Factory I/O: Download, Pricing & System Requirements
Factory I/O — 3D Virtual Factory Simulator is Real Games's 1-language PLC programming environment supporting Connects to external PLC over Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, OPC UA, OPC DA. Released 2014, latest update 2025-11.
In one minute
Factory I/O is best for vocational and university automation programmes and engineers practising scenario-level plc programming. Dominant 3D virtual factory environment for PLC training and OEM machine prototyping. Used in vocational schools, university automation programmes, and enterprise training labs worldwide.. Adoption is high (22% market share) across Global.
Capability profile
Six-axis score (0–100) based on pricing, learning curve, hardware support, adoption, community, and feature depth.
Key features
Pricing & licensing
| Tier | $$ |
| Price range | USD 129 – 329 |
| Pricing model | perpetual license |
| Free trial | Yes — 30 days |
| Educational discount | Yes |
Personal Edition ~$129 perpetual; Education Edition for institutions; trial fully featured for 30 days. Connects to external PLC or PLC simulator (PLCSIM, CODESYS, Allen-Bradley) over Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, or OPC UA.
System requirements
| Operating systems | Windows 10, Windows 11 |
| Minimum RAM | 4 GB |
| Recommended RAM | 8 GB |
| Disk space | 2 GB |
| Processor | Intel/AMD x64 |
Requires Windows. Mac/Linux users need Parallels, VMware, or Boot Camp. Discrete GPU recommended for smooth 3D rendering of larger scenes.
Supported hardware
PLC families
- • Connects to external PLC over Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, OPC UA, OPC DA
Capabilities
- ✓ HMI integration
- ✗ SCADA integration
- ✗ Variable frequency drives
- ✗ Safety programming
- ✗ Motion control
- ✗ Robotics integration
Pros
- +Genuinely realistic 3D plant scenarios
- +Pairs with any major PLC simulator
- +Strong educational adoption — recognised on CVs
- +Affordable for individual learners (~$129)
- +Active community and tutorial ecosystem
- +Regular feature updates
Cons
- −Windows-only
- −Requires a separate PLC simulator or real PLC
- −~2 GB install
- −Steep ramp for learners with no PLC background
- −Annual updates require repurchase or maintenance