[Clothing Store Simulator]Work experience SLG where you can become a clothes shop

“Clothing Store Simulator: Prologue” is a PC game work developed and published by “Kiki Games” that has been officially distributed on the PC game portal site “Steam” store since May 23, 2024. It is a free trial version of the “vocational experience type” simulation game title in which you run a store while experiencing various things related to fashion and apparel store management.

The game's main features include an immersive play element in which you order products while signing a contract with a fashion brand, and then setting up your own shop by setting up fixtures and other items inside the store in the layout of your choice, creative content that allows you to design T-shirts while making use of your sensibilities, and extremely convenient pricing that allows you to download and play completely free of charge.

This new work is recommended for people who like to experience the charm of jobs they've never experienced by playing simulation game titles that have been gaining popularity in the PC game genre in recent years, people who are looking for reasonably priced games that can be downloaded and played for free, and people who are very interested in the fashion and apparel industry.

Career experience simulation game that you can play for free

“Clothing Store Simulator: Prologue”, which is currently officially distributed on the PC game portal site “Steam” store, is a recommended new PC game that allows you to experience a simulated job in the fashion and apparel industry. It's a simulation game that you can play while surrounded by high-quality clothing and miscellaneous goods.

The game is being developed and published by Kiki Games, a cutting-edge indie game studio that made its Steam Store debut on November 14, 2023 with “Estate Agent Simulator,'' a simulation game that allows you to experience the elements of real estate sales and rental management.This work is their latest title and is a must-see job experience game title for PC.

As the subtitle indicates, this work is a “trial version'' game that allows you to enjoy the introductory part of “Clothing Store Simulator'', which will be newly released as an “early access version'' title on June 18, 2024, and is not the main part of the retail version. Therefore, the volume that can be played is also limited, so be careful about this point.

The Steam Store has a convenient system where you can register new games you're interested in in your “wishlist” and receive notifications when they become playable.If you want to take full advantage of these convenient features and get new PC games, it's a good idea to create a free Steam Store account and browse through the various new titles.

This site introduces many attractive game works that have been distributed on Steam in recent years, so if you are interested in new overseas game works from the article, we would appreciate it if you could follow the list of “Newly Posted Game Articles'' from the main screen of YoutuChan. A search system is also available for those who want to find specific works.

Overview of “Clothing Store Simulator: Prologue”

The trial version of the new game title, Clothing Store Simulator: Prologue, allows players to experience the general operations of a store that primarily sells clothing accessories. This is a new game recommended for people who are interested in the fashion and apparel industry, or whose hobbies are related to fashion.

Players step into the game as a person with authority over overall store management, and experience the world of fashion business, such as freely designing T-shirts for men and women, building the store's interior floor while selecting patterns, and increasing corporate value by signing contracts with high-end brands. It has fulfilling play elements.

In the actual fashion business industry, each department has a clear role, and certain staff members are often unable to access the work of different departments, but this game is unique in that you can experience the work actually performed by store staff, such as displaying products and accessing warehouse stock. It has content that allows you to experience store management at various levels.

The most important “economic element'' in doing business in fashion has also been incorporated into the simulation format, and there is a system that can increase “customer satisfaction'' by appropriately “setting prices'' for your company's products. Since market balance factors are also incorporated, it is also possible to take the discerning action of “purchasing'' products that have dropped in price.

There's also content to make the store look more appealing, such as displaying stylish clothes on hangers, or placing nice-looking plants in the aisles to add visual flair to the lines, so if you're someone who likes to visit real stores and shop all the time, you'll be immersed in the gameplay elements of trying to create your ideal store.

In this game, it is important to aim for big profits while getting your business on track, and while engaging in visually rewarding business, you can fully demonstrate your sense of style to gather customers and take on the challenge of expanding your store to continue to grow. For those who are interested in the fashion and apparel industry, this is an SLG title that will give you the most excitement.

It's up to the player to decide whether they want to succeed as a small boutique, or whether they want to continue expanding into an “information source” that is responsible for the fashion trends of the city. While playing this game where “big business opportunities'' are hidden, participate in industry competition, work hard to increase customer satisfaction, and take advantage of big opportunities to become a successful person.

Additionally, there is a “note” in the Steam store that states that the developer is using automatically generated images by AI for certain content. If you can accept that some of the design patterns that appear in the game are images created by generative AI and are different from patterns devised by humans, you should be able to enjoy playing the world of this work.

Incidentally, the Steam Store initially took a position of clearly opposing game works that introduced generated AI content, but recently those regulations have been relaxed, and it is now possible to post game works that incorporate generated AI with a proviso. It is unclear whether this will continue in the future, but it is convenient for developers as it reduces work time.

Supports Japanese interface

The game is a “solo play only” title and does not support local or online multiplayer. This trial version is recommended for those who are looking for a simulation game that can be played slowly by one person.The best part is that it is completely free to download and play, so the initial investment is almost zero, so the risk is very low.

The work supports a Japanese interface as standard. However, in the case of foreign game works, the translation accuracy is often incomplete, and there are no fixed standards for judging translations, so if you encounter a scene that doesn't make much sense while playing, you should be able to play the game smoothly by taking a workaround such as playing in the default language.

There are currently no Steam achievements that can be unlocked, but this shouldn't bother you too much since this is a game that serves as a “trial version” where you can enjoy a portion of the retail version. Please note that compatibility with Valve's portable game console “Steam Deck” has not yet been reviewed at this stage, and whether or not it will be compatible will be posted on the Steam store page depending on the progress of the review.

Moderate in terms of system requirements for a PC. The graphics board presented in the recommended requirements is an NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super class or AMD Radeon RX 5600XT class part, so if you have a gaming PC in the current mid-spec range, you are almost safe. The recommended amount of main memory installed is 16GB, which is a fairly common number.

The installation size is currently around 7GB, but there is a good chance that this capacity will increase as new content is implemented as development progresses. When installing the game, it's best to make sure you have plenty of free storage space. However, this does not apply if you think “I only want to play the trial version.''

Overall review: A must-see new simulation game title with high user ratings

At the time of writing, the Steam Store has received 122 user reviews, and the overall rating is “very positive,” indicating that the game is off to a great start. Players who submitted reviews were from all over the world, which shows that this is a game that can be used across borders. The number of Japanese players is likely to increase dramatically in the future.

User reviews were very positive, with some stating that they were able to fully enjoy the worldview of the prologue version, despite the overall play time and content being less than an hour. There are also high expectations for the future prospects of the developers, and it is impressive that users themselves have specific suggestions for improvements and additional content for the work.

Players who post game reviews on Steam are generally known for being harsh, and this trend seems to be almost the same across national borders. It is difficult to receive an overall rating of “very positive'' from such players, and in that respect, this work can be said to be an indie game that has passed the “first barrier''. I'm really looking forward to future developments.

Personally, I felt that if the game graphics were refined a little more, it would become even more realistic. Lowering the threshold of the operating environment is an important element that will lead to attracting more players, but by creating a mechanism that increases the immersion even further when the image quality is set to the highest, it should be able to appeal to players in high-end environments as well.

The reality and high definition of game graphics is often directly connected to the burden on the PC environment, but in recent years NVIDIA and AMD have announced systems that can reduce the load and create realistic play images using their own programs, so the groundwork has been laid to easily create a graphic environment that looks like the latest games. This is a new work that I hope will improve the drawing surface.

“Clothing Store Simulator: Prologue'' is a recommended new simulation game in which players enter the fashion industry and run their own stores while aiming to increase sales, and is currently available for free on the Steam Store. If you're interested, visit the store now and download the game.

[Recommended points]The free trial version is now available!

Gameplay flow

When you start the game, you can choose whether to start new gameplay or load previously saved data on the main screen. On this screen, the developer lists in bullet points the content that will be implemented in future updates, which is very reliable. There's also a convenient hub to the official Discord server where feedback is solicited.

When you start playing a new game, a text item appears that gives you an overview of the game. “You will take the first step on your journey from a small store to the most important fashion center in the city. Purchase some products, fill the aisles, and start selling.'' The text will be displayed, so read carefully and understand the “world view'' as you play.

The play perspective uses a first-person view. The first scene begins with a scene in which you walk around a city built using a 3D model. The current time (in-game), funds, level, etc. are displayed at the top right of the screen, and you can also check the achievements in the tutorial section, their summary, and number. It's a new game that shines from the perspective of play that maximizes the sense of immersion.

As you walk around the city, a medium-sized store appears that you will be in charge of operating. Basic interior work has been completed inside, but it's a simple situation with nothing on it other than a counter and a desktop computer. If you've ever seen a medium-sized store preparing to open, you'll know that it's a very desolate view. Let's start by ordering the product.

When accessing the computer, four categories appear on the screen: “Wholesaler'', “Product'', “Store Manager'', and “Worker''. While playing this game, players can access various contents through this computer and procure the necessary human resources, materials, products, etc. at any time. The Japanese translation is easy to understand and easy to play.

When you click on the “Wholesaler'' item, the following categories appear: “Products'', “Furniture'', “Brands'', and “Design Workshops''. Here, you can purchase various products and materials from the appropriate section using your own military funds. By the way, the sales prices in the game are expressed in “dollars”, and the wholesale price of the 10 dresses for women is around $200.

In the “furniture'' category, you can purchase the “fixtures'' necessary to display products in the store. A rack with hangers is a must, so make sure to choose one as you proceed with your purchase. In addition, the fictional brands that appear in the game will be newly unlocked depending on the player's level, and the options will increase as the play progresses. I'm really looking forward to the future.

After purchasing products, furniture, etc., the items you ordered will arrive, so you physically move around the map and secure the items placed outside the store. When taking action, instructions will appear in text on the right side of the screen, so just follow them. Since this work is still in the early stages of development, some parts may not have been translated in time, but you can rest assured that the important parts have already been translated.

When you first display the purchased items in the store, NPC “customers” appear one after another out of nowhere. They walk into the store, look at the products for a while, and then carry them to the cash register, where you become the cashier and make the sale. Basically, a set includes ordering, displaying, and selling products, and through this, the difference between the purchasing price and the selling price is earned.

Perhaps because this is a work still in development, the behavior of the NPCs sometimes becomes “unnatural,'' and it also concerns me that everything from preparing to open the store to actually rotating the store is greatly simplified compared to the real world, but if you are playing it as a game, it can be said that even if it is slightly deformed, it is acceptable. If you have a request that says, “Isn't it better to do it this way?'' feel free to let us know.

Note that the “Worker” section is not available in the trial version, so you must perform all work steps yourself. It is expected that these items will also be available in the product version that will start as an early access version, so let's fully experience the world of “one operation”. If you can improve the efficiency of your work, you should be able to steadily increase your profits.

The daily business details can be analyzed from the “daily report” displayed on a separate screen in the game. Here you can check the number of customers and their trends, figures related to store improvements, and expense details divided into items such as rent and net sales. If an NPC cannot find the product they are looking for, the number of people doing so will be quantified, so it would be a good idea to use this to improve the store in the future.

As you play for a few hours, you will gradually learn that the NPCs who visit the store have “tastes'' and “trends.'' There are times when the products you purchase don't sell as expected, and there are times when the products you purchase sell like hotcakes, and there is room for players to use their “sense of smell'' and “business acumen.'' It's an excellent system that you can't help but fall in love with.

There is a PC game called “Supermarket Simulator'' which was a big hit on the Steam store, and there is a simulation game title that has a similar structure to this one, but if you like the feel of that game, you'll definitely love the world setting of this game. It feels great to watch the customer NPCs from the counter and see the products selling rapidly.

On the other hand, some people may find it “overworked'' as the operators themselves have to work hard and take charge of all operations such as display, ordering, and inventory management. This can be said to be a very game-like aspect, but for those who like to broadcast their play to viewers via video distribution, this work is sure to provide endless material.

This is a trial version that can be recommended for those who like to “get their business on track'' while exploring various directions.The product version that is scheduled to be released in the future will have even more “things to do,'' so it can be said that it is a work that can be immersed in for a long time. Even though it's free, you can fully experience the essence of the game, so download it and try it out.

[Recommended points]Trial version with full volume!

Early access content and prospects

Here, we will touch on the contents and future prospects of the new game “Clothing Store Simulator”, which is scheduled to be released as an “early access” title on June 18, 2024. This is a must-read for anyone who played the trial version and sympathized with the game's worldview, or for those who support up-and-coming indie game developers and want to help them complete their work.

In works released as early access versions, players will be able to access the game's diverse content from day one, and will be able to customize and grow their own stores by stocking and displaying products, arranging furniture and decorations, etc. Everything from customer sales to economic growth elements is now available for you to enjoy.

The early access period is expected to last approximately one year, and during that time, we plan to flexibly adjust the content from time to time while incorporating various opinions and feedback from players. Additionally, the full release version will include various additional content that was not available in the early access version, so the content should be greatly enhanced.

Additional content envisioned by the developers includes online ordering, new brands, new products, security systems for theft and crime prevention, and store cleaning elements, which will enable “more realistic store management.'' It is very greedy in that it also features “criminal activities” that plague brick-and-mortar stores.

At the time of writing, the selling price of the early access version has not been determined, but according to the store's explanation, the early access price will “rise” when the official version is released, so users who want to enjoy the game at a lower price may consider purchasing the game at the early access stage, when it is at its lowest price.

The important thing to note about game works that are available on the Steam store as “early access versions” is that this state “does not mean that the game is complete.” Basically, developers release their games to the public in order to make adjustments toward completion, and they improve their accuracy by soliciting feedback and opinions from a wide range of users who have played the game.

As a result, early access titles often have bugs and glitches, and it is highly likely that the game will be unsatisfactory. There are many titles on the market that are not yet available for a complete play experience, so beginner users who are considering playing titles that are in the “early access” stage on Steam should be very careful about this.

A person who can recommend an early access version of a game is someone who can actually play the unfinished game and provide accurate opinions and suggestions to the developer. It is absolutely necessary to avoid giving a work a low rating because of imperfections due to unfinished work, and it is also necessary to be willing to accept the risks mentioned above and work with the work until it is completed.

On the other hand, there are some indie game developers on the Steam store who are clearly abandoning their games without aiming for a finished product, so we need to be careful about this. Many of these titles have been abandoned, and even if you purchase them, you may not be able to get a satisfying playing experience.

The reasons why games are left unfinished can be broadly divided into “Something has happened to the developer'' and “a fraudulent act in which the developer only obtains the payment for the game and leaves the game unfinished.'' When choosing a title for early access, it's a good idea to check whether the developer has updated it and whether they have a solid roadmap for the game.

Personally, when I post articles on this site, I try not to screen out articles that I think are posted maliciously by the developer, but the scary thing about early access versions is that you don't know what will happen before the game is completed, and the final decision is left to the users. Steam also has a refund system, so please take advantage of this when choosing a product.

Kiki Games, the developer of this game, will be collecting feedback and opinions from users regarding the early access version of Clothing Store Simulator on the official Discord server. You will be required to have the ability to communicate in English, but if you don't mind this, feel free to actively share your experiences and suggestions after playing the game.

The appeal of job experience simulation games

The biggest appeal of the “job experience simulation games'' that have recently become popular is that they allow you to experience “other occupations'' that you cannot experience in the real world. Even in the real world, it is possible to change jobs and work in various occupations, but there is a limit to the number of jobs that can be done in a human's lifetime. The best part of this genre is that you can play the game while experiencing a variety of different occupations.

The occupations that can be experienced in the job experience simulation games currently available on the Steam store include categories such as police officers, bus drivers, firefighters, demolition workers, pet shop management, agricultural management, and transporters, and the feature is that players can experience their favorite occupations according to their preference. This is a must-see new SLG title that allows you to experience the fashion industry in a simulated manner.

If you look at it from the perspective of someone who has actually worked in the fashion industry or a user who has worked as a store clerk, you may see various “holes'' in this game, but the developers are really looking forward to “comments from those with experience,'' so if you feel free to report any “improvements'' that you feel, the work will be even more refined in the official version.

The more realistic the work experience type game is, the more attention it attracts, so it is beneficial for the game industry and the genre to actually work there and voice opinions such as “This game is different from real life'' and “Maybe we could make the management elements more realistic in this way.'' Let's play with the intention of growing the work together.

“Clothing Store Simulator: Prologue,'' a recommended new simulation game in which players enter the fashion industry and manage a store while aiming to increase sales, is currently available for free on Steam. This is a must-see trial version game title that users of a wide range of age groups can easily enjoy playing.

It's popular among users who stream live while playing the game, and since it's a trial version, the volume is moderate, so it's a perfect new game for streaming.

[Recommended points]Challenge the fashion industry!