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A pixelated insight into the world of logistics

Logistics Simulation Games: Serious Business or Child’s Play?

With the advancement of technology, simulation games have become increasingly sophisticated, offering players a chance to experience the complexities of logistics management firsthand. But how true to life are they really? We’ve curated a list of the top logistics simulation games and included a realism rating to help you find the most authentic experience. Whether you’re interested in air freight, sea freight, road transport, rail transport, or warehousing, these games offer a unique glimpse into the world of logistics. Game on!

A few years ago, we explored the rise of video games and online gaming, delving into the world of gamification and its impact on various industries, including logistics. Now, we’re taking it a step further. In this article, we not only revisit the world of logistics simulation games, but also take an in-depth look at their realism, giving each game a realism rating. Join us as we explore the most popular logistics simulation games, their features, and their effectiveness in providing an authentic understanding of the logistics industry.

Transport Fever

Looking to manage a comprehensive transport empire through centuries of technological evolution? Transport Fever combines elements of the popular and legendary predecessors Transport Tycoon and Train Fever to offer a rich and immersive experience in transport management.

Transport Fever features over 120 vehicles, including trains, trucks, ships, and planes, giving players the tools to build complex transport networks. The game begins in the mid-1800s and progresses into the mid-2000s, allowing players to experience the evolution of transport technology and infrastructure. However, unlike Transport Tycoon, this game lacks competition from rival companies, which might make the gameplay feel less challenging.

Realism Rating: 8/10

Conclusion: Transport Fever provides an expansive view of transport logistics and allows players to develop transport networks across different eras, adding to the game’s depth and educational value. The lack of competition may detract from the excitement for some players, but the game’s focus on strategic planning and network optimization makes it a valuable tool for understanding the intricacies of transport logistics. Learn what it takes to make it in this business – all from the comfy seat in your bedroom…

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Buckle up and prepare for takeoff – it’s time to fly your own plane! Microsoft Flight Simulator offers one of the most immersive and detailed flight simulation experiences available.

Microsoft Flight Simulator captivates users with its stunning graphics and real-world mapping. Utilizing satellite data and cloud computing, it accurately recreates the entire globe, including real-time weather conditions and air traffic. Players can choose from a wide range of aircraft, from small propeller planes to large commercial jets, and navigate through various flight scenarios. The game is designed to cater to both casual gamers and serious aviation enthusiasts.

Realism Rating: 9/10

Conclusion: This simulator stands out for its incredible level of detail in scenery, real-time weather updates, and diverse aircraft selection. The game provides a highly realistic flying experience, making it an excellent tool for simulating real-world flight conditions. While it sometimes prioritizes visual experience over flight realism, it remains a valuable resource for those looking to understand the complexities of aviation and flight operations. Some other gaming companies have even developed “cargo packs” that can be installed as an add-on to Microsoft Flight Simulator, offering immersive scenarios where you can deliver cargo to various destinations.

TransOcean: The Shipping Company

Command a fleet of cargo ships and conquer the high seas with TransOcean, a maritime logistics simulation game where players manage a shipping company.

This shipping company simulator emphasizes strategic decision-making, requiring players to handle everything from fleet management to route planning and port operations. Players must navigate the complexities of maritime logistics, competing against rival companies to dominate the global shipping industry. It provides a detailed look at the business side of shipping, including ship maintenance, cargo handling, and financial management.

Realism Rating: 8/10

Conclusion: TransOcean accurately portrays the challenges of route planning, fleet management, and cargo handling, providing valuable insights into maritime logistics and reflecting the competitive nature of global shipping. Although the hands-on experience of operating ships and port handling processes are slightly less emphasized, the game offers a realistic and engaging experience for those interested in the business and strategic side of maritime logistics. If you want to “manage” this game successfully, we strongly urge you to constantly read our Seafreight Insights, offering a detailed analysis of the sea freight industry and all major trade lanes. 

Euro Truck Simulator

Ready to hit the open road and experience the thrill of trucking? Euro Truck Simulator is part of a popular series of truck driving simulation games developed by SCS Software.

The game offers players the chance to experience the life of a truck driver, delivering cargo across various cities and landscapes. Players can manage their own trucking business, customize their trucks, and navigate through realistic road networks. Euro Truck Simulator emphasizes the importance of adhering to traffic laws, managing fuel consumption, and vehicle maintenance, offering a detailed and immersive experience.

Realism Rating: 7/10

Conclusion: Euro Truck Simulator excels in creating a realistic driving experience. The game features accurate road networks, realistic truck physics, and detailed environments. While the economic and business management aspects are somewhat simplified compared to real life, the driving experience itself is highly realistic, making this game a valuable tool for understanding the logistics of trucking. Let’s tour Europe and enjoy the sights this diverse continent offers. Unfortunately we don’t know if this game offers the possibility to simulate an “intermodal level”.

Train Sim World

Think trains are just for commuters? Think again. Train Sim World, a series of train simulators allows players to experience the life of a train operator.

The sophisticated simulation game offers a range of locomotives and routes, providing an in-depth look at both passenger and freight train operations. Players can choose from famous routes across the world, including the London Underground, German high-speed rail, and American freight lines. Moreover, players can take on different roles, such as a train driver, engineer, or conductor, and tackle various challenges and scenarios.

Realism Rating: 8.5/10

Conclusion: Train Sim World offers a high level of detail, with realistic physics and interactive controls that provide an immersive experience. The game accurately replicates real-world train operations, including signaling systems and safety procedures. The slightly lower rating reflects the balance between accessibility for general gamers and the depth sought by “ferrophile” train enthusiasts. In our opinion, there should be a multiplayer crossover coop-mode with the aforementioned Euro Truck Simulator – Choo, choo! But wait, what happens when trains become more and more autonomous in the future?

Truck and Logistics Simulator

Looking for a game that combines the best of trucking and warehouse management? Truck and Logistics Simulator offers an immersive experience that bridges the gap between driving and logistics operations.

In Truck and Logistics Simulator, players can drive over 30 customizable vehicles in a fictional, open-world environment. Unlike other truck simulators, this game requires players to physically load and unload their trucks, adding a hands-on element to the logistics experience. The game includes hundreds of different missions and a multi-player mode for up to 24 players. Available vehicles range from cars with tow hooks to pickups, minivans, cargo trucks, forklifts, excavators and dump trucks, and even monster trucks. Although a funny idea, the latter unfortunately goes against our ESG principles

Realism Rating: 7/10

Conclusion: The inclusion of warehousing, loading and unloading activities adds a unique dimension that sets Truck and Logistics Simulator apart from other similar games. However, the small map size and fictional setting slightly detract from the overall realism. Despite these limitations, the game’s focus on combining different aspects of logistics provide a comprehensive and engaging simulation. There are rumors that our warehousing experts around the world use this game to train for the upcoming “pallet stacking championships”. You have to believe us…

Explore Our Warehouse Tours and Mini-Game!

At cargo-partner, we believe in combining technology with a personal touch to deliver exceptional service. To get an even closer look at our operations, we invite you to take a virtual tour of our warehouses around the world. Experience firsthand how we manage and optimize our logistics processes to serve our clients efficiently.

Virtual Warehouse Tours

For a fun and interactive way to understand the different modes of transport we offer, check out our browser-based mini-game “Container Crush”. Deliver shipments by air, sea, road, rail, and parcel service, and see if you can beat the current high score and become the next logistics mastermind. You can even play it on your mobile phone.

Play “Container Crush” here!

Exploring logistics simulation games offers a fascinating glimpse into the intricate world of transportation and logistics. Whether you are a logistics enthusiast or a casual gamer, these simulations allow you to step into the shoes of a logistician and experience the challenges and rewards of the industry.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through the world of logistics simulation. Happy gaming, and here’s to smoother, more efficient logistics!