I recently got interested in the physics behind power plants, and the electrical network as well as heat networks.
There are games about parts of these, like for example nuclear power plants. They simulate them reasonably accurately, and build a game around them.
In Nucleares (on steam) for example, the player has to learn how to balance the various components, to produce as much power as possible without blowing up the reactor. Then they have to replace parts before they accumulate too much wear and break. And finally, the player has to react to various events, such as regulatory restrictions.
I feel like there is a lot of potential in this. Nucleares is a lot of fun, even though its simulation is not super detailed yet, and it is a bit hard to access for a beginner.
Would you be interested in a game that lets you design, build and run your own power plants and power distribution networks? The game would be a bit educational, because it uses and explains real-world concepts. However, ideally it would be accessible for anyone who did some physics classes in high school.
Would you play this kind of a game?
I think this is a fun concept, I would definitely play something like this! I suspect it could be just as fun to build. Game like this could be extended in another direction: I always dreamed of a game that would let me cleverly sabotage a powerplant or delivery network to achieve some other goal, like a heist.
Sabotage is a fun idea! Would also be cool as an option in multiplayer, where you can break down other people’s power plants this way. And maybe even blow up their nuclear plants?