Research Development Tree

The hidden ladder of innovation that transforms simple parks into world-class thrill destinations.

The Research and Development Tree is the invisible engine of innovation that drives every park forward in RollerCoaster Tycoon. It represents the collective scientific effort of a park's R&D department, gradually unlocking new ride types, vehicle designs, and thrill mechanics over time. Without this system, a park would remain static, limited only to the basic attractions available at the start of a scenario.

Quick Facts

Key resource: Park Cash (Money)

Lore & Background

The pacing of this development is entirely dependent on the park owner's investment. Hiring more researchers accelerates the breakthroughs, allowing for faster expansion and greater variety in guest experiences. However, it is a delicate balance; overspending on research can drain funds needed for construction or maintenance, while underfunding leaves guests bored with outdated attractions. The tree ensures that every new ride feels like a genuine step forward in the park's technological history.

Reader's Guide

The Research system functions as a prerequisite gatekeeper for park expansion. Players must allocate funds to hire researchers, with each additional employee increasing the speed of discovery. Money is spent continuously while research is active; if funds run low, progress halts until more cash is generated. Rides are unlocked in a specific sequence known as the tree. To access advanced thrill rides like roller coasters or water slides, simpler predecessors such as carousels or chain-lift hills must be discovered first. This creates a natural progression where parks start simple and grow complex over time. Once a ride is researched, it becomes available in the construction menu. Guests will immediately begin to desire these new attractions if they match their excitement preferences. The system encourages players to balance budget management with long-term planning, ensuring that the park's growth matches its financial health.

Did You Know?

Chris Sawyer wrote 99% of RollerCoaster Tycoon's code in x86 assembly language for the Microsoft Macro Assembler, with only 1% written in C.
The game was originally called 'White Knuckle' for most of its development before being renamed to follow the Tycoon title tradition.
Sawyer made around $30 million in royalties from RollerCoaster Tycoon.
The game sold more than four million copies by July 2002.
The Xbox port was handled by Frontier Developments, who later developed RollerCoaster Tycoon 3.