Loading critic reviews...
Deals
Finding deals...
Live Streams
Finding live streams...
About Bookshop Simulator
Bookshop Simulator is a cozy management game where you run a bookstore from scratch. Developed by Blep Games and released in 2025, it leans into the slow-burn satisfaction of organizing shelves, managing inventory, and upgrading a space. The game’s charm comes from its attention to bookish details like curating genres, hunting for rare editions, and hiring staff. Set in a low-pressure environment, it’s ideal for players who enjoy methodical progress over time. The single-player focus means you’re in control of every decision, from where to place a new display to which cat to adopt for companionship.
Gameplay
You start by ordering books and arranging them on shelves, balancing cost and demand to maximize profits. Each session involves restocking, pricing items, and dealing with customer requests, which shift based on the time of day. Rare books drop special modifiers like increased sales or faster restocking. The shop expands through earned funds, letting you add sections or hire employees. Controls are drag-and-drop intuitive, with a focus on visual organization. Progress feels incremental but rewarding, as you unlock decorative upgrades and track long-term goals like completing every book genre. The cat companion adds minor mechanics, like boosting customer happiness when placed strategically.
What Players Think
PlayPile users rate it 4.3/5, with 86% completing the base game. Community mood tags are overwhelmingly "Relaxed" (78%) and "Satisfying" (72%). Average playtime is 32 hours, with 23% hitting 50+ hours. Critics praise the "zen-like pacing" but note repetitive late-game content. One review wrote, "The cat is a game-changer for the vibe." Completion rates for achievements hover at 63%, and 18 hours is typical for 100% completion. Despite a steady 4.5/5 score from critics, 12% of players quit after the first 10 hours, citing "slow progression."
PlayPile's Take
Bookshop Simulator is a niche hit for sim fans who love careful planning. At $19.99, it offers 30+ hours of content with 50+ achievements. The 18-hour cap for full completion suggests some filler in the late game. Best for those who enjoy decorating virtual spaces and tracking inventory. Not a speedrun title, its reward comes from watching your shop thrive over weeks. If you’re patient with slow economic systems and adore book-related aesthetics, this is a solid pick.
Game Modes
Single player
Achievements
Loading achievements...
Similar Games
Finding similar games...
Buzzing on Bluesky
Checking Bluesky...