PRINCIPIA: Master of Science on Steam - User reviews, Price & Information

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Principia: Master of Science is a simulation game with the theme of European science in 17th century. Choose one of 12 real scientists from the era of Isaac Newton and proceed with your research. It is a time when even the term "Science" did not exist. Who can be the master of science?

PRINCIPIA: Master of Science is a early access, turn-based tactics and political sim game developed by tomeapp and published by PLAYISM.
Released on September 09th 2016 is available on Windows and MacOS in 3 languages: English, Japanese and Simplified Chinese.

It has received 311 reviews of which 219 were positive and 92 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. 😐

The game is currently priced at 9.99€ on Steam.

The Steam community has classified PRINCIPIA: Master of Science into these genres:

Early Access Turn-Based Tactics Political Sim Education Immersive Sim Diplomacy Medieval Political Science Turn-Based Point & Click Life Sim 2D Historical Alternate History Casual Simulation Stylized Tactical Atmospheric

Media & Screenshots

Get an in-depth look at PRINCIPIA: Master of Science through various videos and screenshots.

PRINCIPIA: Master of Science screenshot
PRINCIPIA: Master of Science screenshot
PRINCIPIA: Master of Science screenshot
PRINCIPIA: Master of Science screenshot
PRINCIPIA: Master of Science screenshot
PRINCIPIA: Master of Science screenshot

System requirements

These are the minimum specifications needed to play the game. For the best experience, we recommend that you verify them.

Windows
  • OS *: Windows 7/8/8.1/10 32/64bit
  • Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo or greater
  • Memory: 256 MB RAM
  • Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4000 or greater
  • DirectX: Version 9.0
  • Storage: 100 MB available space
MacOS
  • OS: Mac OS X 10.8
  • Processor: Intel Core2 Quad Q8200 (4 * 2330) or equivalent
  • Memory: 2 GB RAM
  • Storage: 100 MB available space

User reviews & Ratings

Explore reviews from Steam users sharing their experiences and what they love about the game.

Oct. 2025
PRINCIPIA: Master of Science, developed by tomeapp and published by PLAYISM, is a deeply unconventional simulation game that attempts to capture the birth of modern scientific inquiry through strategy, philosophy, and historical nuance. Set during the intellectual upheaval of the seventeenth century, it places the player among the pioneering figures of early science, from the likes of Isaac Newton to Gottfried Leibniz, and tasks them with building reputations, conducting experiments, and publishing revolutionary discoveries. The game is not about conquest or destruction but about thought and perseverance—the gradual, uncertain process through which knowledge emerges. It provides an opportunity to explore a world where reason is the weapon, where ideas compete for recognition, and where the player’s greatest adversary is the shifting balance between curiosity and credibility. The core gameplay unfolds in a turn-based structure that revolves around six major fields of research: Astronomy, Physics, Optics, Thermodynamics, Biology, and Mathematics. Each field represents a branch of discovery that can yield insight, prestige, or practical applications depending on how the player approaches it. You begin by choosing one of several historical scientists, each with distinct traits that influence research potential and social standing. As you progress, you allocate time toward experiments, theoretical studies, and scholarly correspondence, balancing the need to innovate with the imperative to maintain reputation within academic circles. Discoveries are presented to learned societies, and rival scientists can challenge your findings, resulting in debates that determine who becomes the era’s intellectual authority. Rather than relying on flashy mechanics, PRINCIPIA thrives on systems that evoke the competitive yet fragile nature of the scientific revolution. What makes the experience particularly fascinating is its focus on the politics of knowledge. Each decision carries both intellectual and social consequences. Publishing too early may result in ridicule or rejection, while withholding results for too long might allow rivals to claim your discovery first. You are not merely a thinker but also a diplomat, navigating the volatile dynamics of reputation and influence. The game’s representation of the Royal Society and similar institutions is one of its most compelling features, illustrating how the acceptance of new ideas depends as much on timing and prestige as on truth itself. There is an underlying tension throughout: science here is both pure pursuit and political theater. Visually, PRINCIPIA adopts a restrained style that suits its cerebral nature. The interface resembles an academic parchment—a space filled with charts, diagrams, and clean, minimalistic illustrations. It is not visually rich in the conventional sense, but its simplicity channels focus onto the game’s intellectual elements. The subdued aesthetic, accompanied by baroque-inspired background music, evokes the contemplative rhythm of scholarly work. Every aspect, from the interface to the audio, feels purpose-built to foster thought rather than distraction. Yet, this design choice can alienate players accustomed to more sensory-driven games. For those who appreciate thematic cohesion and a measured pace, however, the understated style enhances immersion, making each discovery feel personal and earned. PRINCIPIA’s greatest strength lies in its conceptual ambition. Few games attempt to gamify the process of discovery without reducing it to mere puzzles or resource management. Here, the act of learning is its own reward. Each experiment, each hypothesis, and each exchange with rivals simulates the gradual accumulation of understanding that defined the scientific revolution. It encourages patience and strategic foresight—qualities rarely celebrated in mainstream gaming. However, this also means the experience can feel esoteric and slow. The mechanics are not immediately transparent, and players must invest time in deciphering the game’s logic before progress becomes satisfying. This design choice, though authentic to the subject matter, can deter those seeking instant gratification. Where the game falters is in its longevity and refinement. Once players grasp its systems, the sense of discovery begins to wane, as repetition sets in and optimal paths to victory become evident. Some mechanics, such as peer review and theory disputes, lack the depth to sustain multiple playthroughs. The Early Access status of the game is also apparent in its interface limitations, minimal feedback systems, and occasional localization quirks. Many players have expressed a desire for expanded content—new scientists, more research branches, or improved explanations of underlying mechanics. Yet, despite these shortcomings, the foundation remains compelling because of the rarity of its premise. Ultimately, PRINCIPIA: Master of Science is less a traditional game and more an intellectual experiment in interactive history. It asks players to inhabit a time when science was inseparable from philosophy and social prestige, when every experiment was a leap of faith in the dark. It rewards those who value introspection and strategy rooted in ideas rather than spectacle. Its measured pacing, academic tone, and emphasis on thought over action make it an experience that appeals to the patient and the curious. For those willing to engage with its slow rhythm and cerebral depth, PRINCIPIA offers a unique window into the human pursuit of knowledge—a world where discovery is not a sudden revelation but a lifelong endeavor shaped by ambition, doubt, and imagination. Rating: 6/10
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July 2025
Authentic, really captures the atmosphere both of cooperation and competition in the sciences, working on a specialist area, while trying to level up other skills. Balancing rivalry with bulding relationships, and take advantage of opportunities in faculties throughout Europe
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May 2025
If you’re a fan of deep strategy, scientific discovery, and historical simulation, PRINCIPIA: Master of Science is a must-play. Set in the Age of Enlightenment, this unique PC game lets players step into the shoes of legendary scientists like Newton, Galileo, and Kepler, navigating the turbulent intersection of academia, politics, and progress. With its richly detailed mechanics, thoughtful decision-making, and compelling blend of real history and scientific theory, PRINCIPIA challenges players to expand the frontiers of knowledge while managing rivalries, reputation, and the occasional clash with dogma. It's an intellectual strategy experience unlike any other.
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Nov. 2024
Nice short game. Sadly not being worked on anymore
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Frequently Asked Questions

PRINCIPIA: Master of Science is currently priced at 9.99€ on Steam.

PRINCIPIA: Master of Science is currently not on sale. You can purchase it for 9.99€ on Steam.

PRINCIPIA: Master of Science received 219 positive votes out of a total of 311 achieving a rating of 6.68.
😐

PRINCIPIA: Master of Science was developed by tomeapp and published by PLAYISM.

PRINCIPIA: Master of Science is playable and fully supported on Windows.

PRINCIPIA: Master of Science is playable and fully supported on MacOS.

PRINCIPIA: Master of Science is not playable on Linux.

PRINCIPIA: Master of Science is a single-player game.

PRINCIPIA: Master of Science does not currently offer any DLC.

PRINCIPIA: Master of Science does not support mods via Steam Workshop.

PRINCIPIA: Master of Science does not support Steam Remote Play.

PRINCIPIA: Master of Science is enabled for Steam Family Sharing. This means you can share the game with authorized users from your Steam Library, allowing them to play it on their own accounts. For more details on how the feature works, you can read the original Steam Family Sharing announcement or visit the Steam Family Sharing user guide and FAQ page.

You can find solutions or submit a support ticket by visiting the Steam Support page for PRINCIPIA: Master of Science.

Data sources

The information presented on this page is sourced from reliable APIs to ensure accuracy and relevance. We utilize the Steam API to gather data on game details, including titles, descriptions, prices, and user reviews. This allows us to provide you with the most up-to-date information directly from the Steam platform.

Additionally, we incorporate data from the SteamSpy API, which offers insights into game sales and player statistics. This helps us present a comprehensive view of each game's popularity and performance within the gaming community.

Last Updates
Steam data 24 October 2025 06:24
SteamSpy data 30 October 2025 12:42
Steam price 30 October 2025 12:45
Steam reviews 30 October 2025 13:51

If you'd like to dive deeper into the details about PRINCIPIA: Master of Science, we invite you to check out a few dedicated websites that offer extensive information and insights. These platforms provide valuable data, analysis, and user-generated reports to enhance your understanding of the game and its performance.

  • SteamDB - A comprehensive database of everything on Steam about PRINCIPIA: Master of Science
  • SteamCharts - Analysis of PRINCIPIA: Master of Science concurrent players on Steam
  • ProtonDB - Crowdsourced reports on Linux and Steam Deck PRINCIPIA: Master of Science compatibility
PRINCIPIA: Master of Science
9.99€ Buy Now
Rating
6.7
219
92
Game modes
Features
Online players
0
Developer
tomeapp
Publisher
PLAYISM
Release 09 Sep 2016
Platforms
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