Prosperous Universe

Prosperous Universe is an unusual space MMO game that focuses not on big battles and a storyline, but on the economy created by the players themselves. The game was developed by an indie German team, simulogics, which also created the browser-based game Airlinesim. Both productions are available as free-to-play games, although Prosperous Universe shifted to this business model in 2019. A mobile companion app available through the game's official website was also released in November 2021.

Game mechanics

Prosperous Universe does not have much in common with typical MMO games. Yes, we play together with a huge number of other players, with whom we compete or cooperate. However, there is no need to look for epic battles and fighting as such. We don't lead a lone pilot or a squadron of spaceships, nor do we save the world from the evil forces.

We play as the president of a small company, who builds the first space base. Our task is to expand it, establish more and gradually extend our influence in the cosmic universe. We do it not by conquests, invasions etc. but by business actions.

Prosperous Universe focuses solely on the economic aspect, but this does not mean that the gameplay is simple. On the contrary, all the time we have to take into account a huge number of factors. Already while setting up the base it is worth checking the planet's atmosphere, available resources, temperature, terrain, access to water sources, etc.

This is just the beginning, because throughout the game we have to learn to use many complex systems. Fortunately, success here does not depend on the time spent in the game - grind is completely unnecessary. What comes in handy is the ability to analyze information and careful planning.

The business skills of the player are important because in Prosperous Universe there are no NPCs offering goods - all items must be produced by the players, and their prices are set in real time based on supply and demand. In other words, the entire economy of the game is shaped almost completely by the players. It's also up to them to decide whether to sell easily accessible goods at a small profit, or put more effort into plans that will allow them to acquire rarer materials. Or count on luck and find a gold mine (not necessarily literal).

Prosperous Universe also has mechanics related to politics. Players from several factions, sometimes with conflicting goals, can have influence on each planet. Since there are no predetermined plot events in the game, players shape the story on their own by making alliances and waging trade wars.

Technical aspects and other

Prosperous Universe does not rely on stunning graphics and spectacular views. The APEX interface plays the first fiddle here, and players can personalize it in many ways. This consists of various charts full of data: information about fleets, planets, parties, etc.

Basically, there are no micropayments in the game typical for browser games, for example, speeding up production. Instead, players can buy out the creators by purchasing the Pro license, which gives access to local market offers and various improvements for those planning a longer and more intensive acquaintance with the Prosperous Universe.