Business Simulation Games
In 2006, the VSL team published its first business simulation (SimVenture Classic). Since then the company has been designing and publishing business simulations and business games for the education and corporate training sectors.
All work is underpinned by a desire to create the circumstances where people learn effectively in an authentic and engaging and manner. At the same time, we want tutors and trainers are able to connect with a wider audience in a sustainable way that makes teaching enjoyable and highly rewarding.
SimVenture Evolution
In 2016, VSL launched SimVenture Evolution. This on-line simulation lets people run a virtual company for up to 10 simulated years whilst tutors, trainers and instructors observe and assess progress in class or remotely.
Evolution allows people to manage and scale-up an SME and learn about the challenges of leading a growing company in a competitive environment. VSL collaborated with 10 partner universities throughout the design and build of the simulator. Following launch, Evolution has been embedded into many undergraduate and postgraduate modules.
SimVenture Validate
In 2017, the team partnered with Balloon Ventures to develop and market ‘SimVenture Validate’. This latest on-line technology is designed to enhance work with the world-renowned ‘Business Model Canvas’.
Individuals at the pre-start phase use ‘Validate’ to support the testing of any for-profit or social enterprise business idea. For more information about SimVenture Validate or any of the other SimVenture business simulations, please contact the team.
SimVenture Classic
SimVenture Classic was first published in 2006 following four years’ research and development.
The simulator allows people to setup and run a new business for 3 simulated years and experience what it’s like to get a business started and off the ground.
Within 5 years of launch Classic was being used in 40+ countries and had been translated into 3 languages. SimVenture Classic has also won 4 national awards and remains one of the most popular business games in Higher Education Institutions. In 2017, the VSL team worked with NCEE in China to translate the simulation into Chinese ahead of country-wide distribution.
Use the table below to compare the 2 business games, SimVenture Classic and SimVenture Evolution.
| Features | SimVenture Classic | SimVenture Evolution |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting/Environment | Off-line software installed on institutional PCs/Server | On-line/Cloud based |
| Access | Windows PC | PC/Mac/Tablet |
| Simulation focus context | Micro start-up to small business | Larger-scale start-up to SME |
| Simulation focus experience | In-depth tactical decisions with some strategy options | Strategic management and decision making |
| Scope of simulation | First 3 simulated years (played in monthly turns) | First 10 simulated years (played in quarterly turns) |
| Nature of product/service within the simulation | 'Computers' | Launches with 'Bicycles'. Other module options will be added |
| Purchase options (also see pricing) | Per computer licence | Per user account |
| Integrated on-line teaching environment with direct access to user/group work | No | Yes |
| On-line communication with and assessment of user work | No | Yes |
| Performance and financial data available to download & print | Yes | Yes |
| Availability of ready-made scenarios/activities | Yes (Scenarios and the ability to create custom Scenarios using Save & Load feature) | Yes (Subject-based activities with accompanying materials) |
| Running competitions | Player versus computer only | Player versus computer & direct player versus player |
| Suitable for individual and team-based work | Yes | Yes |
| Age suitability | 14+ | 16+ |