New Automation Game on Steam Feels Like Satisfactory Built an Oil Empire Inside Red Dead Redemption 2

Satisfactory and Red Dead Redemption scratch completely different itches, but a new automation game on Steam, Black Gold, manages to satisfy both. As fans know, the best part of any automation game is the moment where things actually move toward automation instead of manual work/labor, while Red Dead Redemption 2‘s open world is a highlight as a historical piece (among many other features).

This new Steam game is described as a “first-person management simulator” where the goal is to win the race for money. Capitalistic at its heart, Black Gold: Oil Drilling Simulator puts players into a “by your bootstraps” situation where success (wealth) or failure (no wealth) is entirely up to the player. Players must make the important decision of where to set up shop, settle their land, develop first steps, control oil wells, and expand their empire, all in a world inspired by the historical oil boom in states like California and Texas (circa 1890/1900s).

In that vein, no pun intended, the historical piece approach shines through Black Gold‘s environment just as it does in Red Dead 2. With a world taking notes from real-life like Red Dead 2 and gameplay mechanics akin to games like Satisfactory, Black Gold is something fans of both should certainly keep an eye on.

Black Gold Features at a Glance

• BUILD your own oil field
• EXTRACT crude oil
• MINE ore
• COMPLETE contracts
• TAKE loans
• HIRE works
• FIGHT for your place in a capitalistic society
• EARN your fortune

Black Gold’s Satisfactory-like Gameplay Loop Explained

Black Gold players will be able to set up oil wells and extract said oil, but the land must be settled first. Similar to Satisfactory‘s early gameplay, players must establish their base/oil field by cutting down trees, processing that timber, and building derricks. Combined with other constructions, players will begin to develop their own production lines and eventually expand their infrastructure. With deeper and deeper production, players will find themselves in need of all sorts.

Eventually, players will be able to hire NPC workers (since this game lacks Satisfactory‘s co-op) to help operate production and maintain extraction machinery, but at first, it’s just going to be them. Every pump, gear, and valve in Black Gold will eventually need replacement and attention, meaning players need to invest in their own product lest it become consumed by rust. Luckily, as players complete contracts and bring in additional income, they’ll be able to upgrade their home base with new features that improve all aspects of gameplay.

Manage Working Conditions

One Black Gold feature, distinct from Satisfactory and Red Dead 2, is the ability to improve overall work conditions. As players hire workers for various roles, each employee can be upgraded for efficiency via the home base. Or, you can rough it and create a poor working environment for your workers. Your choice.

Strike It Rich!

Money is the source of all evil, but a fat wallet is enticing for everyone in video games. Players will be able to sell crude oil and build their finances, eventually reinvesting it for new technology and new machines. Such is the gameplay loop of a lot of automation/factory-building games, but the difference is the vibe.

Black Gold’s Vibe Contributes to Gameplay

It can be hard to qualify a “vibe” or “game feel,” but not really for Black Gold. Take Satisfactory‘s gameplay and inject it into a historical setting like Red Dead Redemption 2. Instead of advanced, sci-fi tech, Black Gold uses real oil wells and real challenges befitting the era. Red Dead 2‘s dedication to its world seems replicated in every screenshot of Black Gold, down to the rustic UI. Black Gold has a solid, proven gameplay loop with a strong setting to back it—what else could you want from an automation game?

Right now, Black Gold is set to release on Steam in Q1 2026, developed and published by CreativeForge Games. It’s well worth keeping an eye out for an official release date announcement, as made clear by every glance at the game.