Radicals in Conversation Billionaires and Guillotines: The Board Game
Apr 2, 2025
Max Haiven, an author and designer known for works like 'Palm Oil, The Grease of Empire,' dives into his new board game, 'Billionaires & Guillotines.' He discusses its unique gameplay, where players embody rival billionaires in a satirical scramble for wealth before revolution strikes. Haiven emphasizes the game's potential for political education, the balance of game mechanics, and the social connections fostered through board gaming. The conversation highlights how games can challenge and critique wealth and power dynamics in today’s society.
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Game Origins
Max Haiven reflects on his childhood experiences with games, noting their importance in learning and development. He believes that games are often undervalued despite their significant impact on understanding the world.
Game Dynamics
Billionaires & Guillotines illustrates how competition among players can lead to irrational actions. This reflects the underlying capitalist system where competition often leads to collective detriment.
Gameplay Complexity
Start with simpler game mechanics to engage players before introducing complexity. This gradual increase in difficulty helps players build confidence and understanding of the game.
