StageStar has an amazing foundation — I think the next step should be deeper simulation

I have been really enjoying the updates to StageStar, and I think Edmond is doing a great job. The game is improving really fast.

That said, I would love to see more focus on the core simulation before adding bigger features.

Some ideas I would love to see are:

• Genres affecting streaming, radio, charts, critics, physical sales, and fanbase.

• Different regional markets (Japan, UK, Europe, etc.) all behaving differently.

• Better chart formulas with sleeper hits, viral songs, slow growers, and songs that develop real legs over time.

• Promotion budgets (social media, playlists, radio, press, etc.) so players can choose between a low-key rollout or a big commercial campaign.

• Recording studios and recording costs to make money more meaningful.

• Better music video mechanics such as budgets, concepts, and directors instead of every music video following a similar formula.

• Career ups and downs such as flops, burnout, cult classics, and comebacks.

• More realistic physical sales, streaming, and chart performance based on genre, fanbase, promotion, and region.

• Hard mode that rewards slower, more gradual career growth, with a real possibility of underperforming releases instead of every era becoming successful.

• More touring regions and cities, with demand depending on the country or city, so touring feels more strategic and realistic.

• Different types of reputation such as commercial, critical, industry, fan, and legacy, so success isn’t measured by popularity alone.

• Hidden systems like hype, overexposure, fan loyalty, and public interest, so outcomes feel less predictable and every decision involves some risk.

• Artist identities that develop naturally over time, such as Indie Darling, Cult Favorite, Mainstream Pop Star, or Festival Headliner, unlocking different opportunities.

I would also love to eventually see things like festivals, media appearances, fan communities, public image, and management teams, but I think making the core simulation deeper should come first.

For me, the goal is not to make the game harder for the sake of it. The goal is to make every decision matter so every career feels unique. Success should feel earned through good strategy, not mainly through cumulative popularity.

StageStar already has a great foundation, and I think deeper simulation is what could take it to the next level.

I’m curious what everyone else thinks.