Here's a look over some of the very best bargains that you can snag in the new Steam Capitalism and Economy Fest sale. Under ten bucks, and all Steam Deck friendly.
After the huge Winter sale, comes this — the Steam Capitalism and Economy Fest — a smaller, week long sales event which is rather niche, focusing in on games that are "centered entirely around a player's earning power".
So, if you're ready to spend a little real money to make some virtual cash, we've gone through the games that are currently discounted and picked out some Steam Deck friendly highlights — all budget friendly picks too.
This Steam sale is live now, and will run until January 15.
Let's get to it!
💸 Steam Capitalism & Economy Fest Sale Bargains:
Cities: Skylines - $8.99
🎮 Steam Deck compatibility: Playable
There's currently a sizeable 70% off this all-time great city builder from 2015. Yes, the sequel may well be out now, but it got off to something of a rocky start — so if you're looking for a modern take on a Sim City-esque experience, this is a great option. Superb mod support and amazing assets on the Steam Workshop means you can create some really special cities.
It's playable on Steam Deck, but is undoubtedly best played with a keyboard and mouse.
Prison Architect - $5.99
🎮 Steam Deck compatibility: Playable
This much-loved prison strategy sim from 2015 sees you take on the role of a ruthless warden tasked with containing the "world's most ruthless inmates".
You do this by designing, developing and running your own penitentiary. Hire staff, apply for government cash to improve things, and juggle resources as your prison grows — just try and avoid a riot breaking out.
Dream Park Story - $5.49
🎮 Steam Deck compatibility: Verified
Kairosoft makes a ton of neat, casual sim games, and this one (released last year) is all about running your own amusement park. Cute pixel visuals a plenty here.
‣ Dream Park Story on Steam Deck
Railway Empire - $8.99
🎮 Steam Deck compatibility: Playable
Will you choo-choo-choose to pick this one up? The 2018 train-management sim sees you create a wide-ranging rail network across 19th Century United States. An award-winning strategy sim that's perfect for train enthusiasts.
Turmoil - $6.49
🎮 Steam Deck compatibility: Playable
Let's drill straight down — this is a straightforward, fun oil tycoon game set in the 19th century oil rush boom time of North America. Has over 10,000 'Very Positive' reviews on Steam.
Luck be a Landlord - $4.89
🎮 Steam Deck compatibility: Verified
This roguelike deck builder came out in January of last year, and is all about "using a slot machine to earn rent money and defeat capitalism" — so, yeah pretty fitting with the theme of this sale I'd say.
It's less than five bucks, is verified on Steam Deck, and there's a demo available too.
‣ Luck be a Landlord for Steam Deck
RollerCoaster Tycoon 2: Triple Thrill Pack - $4.99
🎮 Steam Deck compatibility: Playable
RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 is something of a classic, and this discounted. half-price bundle includes the original 2002 game, and two expansions — namely Time Twister and Wacky Worlds. Build your dream theme park, create insane custom rollercoasters, clean up sick, and make money along the way.
‣ RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 on Steam
Game Dev Tycoon - $3.99
🎮 Steam Deck compatibility: Playable
In this 2D management sim from 2013 you're tasked with starting your own game development company. You start out in the 1980s and take things from there, creating games, researching new tech, and even inventing new genres.
Project Highrise - $4.59
🎮 Steam Deck compatibility: Playable
There's a 77% discount on this skyscraper construction and management sim, making it less than five bucks in this sale. If you want to go all in, you can grab a bundle with a ton of expansion packs too for just over ten bucks.
The 2D game lets you build a huge sky rise, complete with a mix of tenants, all with their own needs.
Honourable mentions under $20
If you're looking for some more suggestions, here's a handful more, all priced under twenty bucks:
- Tropico 6 — $15.91 (60% off) | Steam Deck Playable
- Railgrade — $19.49 (35% off) | Steam Deck Verified
- Let's Build a Zoo — $10.99 (45% off) | Steam Deck Playable
- Planet Coaster — $13.49 (70% off) | Steam Deck Playable
- Anno 1800 — $14.99 (75% off) | Steam Deck Playable
- Parkitect — $14.99 (50% off) | Steam Deck Playable
- Jurassic World Evolution — $11.24 (75% off) | Steam Deck Verified
- Jurassic World Evolution 2 — $17.99 (70% off) | Steam Deck Verified
That's a wrap — those are our picks in this Steam sale. Drop us a comment below if you pick anything up!
Chris Brandrick
