Integration of Bitcoin in video games is not a new phenomenon, but what about real physical games? Bitcoin-Empire – the first of these games appeared on Kickstarter.
Bitcoin has already entered the world of video games where it's mostly used as in-game tokens. This approach is applicable as a method of promoting cryptocurrencies in non-specialized environment.
Card game “Bitcoin Empire” is the first traditional game on a physical basis, which is centered around the topic of digital currencies. The game is designed to expand the audience of people familiar with Bitcoin, and is focused on players of Board games. In addition, the “Bitcoin Empire” has got its own functioning project crowdfunding.
The goal is simple: to finish with the maximum number of bitcoins. Most card games use a similar simple dynamics, but, as with all games, easier said than done. Since “Bitcoin Empire” simulates the Bitcoin ecosystem, you need a lot of things to consider when interacting with other players.
You play as a unique character. Their selection is not as extensive, as the game is designed for 2-4 players. Despite the fact that the characters are well balanced, the official rules of the game allow you to settle disputes in the process of character selection, casting bones or drawing lots. Among the characters in the game are well known in the bitcoin environment of the individual, such as Satoshi Nakamoto and Dorian Nakamoto, who once mistook for Satoshi.
After selecting characters, players need to create a bitcoin exchange. Through exchangers players earn in-game money. In addition, they should hire specialized professionals to manage the resources. They do all this in the face of continuing attempts of sabotage by other players. Sabotage is possible with litigation, hacking and defamation.
The gameplay consists of three phases: mining, selection of cards and the action. Each phase coincides with one move.
During the hashing phase, each player receives from each of its exchange for bitcoin. The player then draws a card and places it facedown near his character card. During the phase of choice card, the player draws another card from the deck, or take in hand the card took earlier (in the phase of mining). The last phase – action. The player reveals one of the cards from the hand, and the remaining mandatory comply with its provisions.
After the deck has been extended the last card, the game ends. The winner is determined by counting the number of bitcoins that are marked on the cards, face down, next to each of the players.
Promotion as a method of family holidays
The card of Bitcoin-the game – quite original idea, but perhaps it lacks the utility of the cryptocurrency world in General. In fact, the Board game is not the best way anything to promote in the digital age. The Creator, David Thomas, pursued very different goals. It is unlikely his plan was to win the attention of the audience familiar with Bitcoin or who already has about him a positive opinion.
Instead, David had to try to soften the image of cryptocurrency in the eyes of ordinary people, but also to contribute to strengthening the trust in Bitcoin.
Here is what he says:
Many of my friends and family really enjoy playing Board games. But when they are faced with Bitcoin, it seems to them dangerous, volatile and foreign investment. In this case, in fact, they don't know so much about him and his history. I hope that this card game will allow them and many other people to meet with Bitcoin, bringing a new fun way. I think that the main lesson of this game should be the realization that Bitcoin is free from corruption, and the company.
What the game really helps create a friendly image around Bitcoin is its satirical nature of recent events there. Playing it, you will be able to look at the collapse of Mt. Gox or the hunt for the identity of Satoshi, just from a different angle.