Capitalize

Capitalize is a financial life simulation developed by JL Games Studio, based in Switzerland. Players guide a character from the age of 18 through to retirement, managing a budget and bank account, applying for jobs and training, choosing whether to rent or buy housing, and dealing with vehicles and everyday events such as breakdowns and theft. The game introduces financial concepts including compound interest, diversification, the 4% rule and dollar-cost averaging through play, supported by in-game documentation, and is presented as an educational simulation rather than personalised financial advice.

The broker section allows investment in ETFs, stocks, bonds, gold and commodities, with support for multiple scheduled DCA plans. Players can also launch businesses and manage cash flow, dividends, treasury and company health; in realistic mode this extends to IPOs and employee equity. Four local modes are available: a guided tutorial covering the in-game apps and a year-end report, a year-by-year mode, a month-by-month normal run, and a realistic month-by-month mode with additional hazards such as life events, health issues and tougher markets. Life events and decisions affect mood, health and cash, particularly in realistic mode.

A separate Online Career mode provides a permanent profile with runs to retirement and dedicated leaderboards for net worth and financial independence age, with a separate board for realistic runs. Online play is organised into seasons with live rankings. At the end of a run, players receive a retirement summary showing net worth, compounding, the 4% rule and a wealth curve, which can be captured and shared via the clipboard, Steam or Discord. A local scoreboard is also included.