The factory-building genre is experiencing an exciting year with the release of several highly anticipated games. Shapez 2, a new addition to the genre, stands out for its unique approach to factory building. Unlike other big-name factory games, such as Factorio and Satisfactory, Shapez 2 focuses on the puzzle of arranging and connecting machines within the factory. Players must design the internals of the machines themselves, creating elaborate machine chains to process raw shapes into complex products. Shapez 2 introduces a third dimension, allowing players to run conveyors and pipes across three heights above the factory floor. This adds a new layer of complexity to the game, as players must now consider vertical space when designing their factories. Additionally, the game allows players to copy entire platforms once they have figured out a process they like, reducing the time spent on problem-solving and emphasizing the thinking and discovery phase of automation. The game also offers a more streamlined experience compared to other factory games, allowing players to enjoy the excitement of building large, independent factory segments that combine products into huge output to reach big goals in just 20-30 hours. While it may be less complex than other games in the genre, this makes it more accessible to a wider audience who may not have the time to invest in lengthy gameplay sessions. With the upcoming release of Satisfactory 1.0 and Factorio: Space Age, it’s clear that 2024 will be a banner year for factory and automation games. Each of these games offers a unique and distinct experience, catering to different preferences within the genre. Despite being in early access, Shapez 2 already provides a compelling experience, and the developers have plans for multiple major updates to add even more features and content to the game. Overall, the factory-building genre is evolving rapidly, and 2024 is set to be a defining year for these types of games as they continue to realize their true potential. As a gaming enthusiast and expert, I’m excited to see how these new releases will shape the future of the genre and provide diverse experiences for players.