Developed by Mestiez, People Playground is an indie video game. It’s been steadily growing in popularity since its 2019 release by Studio Minus.
People Playground’s steady increase in popularity shows just how great of a game it is. It’s both a gory and sandbox game that combines the best of these two gaming genres for a unique and unforgettable experience.
There are many games like People Playground. Forts, Boneworks, and Kerbal Space Program to name a few. But the best game like People Playground is Garry’s Mod. The game has been sold for about 20 million times to date which is no mean feat.
Why Games Like People Playground?
Something distinctive about games like People Playground is that they don’t have any specific objectives or goals. This is because People Playground is a sandbox game.
A sandbox game refers to a game that allows the player a huge amount of creativity because there’s no specific end goal. The moniker comes from the idea that when children play in a sandbox, there is no predetermined experience and they have to use their imagination to create their desired experiences.
Many gamers enjoy games like People Playground because of this open-ended experience. Sandbox games have been proven to nurture creativity and encourage freedom.
Apart from being a sandbox game, its other key feature is that it’s gory and violent, using detailed physics features. Physics here means the ability to manipulate objects and characters in realistic ways.
People Playground’s official tagline is, “Shoot, stab, burn, poison, tear, vaporize, or crush ragdolls in a large open space.”
Although gory games like People Playground have been shown to contribute to antisocial behavior, they also fulfill important human psychological needs. This key benefit is part of the reason why they are so popular.
Although People Playground is pretty special, you may be looking for other options. That’s why I have compiled a list of games like People Playground for you:
Games Like People Playground
1. Garry’s Mod
Exactly People Playground, Garry’s Mod is a gory, physics-based sandbox video game. It has been around since 2006 and was designed by developer Garry Newman, hence the name “Garry’s Mod.”
Garry’s Mod being a gore video game means that producing violent effects is a central feature of the game. The game is also notable and famous for its physics features.
Garry’s Mod has a “physics gun” you can use to pick up, rotate or freeze ragdolls and props in place. It also has a versatile “tools gun” that you can use to weld props together, among other functions.
Garry’s Mod has both single-player and multiplayer options.
The game is extremely popular and has sold more than 20 million copies since its inception.
You can buy Garry’s Mod for only $9.99.
2. Forts
Forts is a straightforward two-dimensional RTS game. RTS stands for real-time strategy.
It’s a two-dimensional game just like People Playground. Its gore and open-ended characteristics make it a sandbox game.
The idea behind the game is to design, build and arm a kind of fort, and then attack your opponents’ forts. Although Forts is multiplayer, there are single-player options.
You can play with up to eight players in multiplayer mode, with co-op and team deathmatch options. It also has single-player options.
Its sandbox nature is enhanced by the fact that you can build your forts into any shape and size, and you can do so as you fight. It is also physics-based because its main draw is how the player can move around objects in the game to build, defend, arm, and destroy forts.
You can buy Forts for only $7.99.
3. Blade and Sorcery
Blade and Sorcery is a single-player physics-based virtual reality (VR) combat game. It’s also early access, meaning that it’s accessible to players even though it’s still under development.
Blade and Sorcery is a sandbox game in its current iteration. It is also a medieval fantasy.
Its great physics features also make the game very similar to People Playground.
The game is truly innovative. It combines the best of virtual reality technology with video game physics principles in a medieval fantasy setting to enable a player to have an exciting sensory experience.
The idea behind the game having early access is that the developers wanted to grow the game with feedback from players. As pioneers in the gaming VR field, Blade and Sorcery’s developers are serious about making the game reach its greatest potential.
It’s also why it’s currently a combat sandbox game. The sandbox setting allows for the most freedom for players and therefore gets the best feedback from them.
Just like People Playground, it’s moddable, meaning that players can create their own modifications to the game and make them available for others.
You can buy Blade and Sorcery for $19.99 and requires a virtual reality headset to use it.
4. Kerbal Space Program
As the name implies, Kerbal Space Program is a game set in space. The characters in the game are an alien race called the Kerbals.
Its sandbox and physics features make it very similar to People Playground.
It’s a single-player game with three modes, one of which is the Sandbox mode where you can build any spacecraft you want using available parts and technology. The other modes are Science Mode where you perform space experiments and Career Mode where you oversee and administer the space program.
Kerbal Space Program is very detailed and realistic. Its physics settings and features mimic actual aerodynamics.
This means that you will have very realistic effects in Sandbox mode, as you build your spacecraft. You can build all sorts of spaceships, rockets, and vehicles using any combination of a large number of parts.
It’s also moddable i.e. a gamer can make modifications to the game which can be made available to the community. Kerbal Space Program is incredibly popular and has been heavily awarded because of its great features.
Kerbal Space Program 2 (KSP 2), is a redesigned sequel to the original game. An early access version was released a month ago as a way to allow players to contribute to the development of the game by giving feedback on its features as they are made and optimized.
You can buy Kerbal Space Program for $39.99.
5. Boneworks
Boneworks, is a virtual reality (VR) combat game that allows for a great number of adventures because of its advanced experimental physics features. You can do a lot because of the game’s cutting-edge design. It’s gory and violent just like People Playground.
It’s a very action-heavy game. Boneworks features a shooter that can only be operated in single-player mode.
Because Boneworks is a sandbox game, you can design your own adventure by directing your shooter however and wherever you please. The first-person point of view allows you to view your adventure directly.
Boneworks’ Frame Per Second (FPS) rate is pretty high, giving the game a good resolution. Additionally, its FPS rate is adjustable.
There are mods to adjust the FPS rate if you please. The game is generally quite moddable, having a good number of mods for different features.
Boneworks’ excellent VR features make the experience of playing the game simulate realistic situations to maximize your immersion to the fullest. Its features are all the more impressive when you consider that Boneworks was developed by an indie company, Stress Level Zero.
An extra quirk about the game is that it has funny moments that pop up at just the right time. Get Boneworks starting at $29.99.
6. Viscera Cleanup Detail
Just like People Playground, Viscera Cleanup Detail is a gory video game. However, it comes with an interesting horror twist.
The player cleans up after the simulated violence has already happened, instead of being part of it. The player gets to decide how this clean-up happens, making it a sandbox game like People Playground.
The first-person point of view is the game’s core feature because it allows you to directly handle the simulated grisly aftermath of a video game fight. You get to clean debris, blood, and dismembered body parts.
The point of Viscera Cleanup Detail is to restore a space station video game setting to its “original” condition. Lots of players derive enjoyment from paying attention to all those details, hence the name of the game.
Restoration in Viscera Cleanup Detail doesn’t only entail cleaning up. You also get to perform tasks like restoring first aid kits, repairing wall bullet holes, stacking crates, and filing disaster reports.
There are all sorts of cool tools to help you with all these tasks. You have a mop, a sensor device to detect traces, an incinerator, a bucket dispenser, a welding device, et cetera.
You can buy Viscera Cleanup Detail for $12.99. Premium versions, including bundles, don’t retail for more than $60 and there are frequent discounts.
7. Scrap Mechanic
Scrap Mechanic is a survival sandbox game. You begin the game at the site of a wrecked spaceship.
One of the main draws of the game is that you start by building a basic vehicle at the immensely fun crafting station called, “Mini Craftbot.” Then you search for food and supplies to stay alive.
The game has lots of excellent features to maximize imagination and ingenuity. For example, you are able to build various kinds of other crafting stations apart from the basic ones.
Scrap Mechanic has both first-person and third-person point-of-view features. It also has both single-player and multiplayer options.
Scrap Mechanic’s world is very open, and this openness characterizes the mood of the game. For example, the game is both early access and moddable like People Playground.
The game is moddable which means that regular players can make adjustments to the game that is then made available to other players. It being early access means that the game is still under development while still being open to players so that players can give feedback to the developers as well as suggest modifications.
Scrap Mechanic has three modes. The survival mode described above is the basic mode.
The other modes are the ‘Creative’ and ‘Challenge’ modes. In the creative mode, you cannot die or be injured and you have access to an unlimited supply of all the items in the game.
The mode allows you to be as creative as possible and can be used as practice for other modes.
In the challenge mode, players work to get through fifty levels.
You can get Scrap Mechanic for only $19.99.
8. Regular Human Workshop
Regular Human Workshop is a recent release by indie developer Dead Joker. Since its release in September 2022, the game has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews.
Just like People Playground, Regular Human Workshop’s detailed physics features are enhanced by its simple two-dimensional design. When you play the game, you get to focus on manipulating the human ragdolls without being distracted by oversaturated graphics.
Apart from the human ragdolls and physics, Regular Human Workshop’s other features include unique gravity settings, slow motion features, automation, and a save system. It operates only through single-player mode and it’s moddable as well.
You can buy Regular Human Workshop for $9.99.
9. Mutilate-A-Doll 2
Mutilate-A-Doll 2 is a later version of games that were called Mutilate-A-Doll 1 (MaD 1) and Mutilate-A-Doll Classic. Mutilate-A-Doll 2 comes with updated graphics that enhance the original value of the game.
Mutilate-A-Doll’s main characteristic is clear in its name: you get to manipulate ragdolls in a wide variety of ways, like in People Playground. Besides the default doll design that aligns with earlier versions of the game, Mutilate-A-Doll 2 comes with other ragdoll designs such as a skeleton, a medieval knight, a robot, and a soldier.
These designs were submitted by players and have now become part of the game. Mutilate-A-Doll 2 is therefore highly moddable.
The game comes with over 1,500 items including weapons, explosives, and gadgets that you can use to manipulate your ragdolls. You also have access to traps and over 75 powers.
Mutilate-A-Doll is one of the most customizable sandbox physics games out there. You can get it for only $9.99 to check out everything it has to offer.
10. Minecraft
Since its official 2011 release by Stockholm-based Mojang Studios, Minecraft has grown to be the best-seller in its segment. With over 238 million copies and over 140 million monthly active users, it has a strong footing in the video game market today.
Minecraft comes in two modes: survival and creative mode. You have to collect the resources to stay alive in survival mode. While in creative mode, you have unlimited resources to enjoy the sensory experience of playing the game.
Like People Playground, you can create your own adventure and there are no goals that you are required to achieve. Its colorful, quirky 3D design is instantly recognizable to long-time fans of the game.
Minecraft is also quite moddable. Users create modifications such as texture packs and custom maps which are then made available to other users.
Minecraft has received critical acclaim and many awards for how good it is. It also has several spin-offs such as Minecraft: Story Mode, Minecraft Dungeons, Minecraft Earth, and soon-to-be-released Minecraft Legends.
In 2014, Microsoft acquired Mojang Studios along with the Minecraft brand for $2.5 billion. Minecon, a convention loved and attended by Minecraft enthusiasts, happens every year.
Minecraft retails at different prices depending on how you decide to get the game. The many ways to access Minecraft include through PC, mobile, various consoles, Oculus (Facebook’s VR headset), or Amazon Fire.
The prices range from completely free with optional add-ons that come at a small cost to around $19.99 for the Base Game on Xbox. Go ahead and get Minecraft through your desired means to find out everything that this great video game has to offer!
11. Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V is the newest title of one of the most popular video games ever. Grand Theft Auto was first released in 2005, and Grand Theft Auto V, or GTA V as commonly known, was released in 2013.
The game’s fictional setting is based in Southern California. Its characters are heavily involved in the high-stakes criminal underworld and there is a fair amount of violence and sex as a result.
Grand Theft Auto V’s setting is extremely realistic because it’s three-dimensional and very detailed. There are both first-person and third-person features as well.
The game is therefore ideal for users who seek an immersive experience full of adventures of their own choosing. Its excellent open-world design is one of the best examples of a sandbox video game.
The Grand Theft Auto franchise is the fifth-best-selling video game franchise of all time. It has sold over 370 million copies and has been critically acclaimed.
You will need a home console like PlayStation or Xbox or at least a personal computer to play the game. Depending on your device and your desired access to premium features, Grand Theft Auto V operates through various paid models, including one-time purchases, subscription-based models, and add-on purchases, with the cheapest option beginning at $5.99 a month.
Additionally, you can purchase a physical copy of the game for $29.99.
12. Hitman
Hitman 3 is part of the Hitman franchise that launched in 2000 with the release of the first game, Hitman: Codename 27. Since then, the franchise has evolved in exciting ways, especially in terms of virtual reality (VR) features.
Hitman 3 is the first game in the series to support virtual reality features. That’s its main distinctive feature.
Hitman 3 is also entirely single-player. The player directs Agent 47, the main character, to assassinate various targets around the world.
Just like People Playground, the open-world setting grants a lot of freedom to the player and encourages creativity. You usually play from a third-person point of view, although there is an option to play from the first-person point of view if you are making use of the game’s virtual reality (VR) features.
Each player progresses from one level to the next using a number of tools and skills. For example, you can use a particular kind of gun, take on a disguise, pick a lock, or destroy camera footage to remain undetected.
Apart from the video games, the Hitman franchise includes two novels and a comic book series.
You can get the base game for around $19. Deluxe and expansion packs are available as well.
13. Elite Dangerous
Elite Dangerous is a space flight simulation game. Its open-galaxy setting makes it the ultimate adventure for anybody looking to spark their creativity and imagination, making it very similar to People Playground.
Elite Dangerous was released in 2014 and is based on the 1984 space-trading video game, Elite. Elite Dangerous retains the features that made Elite so influential while updating them and innovating others using modern technology.
For example, Elite contained eight galaxies. On the other hand, Elite Dangerous uses real astronomical data to represent all 400 billion stars and 32 galaxies of the Milky Way.
The game’s cornerstone is that it’s multiplayer. The main activities that you take part in when you play the game, such as trading and piracy, all depend on the presence of other players.
The game is therefore a great way to relieve loneliness while exercising your imagination. Take others along for the ride!
The base game retails for only $29.99. There are premium and bundle options as well.
14. Arma 3
Last but not least, we have Arma 3. Arma 3 makes this list because of how good its realism features are.
Arma 3 is about military tactical shooting. Players are offered both first-person and third-person shooting options.
Players also have single-player, multiplayer, and “co-op” options. In gaming communities, co-op refers to the ability to cooperate with fellow players to achieve a single objective.
Arma 3 is completely open-world. Its sandbox features are enhanced by how photorealistic its terrain and water settings are.
Some of its settings are based on real places. The immersive experience alone is invaluable.
You can buy Arma 3’s base game for around $29.99. There are premium and bundle options as well.
Wrapping Up
There you have it folks. A comprehensive list of games like People Playground.
Games like these are great for when you are tired of playing games with extremely particular objectives and goals. Sometimes, you just want to go with the flow.
I hope that this list is helpful to you. Happy gaming!
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