one dataset · paper, tables, graph, wiki
simgrammar the grammar of simulation

parts

17 mechanics, as Planet Coaster does them

core · 4

multiplayer & persistence

Content sharing

Coasters, scenery blueprints, and parks are uploaded to and downloaded from the Steam Workshop or Frontier Workshop.

agents & behavior

Crowd preferences

Thousands of guests with individual needs, preferences, and budgets choose rides and shops and show thoughts about prices and park conditions.

space & construction

Design performance rating

Coasters are test-run and rated on excitement, fear, and nausea, which set guest demand and ride value.

space & construction

Modular assembly

Coasters are built in a hybrid spline and piece-by-piece editor, and structures are assembled from modular wall, roof, and prop pieces.

supporting · 13

control & automation

Blueprints

Any selection of pieces can be saved as a blueprint and placed again.

space & construction

Building placement

economy & finance

Customer value choice

Ticket, ride, and shop prices are weighed against ride ratings and guest budgets.

space & construction

Decoration and beauty

Scenery around rides and paths raises guest happiness and ride appeal.

agents & behavior

Needs decay

Guests need food, drink, toilets, and rest during their visit.

progression & goals

Scenario objectives

Career scenarios set goals such as building coasters, reaching park ratings, and hiring staff; a scenario editor was added in 2017.

economy & finance

Staff hiring and rosters

Janitors, mechanics, entertainers, vendors, and security guards are hired and assigned.

progression & goals

Tech tree

Challenge and Career modes gate rides and items behind research.

space & construction

Terraforming

A voxel terrain editor sculpts and tunnels the ground.

space & construction

Track laying

Coasters are built in a hybrid spline and piece-by-piece editor, joining track elements end to end.

agents & behavior

Utility action selection

risk & failure

Wear and breakdown

Rides age and break down without mechanic inspections.

core loop

sculpt terrain and build modular scenery -> design coasters and test their ratings -> guests choose rides, shops, and paths -> manage staff, prices, and finances -> share parks and blueprints on the Workshop

design notes

Planet Coaster keeps the RollerCoaster Tycoon structure of rated rides and guests with preferences and moves the emphasis to construction: a hybrid spline and piece coaster editor, a voxel terrain editor, and modular pieces that snap into custom buildings. The Workshop is part of play, since players import coasters, scenery blueprints, and whole parks made by others. Frontier calls it a spiritual successor to its own RollerCoaster Tycoon 3, and both run on Frontier's Cobra engine. Career, Challenge (limited funds and research), and Sandbox (unlimited funds) modes share one simulation.

appears in

the paper, 2 sections
paper

5. The structure of the design space

linked in this section of the paper

paper
paper

Appendix A. Game catalog

linked in this section of the paper

paper
catalog

The catalog

listed with its year, developer, subgenre, and number of mechanics

book

relations

1 stored edges

sources

2
Wikipedia contributors (2026). Planet Coaster. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors (2026). RollerCoaster Tycoon. Wikipedia

provenance

runs in log/runs
2026-10-24
created2026-10-24-catalog-gecatalog
2026-10-24
reviewed2026-10-24-review-fixesmaintenance