The Executive

The Executive, a detailed business simulation that chronicles the evolution of Hollywood from the 1970s to modern day. Having spent some time with an early build, it’s clear this isn’t your typical management game – it’s a love letter to the film industry wrapped in an accessible package.

Lights, Camera, Management

The Executive puts players in charge of their own fledgling production company, tasking them with everything from screenplay development to distribution deals. The interface, which early reviews have praised for its clarity, makes navigating the complex world of film production surprisingly straightforward.

What stands out is the breadth of creative freedom on offer. Players can choose to become the next A24, focusing on critically acclaimed arthouse films, or attempt to rival the major studios with blockbuster franchises. The game’s systems appear robust enough to support either approach, with detailed mechanics for managing talent, optimising release windows, and monetising your growing film catalogue.

Building Your Legacy

One particularly intriguing aspect is the franchise management system. Beyond simply greenlighting sequels, players can craft entire cinematic universes through prequels, reboots, and spin-offs – mirroring the current Hollywood landscape. The game also features unexpected production challenges, adding an element of unpredictability that should keep players on their toes.

Early reviews have highlighted the game’s replayability, with different strategies yielding varying degrees of success. The ability to research new technologies and expand your studio’s capabilities suggests there’s significant depth beneath the colourful presentation.

Release Details

The Executive launches on February 11th, priced at £11.99 (US$14.99), with a 10% discount available for the first two weeks. While it’s too early to definitively judge its success, this fresh take on the business simulation genre certainly warrants attention from both film buffs and management game enthusiasts alike.

From what we’ve seen, The Executive could offer an engaging glimpse into the complexities of running a film studio, wrapped in an accessible package that doesn’t sacrifice depth for approachability. Whether it can maintain its promise of long-term engagement remains to be seen, but the foundations appear solid.