Chinese mobile manufacturing simulation game released on Steam

Chinese indie developer DU WENCHAO has released a free playable demo of their simulation game "Handset HQ Demo" on the Steam platform. The game, developed and published by a single individual, focuses on the evolution and changes within the mobile phone manufacturing industry over several decades.

The game allows players to start a mobile phone manufacturing company from a small garage and guide it through forty years of development, spanning three eras: feature phones, smartphones, and AI phones. Players must balance research and development expenses, pricing, marketing strategies, and hardware configurations for each new model. In-game events, such as the popularization of color screens, the 'shan zhai' (knockoff) trend, price wars, and chip shortages, will impact the game's economy and reputation.

Players can select partners and recruit characters inspired by real-world industry figures, influencing the company's operational path. Various strategies like low-price volume, feature-rich development, or aggressive marketing are viable. The game also incorporates systems for research labs, factory expansions, and team management.

The free demo covers the feature phone era, concluding just before the advent of touch-screen devices. It includes all core gameplay elements such as product development, sales, monthly reports, and partner interactions. The full version will unlock the smartphone and AI eras, along with expanded features and multiple endings.