Ever since the dawn of farming simulators such as the Harvest Moon series and Farmville on Facebook, it seems like hardcore gamers and the more traditional, older generation have finally found common ground.
These simulation games were the perfect break for even those who prefer the thrill of first-person shooters or the role-playing genre. In fact, it has become so popular that game developers have incorporated farming objectives not only in cozy, feel-good games, but even in action and adventure.
Now, we have a new simulation game coming in 2025, but it’s more than just a farming-based gameplay… it’s also an entrepreneurial-type of game too.
Trade Tales: Introduction and Gameplay
The title is officially called Trade Tales, and just like its namesake, the game doesn’t only focus on planting, harvesting crops, and raising animals, there’s also the element of venturing into business and learning the tools of the trade.
So far, the story begins when the player’s character wins a small farm lot in a lottery, thus beginning life in a mysterious town where there are plenty of opportunities to expand the farm and start a business.
With the farming aspect comes the familiar ranching, fishing, and mining, similar to Stardew Valley, another well-known simulation title whose popularity continues today.
However, Trade Tales goes above and beyond by including more aspects including opening a store, becoming a supplier, getting involved in various jobs, and even making it big as a social media influencer.
Watch the official trailer below.
Stardew Valley meets The Sims
If you have tried playing or is familiar with the aforementioned title, try combining that gameplay with another beloved series, The Sims, and you have yourself a real-life simulator through Trade Tales.
Its uniqueness allows the player to build a brand and watch the business grow. Whether the player is into food trade or jewelry, the game offers customization when it comes to details such as brand signage and products.
In a way, it’s also like experiencing once more tycoon games which has also become a pretty popular genre with the empire-building gameplay.
The vast features of Trade Tales
Given it’s not only a farming sim, the game features various in-game items to help the player live the virtual life he wants to pursue.
In-game smartphone
The game gives the player’s character their own smartphone which permits the player to accessibility towards apps such as social media, map, online shopping, stock market, games, and camera. The last feature lets players capture moments they could share within the virtual world’s social media platform, letting others react to the photos.
Social media influencer experience
If you wanted to know and try what it feels like to be a social media influencer, Trade Tales makes sure you do even virtually. Your character gains in-game cash depending on how many people react to your social media posts. Of course, this also means working on gaining more followers.
Becoming a business owner
As mentioned earlier, the entrepreneurial aspect of the game comes in when the player decides on managing a business. For example a restaurant, a pet shop, a convenience store, and much more. This lets players customize their shop and the products, bringing the (virtual) business to a boom.
Manage a manufacturing company
Of course, if there is a thriving business, there is also the aspect of mass production as one of the key concepts in the game. This ties in with the farmer-mode because crops harvested like potatoes can be turned into chips, and fruits into different juices. The option is also two-way: either you sell it as your own product, or sell them to shops which would gain you enough money in the long run.
Travel with your hard-earned money
Just like how we always say that hard work pays off with travel plans and pleasure, Trade Tales closely follows this real-life notion by allowing players to travel across various cities and areas, meeting new people along the way, and expanding the business.
All of these features add a sense of realism to the gameplay definitely expanding beyond the farming mechanics. From a humble farmer to a business manager, and even varying roles such as settling down with a family, is entirely up to the player’s choice.
Relationship and marriage mechanics
Building relationships and eventually marrying the many available NPCs in the game is something players also look forward to, especially when it comes to real-life simulators.
Trade Tales offer over 10 single NPCs whom players can engage with until they build enough interaction to be able to propose to the character. These bachelor and bachelorettes each have their unique personalities, likes, and dislikes the player can attempt to capture their attention.
The deeper the relationship, the closer the player is to finally proposing marriage and building a life together. Go on romantic dates, adopt multiple pets, and even settle down to one, happy virtual family is just one of the exciting features of this game.
Developer Brick Geek is definitely looking forward to share their game with us, and it’s even more amazing to think that a Filipino developer is behind this upcoming title.
With that said, Brick Geek is also calling out to generous contributions that would greatly help in funding and finalizing the game which is set for a beta release on December 2025. For the full game, official launch date is scheduled in Q1 2026 for PC users on Steam. Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation versions will follow afterwards.
Want to support its development? It’s still on Kickstarter, with 529 backers pledging over $30,000. While it already hit its $18,000 goal, more support will likely help accelerate its development. But it’s not only financial contributions that will help ensure the game’s exceptional quality and experience. Graphic artists, visual designers, programmers, and others are also encouraged to join the team.
There are so many aspects the developer, at current, is considering when it comes to the promises this game offers, and we wish the developer luck and success in this journey.
Let us know your thoughts on Trade Tales. What are the things that you are looking forward to? What other factors do you think the developer should still add?