of building and sustaining habitats for groups of AI-controlled characters—ranging from dwarfs to demons—creating dynamic emergent stories through gameplay.
Unlike traditional strategy or management games, colony sims feature a distinctive split between player agency and character autonomy. While players retain complete control over colony design, construction of rooms and buildings, and placement of objects, they do not directly command individual inhabitants. Instead, colonists operate through sophisticated AI systems that simulate needs and desires, creating organic interactions between characters and their environments.
The genre draws examples from influential titles including Dungeon Keeper and Dwarf Fortress, games that demonstrate the creative potential when player construction meets AI-driven emergent behavior. This combination generates unique player stories and experiences that few other genres can match, making colony sims a distinctive corner of PC gaming with dedicated audiences.