Top 10 Idol Management Games

Idols: The Ultimate Guide to Managing the Stars

Idols have taken the world by storm for decades. Their vibrant costumes, captivating performances, impressive skills, and charming personalities have elevated them to superstardom. And it’s not just in music and live shows, but also in movies, series, and even video games! There’s a whole market for idol management games where players can nurture idols, organize concerts, and establish partnerships on different consoles. While some games are specific to certain markets, many companies have released English versions to cater to fans worldwide. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of idol management with these exciting games!

10. Ensemble Stars!! Music

In Ensemble Stars!! Music, you become a music producer responsible for guiding the idols of Ensemble Square in their performances, training, and promotions. Just like in Love Live and Uta no Prince-sama, you can watch idols perform in thrilling Lives, where you’ll need to complete songs. This game combines the beloved idol-raising and bonding elements from the original Ensemble Stars!, as well as its non-rhythm version, Basic. Strengthen your bond with idols, unlock special scenes, and improve their card stats to excel in Lives.

9. IDOLY PRIDE: Idol Manager

IDOLY PRIDE: Idol Manager adds a unique twist to idol management games. Instead of simple tapping, you must focus on raising your idol group’s stats to conquer challenging Lives. Completing Lives requires accumulating enough points, which requires strategic positioning of idols in their designated roles and equipping them with the right photo and accessory. Beyond Lives, you can organize promotional events and build a deeper connection with your idols through calls and messages. Take your idols to bigger venues as their success grows!

8. BanG Dream! Girls Band Party!

BanG Dream! Girls Band Party!, published by Bushiroad, straddles the line between being a band-oriented game and an idol game. With idol voice actresses performing in the franchise’s live shows, it’s hard not to consider it as part of the idol game genre. Similar to Love Live!, players must develop their band by raising their performers’ cards’ stats to achieve high band power. Success in this rhythm-based game relies on precise taps, swipes, and holds during Lives.

7. A3! (Act! Addict! Actors)

A3! (Act! Addict! Actors) may focus on managing male actors instead of traditional idols, but it adheres to the same conceit as other idol games. Collect cards of male actors and guide them through practices and shows to unlock more cards, stories, and seasonal events. While the Japanese version still thrives, other versions have been discontinued. Fear not, overseas fans can still legally enjoy the game, even if it’s only in Japanese.

6. Girl Group Inc: Love Kpop Idol

Girl Group Inc: Love Kpop Idol, developed by Sunbeesoft Co., is a spiritual sequel to their previous idol games. It boasts refined controls and exciting new features for aspiring idol tycoons during their “idle” time. From auditions to training sessions, music videos, media appearances, and concerts, you’ll have the power to run your near-bankrupt agency. Juggling fan and stakeholder expectations while addressing your idols’ requests may earn you prestigious awards and unlock other exciting bonuses.

5. BLACKPINK THE GAME

BLACKPINK THE GAME puts you in the producer’s shoes for the world-renowned group. Manage the group and their agency’s building while engaging in cute management gameplay. Besides handling building management and member training, solve photocard puzzles to clear stages and participate in various mini-games, including multiplayer options. Customize your favorite members, interact with other fans in dedicated lobbies, and unlock exclusive Blackpink videos and photocards created specifically for the game.

4. Monthly Idol

Monthly Idol may have a blocky aesthetic, but don’t let that fool you—it’s one of the most immersive idol management games out there. Real K-pop stars like Ilhoon from BTOB and Eunsu from MYTEEN are even hooked on it! Scouting, recruitment, training, and keeping idols out of scandals are just some of the aspects under your control. On top of that, you’ll handle administrative tasks like developing your agency’s office, arranging appearances, releasing albums, and organizing concerts. With its deep customization options and references to the Korean idol industry, it’s the ultimate business sim for Kpop fans.

3. Idol Manager

Idol Manager, an indie game by Glitch Pitch, attracted attention with its promise to reflect the ruthless truths of the Japanese idol industry. In this game, you can adopt real company tactics—assign meager salaries, restrict relationships to avoid scandals, and handle talent meltdowns through hiatuses. Some might even call it the “Dark Souls of idol sims” due to its challenging gameplay. But don’t worry, there’s a story mode with lower difficulty settings for those who prefer a less intense experience.

2. Sengoku A Live

Sengoku A Live combines the ultimate time and money sinkers for anime and gaming enthusiasts. It’s like an isekai, otoge, and idol rhythm game rolled into one exciting multimedia franchise. Take warlords from Japan’s Sengoku era and transport them to modern-day Shibuya. Instead of continuing their battle for Japan, they decide to use music as their weapon for unification. Experience precise taps, slides, and flicks as you unlock captivating stories and complete thrilling events. Additionally, get ready to collect SMS messages, in-game merch, and cards to satisfy your collector’s cravings.

1. Love Live! School Idol Festival 2 MIRACLE LIVE!

Love Live! School Idol Festival ALL STARS might be a thing of the past, but brace yourselves for Love Live! School Idol Festival 2 MIRACLE LIVE! In SIF 2, you’ll have the opportunity to choose between μ’s, Aqours, Nijigasaki, or Liella as your starting unit. Your selection determines which unit provides your first Ultra Rare unit. All unit songs, as well as new songs and surprising features, will be available for play and unlocking. While initially released in Japan, international versions are on the horizon, including an English, Korean, and Traditional Chinese version!

That wraps up our ultimate guide to managing idols. Get ready to dive into the exciting world of idol management and experience the joy of fostering star talent!

Top 10 Idol Management Games