I’m a big fan of business sim games. My most-played game of 2025 was RollerCoaster Tycoon 2, despite it originally being released back in 2002 I still play it… a lot. So the news of indie studio Mad Pumpkins soon to be released Movierooms: Cinema Management caught my eye.

“Become the manager of your own Cinema in this thrilling new Tycoon! Through space and time, explore the various aspects of handling a thriving business. Manage movie choices and screenings, staff, rooms, and more!”

Movierooms invites players to step into the shoes of a cinema manager and build their own theatre business across different historical eras, blending strategy, creativity, and storytelling into a unique management experience that celebrates the history of film. From the humble nickelodeons of the early 1900s to modern multiplexes, players will design, customize and grow their cinema while balancing business decisions, staff management, and they must also be able to put together the best film programme to audience satisfaction.

FEATURES

Choose Tonight’s Show:
Curate the perfect film lineup for your audience. Select movies based on genre, ratings, reviews, and trends, and schedule screenings strategically. Time of day and day of the week directly impact attendance, requiring careful planning to maximise profits.

Build Your Team and Your Theatre:
Hire and manage a specialised staff, including projectionists, cashiers, janitors, and era-specific roles. Design every room, decorate your spaces, and create a unique brand identity using an intuitive building system.

Grow Fame and Reputation:
Attract more customers through advertising campaigns, excellent service, and smart investments. Improve hygiene, comfort, and technology to earn VIP visitors and transform your small theatre into a cutting-edge cinema empire.

Sandbox Freedom:
For players who prefer unlimited creativity, Sandbox Mode provides full access to equipment, decorations, and customisation tools, allowing them to design their dream cinema without restrictions.

A Story-Driven Historical Journey:
Beyond classic tycoon mechanics, Movierooms features a narrative Historical Mode. Cinema history has been disrupted: iconic directors, actors, and film pioneers are lost across time. Guided by Gaspard, an animated Oscar-like statuette, players must travel through eras, complete special missions, and help these legendary figures return to their rightful place in history, or risk their films disappearing forever.

Arianna Lona, Game Producer and Creative Director: “Movierooms isn’t just a cinema tycoon, it’s a journey through film history. Built by a small indie team and shaped with our community, every update brings new stories, challenges and love for the big screen.“

Blending cinema history with the classic business simulation genre sounds just like my cup of tea. I think this could be one to keep an eye our for when it is released into early access next month. Try the demo and Steam and add the game to your wishlist.