As an expert in the gaming industry, I have witnessed countless trends come and go. But one game that has truly captured my attention is Grow a Garden, a charming farming simulation game on the popular platform Roblox. Developed by a 16-year-old, this game has surpassed the record set by Fortnite with an impressive 16.4 million simultaneous players. This makes it the most played video game in terms of maximum number of users. What's even more remarkable is that Grow a Garden was created in just a few days by a 16-year-old boy.
This game has broken records for simultaneous players of all games in history, surpassing even video games that take years and millions of dollars to develop. It's a testament to the power of creativity and simplicity. The 16-year-old developer behind Grow a Garden is still involved in the game's creative process, but she is no longer the only name attached to it. With millions of young players flocking to this quiet, gardening-based game, analysts predict that it will help boost Roblox's revenues and exceed Wall Street expectations for quarterly profits. One of the unique features of Grow a Garden is that it allows players to continue growing their orchards even when they are disconnected from the game. This adds an element of continuity and growth that keeps players engaged and coming back for more. In June, Grow a Garden registered an impressive 21.6 million simultaneous players, surpassing the previous record set by Fortnite at 15.2 million.
And while most items in the game can be purchased with its in-game currency called Sheckles, some items can fetch high prices due to their popularity among players. When Madsen, a 28-year-old, bought Grow a Garden from BMWlux, the creator of Roblox, in April, the game had only 2000 concurrent users. But with its simple yet addictive gameplay, it quickly gained popularity among young players. The appeal of Grow a Garden lies in its simplicity and the satisfaction of growing something over time. Like many other games on Roblox, Grow a Garden's main source of income is through in-game purchases using Robux, the platform's premium currency. Madsen, the current owner of the game, believes that the tight upgrade strategies and events in Grow a Garden are what keep players coming back for more. While Madsen did not disclose the exact profits of Grow a Garden, he did mention that the game offers players multiple ways to spend real-world money.
For example, new players receive 20 strings, the in-game currency, to buy simple seeds for vegetables like carrots. But as players progress in the game, they can unlock more advanced items such as towering trees, bamboos, and live fruits. The financial model of Grow a Garden is reflective of the broader trends in digital gaming, where in-game purchases and virtual economies play a central role. In fact, a popular music video featuring children eagerly waiting for a Grow a Garden update went viral recently. And it's no coincidence that around the same time, Take-Two Interactive announced a delay in the release of their highly anticipated game Grand Theft Auto 6.
