It was released for Windows in April 1997,[1] on iOS and Android on October 9, 2010,[2] for Windows Phone on July 6, 2015,[citation needed] for Nintendo Switch on October 11, 2018, on PlayStation 4 on February 11, 2021,[3] on Steam on March 27, 2022,[4] and on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S on September 15, 2023.

[2] The user controls a number of factors which can help or hinder the quality of the games released, including hiring staff, controlling the direction and speed of development, and using items which give boosts for workers or change their jobs.

As the player progresses and earns more money, their building is improved upon and they are allowed to hire more staff, and thus create better games.

The original Game Dev Story was released in Japan for Microsoft Windows in April 1997.

Club praised the game's freedom for the player's choice in how they choose to develop their company.