Additionally, the "Pirate Mode" toggle (often associated with the 1.7.x branch updates) adds a layer of narrative commentary. If the player chooses to pirate software in-game, they suffer the consequences of lost revenue and potential legal trouble, mirroring the real-world anti-piracy message embedded by Greenheart Games. In standard play, the player must focus on Research and Development (R&D) labs to develop their own game engines. By this stage, the player should be releasing AAA games. To achieve AAA status, the game must be developed in the largest office, with a large team, and using a custom engine that utilizes the latest graphical technologies.
| Early game (Y1–5) | Mid game (Y6–15) | Late game (Y16+) | |-------------------------|-----------------------|------------------------| | Puzzle/Sim | RPG/Action | Any genre + Custom engine | | PC only | PC + one console | All platforms | | No staff | 3–6 staff | 10+ staff | | Graphics 1.0 → 2.0 | AI 1.0 → 2.0 | Motion Capture + 3D 3.0 | | 6–7 scores | 8–9 scores | 10/10 possible | game dev tycoon guide 1.7.6