Info about The Meter is Running:

Official game description:
**_The Meter Is Running_** _is a short management game about trying to keep a taxi dispatch alive when everything is stacked against you._
You run a small taxi dispatch in Istanbul with limited resources and debt hanging over your head. You assign drivers to customers across a physical city map. So distance and deadhead matter. A bad call early in the day can cost precious time.
Each day brings new fares, difficult decisions, and unexpected events. When drivers encounter a situation they will call back to base and you’ll face narrative events with choices shaped by who’s involved. You have 15 days to earn enough money to stay afloat or your dispatch shuts down and you lose everything.
Every morning you can see the new pool of drivers available to hire. Each driver has a different combination of traits and stats. More importantly, each one comes with their own personality, totaling over 1200 unique lines. Pick your favorites and assemble your fleet.
Each shift takes roughly 15-20 minutes, you can buy permanent upgrades to your garage between shifts to increase your chances of paying off the debt in 15 days.
Paying the debt is one side of the coin. The other question is, how far are you willing to go for money? That forgotten wallet looks a lot juicier when the debt is right around the corner. But some choices run deeper than others, and the community remembers. The meter is running!

Release date: May 22, 2026

Categories: Management Simulation, Resource Management, Choice-based Narrative, Multiple Endings, Character Management, Strategic Planning, Economic Simulation


- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: All three Windows VRAM cohorts report severe performance problems, with low FPS and instability dominating the feedback.
  - Sample size: 41 (16% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (negative, 24 reports): Players report frequent FPS drops and low frame rates (15-20 FPS), with performance cited as a major issue despite recommended status.
  - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (negative, 10 reports): Both reports describe very low frame rates around 15 FPS, indicating poor performance.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM (negative, 5 reports): The single report describes barely reaching 15 FPS and frequent crashes, with poor optimization.
  - Caveats: 41 of 263 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 3.5h
  - Story completion: 3.0h
  - Session length: 5.0h
  - Endgame: 12.0h
  - Reasoning: The main story completion is supported by multiple reviews reporting finishing in about 3 hours and a full playthrough lasting 3-5 hours, so I set gameCompletion to 3.5 (midpoint) and storyCompletion to 3 (most common). Session length is evidenced by a review mentioning a single sitting of 5-6 hours, so I set sessionLength to 5. Endgame content, specifically unlocking all achievements, is reported to take about 12 hours across multiple playthroughs, so I set endgame to 12.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game presents an early learning curve that, once overcome, becomes highly addictive for some players, while others find it immediately boring and hollow. The strongest evidence points to enjoyment arriving after the core loop clicks, though reports conflict.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: The moment the core gameplay loop clicks
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: overwhelming initial information dump; lack of narrative drive or compelling hook; tedious simulation that feels like real work; static screen gameplay with little interaction
  - Unlock drivers: understanding the core gameplay loop; everything starting to click
  - Conditions: player persists past the initial confusion; player tolerates the simulation's pacing; player finds the loop engaging; player does not expect deep simulation depth
- Player Archetypes:
  - Map Realism Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Appreciation of realism and technical craft
    - Playstyle: Exploratory, casual, detail-oriented
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: developer
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Chill Relaxation Seeker (buy)
    - Motivation: Stress relief and relaxation
    - Playstyle: Casual, laid-back, no rush
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: chill
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Value-Driven Supporter (buy)
    - Motivation: Supporting indie devs and getting a unique experience at a good price
    - Playstyle: Not specific, likely casual
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: supporter
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Gameplay Balance Critic (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Seeking a satisfying simulation experience, but currently disappointed
    - Playstyle: They likely try to optimize but get frustrated
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Game is fun and engaging (weight 0.57): Many reviewers find the game enjoyable, immersive, and a good way to pass time. The core loop is praised for being well-thought-out and entertaining.
- High potential and quality (weight 0.31): Reviewers see strong potential in the game, noting it is well-made, high quality, and could make an impact. The concept and mechanics are promising.
- Turkish cultural appeal (weight 0.3): The game is valued for being Turkish-made, with Turkish names, dialogue, and cultural references. This adds a unique charm for local players.
- Realistic and atmospheric (weight 0.23): The game is praised for its realism, accurately reflecting 2000s Istanbul and taxi driver chaos. The atmosphere is immersive and well-captured.
- Engaging story and scenarios (weight 0.22): The story, including the debt premise and multiple endings, is enjoyable. Scenarios are well set up and add to the gameplay experience.
- Art style and design (weight 0.2): The stylized 2D hand-drawn art is appreciated for its personality and atmosphere. The art design is considered very good and adds to the game's charm.
- Detailed and well-thought-out (weight 0.14): The game is noted for its many details and thoughtful design, with mechanics that are well set up. The economic balance and management systems are praised.
- Strategic and meaningful choices (weight 0.14): Players appreciate the strategic depth from balancing driver composure, vehicle durability, and cleanliness. Choices impact the game and add replayability.
- Sound and music praised (weight 0.14): The sound design and music are highlighted as strong points, with unique audio cues and tension-building elements. The soundtrack is considered very good.
- Funny and humorous content (weight 0.11): The game's comedy is well-executed, with unhinged moments and humorous events. The dialogues and story are enjoyable and make players laugh.
- Great map and location design (weight 0.11): The interactive map of Istanbul is accurate and well-designed. Specific stations like Güngören-Bağcılar are noted for strategic advantages.
- Unique and original concept (weight 0.09): The game offers a unique experience with no similar game, built on an original idea. The concept of managing drivers via an app is seen as innovative.
- Regular updates and support (weight 0.09): The developers listen to players and add features like a free shift mode quickly. The game is regularly updated, improving the experience.
- Easy to learn and play (weight 0.09): The game is easy to get into, with a straightforward UI and mechanics reminiscent of other well-known games. It is accessible to new players.
- Stressful but rewarding management (weight 0.09): The game turns into stress management, with customer crises and economic challenges. This adds tension and makes the gameplay engaging.
- Supports ultrawide and UI (weight 0.06): The game supports 21:9 aspect ratio and has a well-designed UI. This enhances the visual experience for players with ultrawide monitors.
- Potential for improvement (weight 0.06): Some reviewers note that optimization and mechanics could be improved. The game is good but has room for development.
- No major bugs encountered (weight 0.04): Some reviewers report no bugs on their first playthrough, indicating a polished experience. The game runs smoothly for many players.

Common complaints:
- Game is too short (weight 0.36): The game's total playtime is consistently described as very short, ranging from 40 minutes to 5 hours, which players feel is insufficient for a full-priced title. The brevity leaves the game feeling incomplete and unsatisfying.
- Gameplay becomes repetitive quickly (weight 0.28): Players report that the game becomes monotonous and tiring after just 1-3 hours due to a lack of variety. The repetitive nature of the gameplay loop significantly reduces long-term engagement.
- Game ends after debt payment (weight 0.24): The game abruptly concludes once the player pays off the uncle's debt, with no continuation or story progression afterward. This leaves players feeling the experience is incomplete and unsatisfying.
- Game is boring and tedious (weight 0.17): The core gameplay is widely criticized as boring, monotonous, and tedious, with many players losing interest shortly after starting. This fundamental flaw undermines the overall experience.
- Game limited to 15 days (weight 0.06): The game is restricted to a 15-day in-game time limit, after which it ends. This artificial constraint further shortens the experience and limits player freedom.

Gameplay feedback:
- Taxi station management simulation (weight 0.43): The game is a management/simulation title where players run a taxi station, dispatch drivers, and handle customers. It involves managing a taxi business and paying off debt.
- Dispatch drivers to customers (weight 0.31): Core gameplay involves dispatching taxi drivers to pick up customers on a map, using mouse or key mechanics. Players direct drivers to specific locations and manage their routes.
- Random events and scenarios (weight 0.18): The game features random events and scenario systems that affect score and reputation, including unusual events like a driver being kidnapped or a customer bringing a python. These add variety and challenge.
- Tax system and bankruptcy risk (weight 0.15): The game includes a periodic tax mechanic that can take the player's money, potentially leading to bankruptcy. This adds economic pressure and strategic planning.
- Driver and customer traits (weight 0.14): Both drivers and customers have traits that affect gameplay outcomes, such as debuffs and buffs. These traits influence decision-making and strategy.
- Station upgrades and development (weight 0.14): Players can develop their station with upgrades such as parking areas, tea houses, repair shops, and washing areas. This includes garage development and expansion across districts.
- Multiple game modes (weight 0.11): The game offers two modes, including a free shift mode and an endless mode, in addition to the main 15-day campaign. This provides replayability.
- Set in early 2000s Istanbul (weight 0.1): The game is set in early 2000s Istanbul, providing a specific cultural and historical context. This setting influences the atmosphere and narrative elements.
- Vehicle and driver management (weight 0.09): Players manage driver composure, vehicle durability, and cleanliness, with bars for these attributes. This includes car repair and maintenance.
- Choice-based gameplay (weight 0.09): The game includes choice scenes and text-based events where players select options against various problems. These choices affect reputation, money, and other factors.
- Smartphone and e-taxi system (weight 0.08): The game includes a smartphone, a 5-point rating system, and a smart taxi system, as well as an e-taxi system for hiring drivers and collecting customers. These modern elements are integrated into the management.
- Reputation and score system (weight 0.07): The game has a reputation and station score system that tracks player performance. This is influenced by choices and scenario outcomes.
- End-of-day expense list (weight 0.06): At the end of each day, players see an expense list, helping them manage finances. This is part of the economic management aspect.
- Hiring drivers from random pool (weight 0.06): Each morning, a random pool of drivers is available to hire, each with different traits. This adds a roguelite-inspired element to the management.
- Uncle character appears (weight 0.06): A character referred to as 'the uncle' appears throughout the game, adding a recurring narrative element. This character may be part of the story or events.
- Large map with zoom (weight 0.06): The game features a large map with zoom functionality, allowing players to navigate different districts. This supports the dispatch and management gameplay.

Performance notes:
- Serious optimization issues reported (weight 0.3): Multiple reviewers report serious optimization problems, including severe lag, stuttering, and FPS drops, making the game difficult to play. These issues are widespread and affect core gameplay.
- FPS drops during exploration (weight 0.15): Players experience FPS drops and stuttering while exploring the map, even in performance mode. The map-following feature and browsing driver cards also trigger stuttering.
- Severe lag on low settings (weight 0.13): The game lags severely even when graphics settings are set to low, and in some cases becomes unplayable. This indicates fundamental performance problems rather than hardware limitations.
- Very low frame rates (weight 0.07): Some players can barely achieve 15-20 FPS, indicating severe performance bottlenecks. This makes the game nearly unplayable for those affected.
- Lag with multiple drivers (weight 0.07): Significant FPS drops occur when there are more than 4 taxi drivers, and some lag is experienced with 9 drivers. Performance degrades as the number of in-game entities increases.
- Menu and cursor lag (weight 0.07): The game lags even in the main menu when moving the mouse, and the mouse cursor itself lags. This suggests the performance issues are not limited to gameplay but affect the entire interface.
- Game freezes and crashes (weight 0.06): The game can freeze completely due to optimization issues, and one player reported a crash after resuming from day 9. These stability problems compound the performance issues.
- Some optimization fixes applied (weight 0.05): One player reported that optimization issues were fixed by the developers, and another reported no optimization issues. This suggests that some improvements have been made, though many players still experience problems.
- Architecture causes performance issues (weight 0.04): The webview-based architecture is identified as a cause of significant performance issues. This technical design choice appears to be a root cause of many of the reported problems.
- Screen flickering after update (weight 0.04): Constant screen flickering occurs after a Steam overlay update, making the game unplayable and eye-straining. This appears to be a specific compatibility issue introduced by an update.
- Audio glitches reported (weight 0.03): One player reported music glitches in the game. This is a less common issue but still affects the overall experience.
- OBS lags in fullscreen (weight 0.03): OBS (streaming software) lags when the game is in fullscreen mode. This is a niche issue affecting streamers specifically.
- 60 FPS cap present (weight 0.03): The game has a 60 FPS cap, which may be a limitation for players with high refresh rate monitors. This is a minor issue compared to the other performance problems.

Recommendations:
- Wait for updates before buying (weight 0.15): Multiple reviewers advise against purchasing the game in its current state, recommending waiting for updates before deciding to buy. The game is considered not worth buying until it receives fixes.
- Game recommended for management fans (weight 0.15): Several reviewers recommend the game to fans of the management genre, particularly those who enjoy tension, difficult choices, and economic survival. It is also compared favorably to games like 911 Operator.
- Game offers good value (weight 0.09): Some reviewers feel the game is a steal for its price and can be bought with peace of mind. The game is considered worth its price by these players.
- Avoid e-taxi upgrade system (weight 0.07): Reviewers warn against buying or trying the e-taxi upgrade, describing it as useless and causing significant money loss. This feature is considered a poor investment.
- Recommended driver and facility setup (weight 0.04): One reviewer recommends a specific setup: 7 drivers with particular traits, level 1 tea house, repair shop, washing area, and level 2 parking area. This provides a concrete early-game strategy.
- Avoid radio system purchase (weight 0.04): One reviewer specifically advises against buying the radio system, suggesting it is not worth the investment. This is a specific gameplay tip for new players.
- Hiring slow drivers recommended (weight 0.04): A reviewer advises hiring slow drivers, noting it is the most effective trait. This is a specific strategy tip for optimizing driver performance.
- Choose score-affecting scenarios (weight 0.04): A reviewer recommends choosing scenarios that affect station score or reputation. This is a strategic tip for maximizing game progression.
- Recommended for casual players (weight 0.04): The game is recommended for players tired of competitive games, offering a more relaxed experience. This appeals to a specific audience seeking a break from competitive titles.
- Expand parking lot early (weight 0.04): One reviewer advises expanding the parking lot early and paying off debt in small installments. This is a practical financial strategy for early game success.

Other player notes:
- Turkish production and cultural appeal (weight 0.34): Many reviewers are drawn to the game because it is a Turkish production set in Istanbul, with a story related to Turkish culture. This local connection is a primary reason for playing and supporting the game.
- Comparisons to other management games (weight 0.22): Players frequently compare the game to titles like Dispatch, Frostpunk, Papers Please, and Game Dev Tycoon, setting expectations for deep mechanics and management gameplay. These comparisons often highlight where the game falls short or meets expectations.
- Potential for future improvements (weight 0.18): Many reviewers express hope that future updates will improve the game, trusting the developers to address issues and expand content. This sentiment is often tied to the game being seen as a good start or prototype.
- Pricing and value concerns (weight 0.15): Opinions on the price are mixed; some find the $7 price fair and worth it, while others consider it high for the amount of content offered. The value proposition is a key factor in player satisfaction.
- Unique setting and cultural details (weight 0.11): The game's setting in Istanbul and inclusion of Turkish cultural elements, such as the Eurasia Tunnel and humorous events, are appreciated. Reviewers suggest adding more cultural visuals like a Van cat, tea, and prayer beads.
- Limited language support (weight 0.09): The game only supports English and Turkish, which is a limitation for non-Turkish speakers. The lack of Russian language support was specifically noted as a drawback.
- Technical and visual features (weight 0.08): The game is described as simple-looking but detailed, with support for 21:9 aspect ratio. Some reviewers suggest adding more animations, cinematic cutscenes, and 3D templates to enhance the experience.
- Refund decisions and player support (weight 0.06): Some players refunded the game, while others bought it specifically to support the developers. This reflects a divide between those who see potential and those who are dissatisfied with the current state.
- Unique and niche appeal (weight 0.05): The game is seen as unique with no similar game available, offering a different experience for Turkish players. This niche appeal is a key strength, though it may limit broader appeal.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.25): Players are frustrated by the recurring tax system that suddenly takes most of their money, leading to bankruptcy and game over. Performance issues, such as low FPS and lag, also hinder gameplay, and the game ends abruptly after paying off the debt, leaving players feeling cheated.
- Disappointment (weight 0.21): The game falls short of expectations due to its short length, ending after paying off the debt, and lacks depth in strategy and management. Performance issues and bugs further diminish the experience, making it feel like an incomplete project despite a promising concept.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.16): Players enjoy the game's fun and humorous gameplay, engaging story, and the authentic Istanbul atmosphere. The taxi management mechanics and random events provide entertainment, making the game a pleasant way to pass time.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.07): The game provides a satisfying and strategic gameplay loop, with success feeling earned through learning and improvement. Players appreciate the game's value for its price and the developers' responsiveness in adding requested features.
- Boredom (weight 0.06): The gameplay becomes repetitive and boring after a short time, with shallow mechanics that rely on random clicking rather than strategy. Players find the game tedious, especially when radio calls are infrequent, leading to a static and unengaging experience.
- Appreciation (weight 0.06): Players appreciate the game's high quality, well-designed mechanics, and the effort put into its development. The inclusion of Turkish cultural elements and support for features like 21:9 aspect ratio are also praised.
- Amusement (weight 0.03): The game's humorous random events, such as a driver being abducted by aliens or a horse defecating on the windshield, provide comedic relief. These unhinged moments add to the game's charm and entertainment value.
- Hope (weight 0.03): Players are hopeful that the game will improve with updates, given its early access label and potential. They wish the developers success and plan to return to the game as it develops.
- Excitement (weight 0.02): The game's concept and unique driver quirks immediately caught players' attention, leading to an eager purchase. The anticipation of the game's release was high, and players were excited to experience it.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Players are angered by the unfair tax events that can cause ragequits, as well as the game's optimization issues that drive them crazy. A specific incident involving a character being tricked into drinking disinfectant also sparked anger.
- Approval (weight 0.01): Players approve of the game's realism and quality, especially as a Turkish production. The game is considered good and beautiful, earning positive approval.
- Happiness (weight 0.01): Players are happy that the game is made by a Turkish team, and they appreciate the Turkish cultural atmosphere, including names and the Atatürk picture. This cultural connection brings joy.
- Annoyance (weight 0.01): Players are annoyed by the excessive smoking and zippo sounds, which become irritating over time. The music also becomes annoying after prolonged play.
- Regret (weight 0.01): Players regret spending money on the game due to optimization issues and its short length of only 4 hours with a 15-day limit. The game feels like a waste of money.
- Pride (weight 0.01): Players feel pride in the game being Turkish-made, which gives it a warm and positive reception. The game is considered a good representation of Turkish game development.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Players are confused by the game's abrupt ending and unclear radio notifications, which make it hard to notice important events. This lack of clarity detracts from the experience.
- Love (weight 0): Players love the game for its music, gameplay, and random events, which create an engaging and enjoyable experience. The combination of these elements fosters a strong positive attachment.
- Admiration (weight 0): Players admire the game's attention to detail and art design, which are considered very good. This visual and design quality earns admiration.
- Sadness (weight 0): Players feel sad that the game ends quickly without additional areas to explore. The short length leaves them wanting more content.
- Uncertainty (weight 0): Players feel uncertain due to the random taxes that keep coming, which disrupts their plans and creates unpredictability. This uncertainty affects their gameplay experience.}