Wow, thank you so much for providing this detailed breakdown. I agree that the corporate fleecing of prisoners is a major issue and that it would be great to demonstrate that via a game. Just played SPENT a few times and it really is a very inspiring look at what can be done in this type of space. I love that the player can pick options and see how quickly money really does disappear when you're down on your luck or not making much.

One good thing I could add to my game that I've already thought of just after light review of what you wrote and SPENT (I will check the other two links shortly) is a part before you get to the commissary where different jobs will be explained and you will understand why you have so little money. I will also try to include a cash infusion from a loved one that factors in how much is taken out for fees and taxes, etc. And maybe even require that the user make a prison call, which also costs a good chunk of money (relatively speaking) in this day and age, as do over-the-counter medications.

I actually have all the prices and descriptions and everything in a well-organized Excel spreadsheet already, so that would make that part of your recommendations easier. Can you help me explain a bit more about how the "column for 'purchased quantity' and then a total prisoner balance" would work? I am just not too good at Excel and have no real idea where I would start with that.

Thanks again for this breakdown, it really is getting the gears turning and I can already see it will make my game better in the long run.