Dog Eat Dog (1999) Board Game

Dog Eat Dog is a board game released in 1999, designed by Lori Walls and published by QED Games. It is a game that falls under the categories of Economic, Environmental, and Industry/Manufacturing. The game is designed for 2-6 players aged 12 and above, with a runtime of around 90 minutes.

Game Components of Dog Eat Dog

Rulebook: Outlines the game mechanics, rules, and setting.

Tokens: Used to track compliance and power dynamics between colonizers and natives.

Dice: Employed in the conflict system to resolve disputes between colonizers and natives.

Scenes and Setting: Materials to create the narrative and environment of the game.

How To Setup Dog Eat Dog

Setting up Dog Eat Dog involves establishing the roles of the players, with one player typically acting as the colonizer and the others as the natives. The game starts by defining the economic and social hierarchy, where the richest player is designated as the colonizer. The rules and setting are then explained, emphasizing the power dynamics and the inferiority rule that natives must follow to avoid penalties.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Conflict System: Involves rolling dice to determine the outcome of disputes between colonizers and natives, with the colonizer always having the final say.

Token System: Tokens are given or taken based on compliance with the rules set by the colonizer. Natives must act “inferior” to maintain their tokens.

Rule Compliance: Natives must obey the rules set by the colonizer to avoid losing tokens and facing severe consequences.

Objective

Natives: The objective for the natives is to survive and eventually coerce the colonizers to leave the island by obeying the rules and accumulating tokens.

Colonizer: The colonizer aims to maintain control and power over the natives.

Player Experience

Playing Dog Eat Dog is a deeply unsettling and thought-provoking experience. The game forces players to navigate a deeply unfair world, highlighting the brutal realities of colonialism. Players must engage in uncomfortable conversations and make difficult choices that reflect the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism. The game culminates in a poignant conclusion where even if the natives ‘win,’ they have lost significant aspects of their dignity, history, and identity.

Pros

Thought-Provoking: Encourages players to think critically about colonialism and its effects.

Immersive: Creates a powerful and emotional experience through its narrative and mechanics.

Educational: Teaches players about the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism.

Cons

Emotionally Challenging: The game’s themes and mechanics can be very distressing and uncomfortable.

Complex Setup: The rules and setup can be complicated and require careful explanation.

Limited Player Agency: The game’s mechanics often leave players, especially those playing as natives, with limited choices and a sense of powerlessness.

Personal Thoughts on Dog Eat Dog

Dog Eat Dog is a game that is not for everyone, especially those who prefer light-hearted or casual gaming experiences. It is suited for players who are willing to engage with complex, emotionally challenging themes and are interested in exploring the historical and social implications of colonialism. Despite its intense nature, the game is highly regarded for its ability to provoke deep reflection and understanding of these critical issues.

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