A game that puts you in the shoes of a drug dealer, requiring strategy to manufacture and sell narcotics while evading police detection.
Drug Dealer Simulator is a controversial business simulation video game developed and published by Byterunners Game Studio in 2020. In the game, players take on the role of an illegal drug dealer who must manufacture, buy, and sell various narcotics while carefully managing resources, avoiding police surveillance, and negotiating with ruthless criminal contacts.
Gameplay consists of players using seed money to rent an apartment that will serve as a front and base of operations. From there, they can use laboratory equipment to refine raw materials into sellable drugs like cocaine, heroin, MDMA, and methamphetamines. Distribution involves street dealing, making connections with local gangs, money laundering, and bribing law enforcement to turn a blind eye.
The core gameplay loop involves players balancing profits and risks as they build their drug empire. Producing too much product or failing to pay off certain individuals can draw significant police heat and lead to arrest. Likewise, spending too little on security or production materials hurts profit margins. The ultimate goal is to generate enough dirty money to expand operations and become the city's supreme kingpin.
While some have praised Drug Dealer Simulator's production values and engaging core mechanics, the game has also received significant criticism for its subject matter. Critics argue it irresponsibly glorifies the illegal drug trade and cartel violence. Defenders counter that it provides insightful - if exaggerated - commentary on real-world economic disparities and the failures of the war on drugs.