Big Pharma (video game)

Big Pharma video game logo, Aug 2015

Big Pharma is a pharmaceutical business simulation game developed by Twice Circled and published by Positech Games in 2015. The game challenges players to manage their own pharmaceutical company, developing and marketing medications in a competitive industry. It combines elements of strategy, simulation, and puzzle gaming to create a complex and engaging gameplay experience.

Gameplay

In Big Pharma, players take on the role of the head of a pharmaceutical company. The game is divided into several levels, each with its own set of objectives and challenges. Players must research new active ingredients, develop production lines to convert these ingredients into marketable drugs, and manage the supply chain to ensure efficient production and distribution. The game emphasizes the balance between profitability and the ethical considerations of drug development and pricing.

Players must navigate a variety of challenges, including competition from rival companies, dynamic market demands, and regulatory compliance. The game also features a technology tree, allowing players to unlock advanced machinery and drug formulations as they progress. The ultimate goal is to become the most successful and reputable company in the industry.

Reception

Big Pharma received generally positive reviews from critics and players alike. Reviewers praised the game's depth, challenging gameplay, and the way it addresses the moral complexities of the pharmaceutical industry. However, some criticized it for a steep learning curve and occasional repetitiveness in later stages of the game.

Themes and Analysis

The game has been noted for its commentary on the pharmaceutical industry, highlighting the tension between making profit and the ethical responsibility to provide effective and affordable healthcare. Big Pharma encourages players to consider the impact of their decisions on public health and the accessibility of life-saving medications.

Development

Developed by Twice Circled, a small independent game studio, Big Pharma was designed to blend the strategic elements of business management with the intricate puzzle-solving aspects of production line optimization. The game's development focused on creating a realistic simulation of the pharmaceutical industry, incorporating elements such as patenting, generic drugs, and international markets.

See Also

• Pharmaceutical industry
• Business simulation game
• Strategy video games
• Simulation games
• Puzzle video games