Vested

Survive the Dot-Com Bubble in Vested

In Vested, a narrative strategy game on PC, you take a nostalgic trip back to the tumultuous 1990s, a pivotal decade for tech startups. Armed with a mere idea and a business card, you'll navigate the highs and lows of founding a company during the volatile dot-com bubble. Decisions are urgent; each quarter brings new challenges as you balance ambition with the harsh realities of startup life.

Build, Burn, Repeat: Decision-Making Mechanics

The core mechanics of Vested revolve around making choices that influence your startup’s trajectory. Whether it's selecting your product or choosing funding options, every decision cascades down to your company's finances, employee morale, or even your mental health. Options are abundant, with 48 quarters of gameplay stretching from Q1 1990 to Q4 2001, allowing for both strategic planning and rapid-fire decision-making.

Consequences and Timeline Interface

What sets this game apart is its consequence system. Choices don’t yield immediate effects; some consequences may linger for years before revealing themselves. You'll find yourself revising strategies when the unforeseen hits. The game cleverly employs a timeline interface that evolves alongside the internet, keeping you aware of your progress and providing historical context that enriches the narrative.

Distinct Endings Reflect Realities

Vested offers 19 distinct endings, each painting a different picture of success and failure. Will you achieve a lucrative IPO or will your dreams end in burnout? The endings are not just random; they draw from real-world dot-com history, making your choices feel weighty and authentic. This connection to history keeps you grounded and invested in the outcomes of your decisions.

Fast-Paced Yet Deeply Strategic Play

Gameplay sessions in Vested range from 30 to 45 minutes, perfect for quick runs that leave you contemplating your next move. Each playthrough is unique, dependent on the choices you make and the industry you choose to enter. Tackle six industries and explore 18 different products, each of which will alter your company's path significantly. This variety ensures high replayability, enticing players to experiment with different strategies.

Share the Challenge with Friends

Compete against friends by leveraging the seed code feature that lets you share your starting scenarios. Challenge them to beat your ending and compare outcomes. This community aspect is enhanced by Steam Extras, including cloud saves and 33 hidden achievements, adding layers of competition and social interaction to your gameplay experience.

Look Beyond Your Startup

In Vested, the race for success is not just internal; it involves external market forces, employee dynamics, and boardroom politics. Each decision can cultivate a positive culture or foster discontent, leading to unexpected shifts in your company’s environment. Understanding these complexities turns decision-making into an art form, where every move potentially shapes your legacy.

Support an Indie Vision

The Steam edition of Vested enriches the experience with achievements and cloud saves, all while supporting an indie developer’s vision. If you're feeling adventurous, a free web version is also available, offering a taste of the strategic depth that awaits. Embark on your entrepreneurial journey and see if you can navigate the stormy seas of the tech world.