Development Diary: Building Realistic Economic Systems

Creating a believable economic system for Town to City has been one of our biggest challenges. We wanted to go beyond simple supply and demand mechanics to create something that feels alive and responds to player decisions in meaningful ways.

The Foundation: Supply Chains

Every product in Town to City follows a realistic supply chain. Raw materials are extracted, processed into goods, distributed to retailers, and finally purchased by citizens. Each step creates jobs, generates tax revenue, and affects the local economy.

Resource Flow:

• Primary Industries: Mining, farming, forestry, and fishing
• Secondary Industries: Manufacturing, processing, and construction
• Tertiary Industries: Retail, services, and entertainment
• Quaternary Industries: Research, education, and high-tech services

Dynamic Pricing and Market Forces

Prices fluctuate based on supply, demand, transportation costs, and external market conditions. A traffic jam can increase the cost of goods, while efficient logistics networks reduce prices and increase competitiveness.

Market Dynamics:

• Seasonal variations affect agricultural products
• Economic cycles create booms and recessions
• International trade brings opportunities and risks
• Technological advancement changes industry requirements

Citizen Economic Behavior

Citizens aren't just passive consumers - they make intelligent economic decisions based on their income, preferences, and available options. Wealthy citizens shop at premium stores, while budget-conscious families seek value.

Policy Tools

As mayor, you have various tools to influence the economy: tax rates, zoning laws, infrastructure investment, education funding, and trade agreements. Each decision has cascading effects throughout your city's economic ecosystem.

The Challenge of Balance

The biggest challenge was making the system complex enough to be interesting while keeping it understandable for players. We use visual indicators, clear feedback systems, and helpful tutorials to guide players through economic concepts.

The result is an economic simulation that rewards strategic thinking while remaining accessible to players of all experience levels.