Playing Gods: The Board Game of Divine Domination (2008)

Release

The game was released in late 2008.

Designer

The game was designed by Paolo Mori, an Italian game designer known for his humorous and satirical board game designs.

Theme

The game is set in a satirical universe where gods compete to take over the world, using their powers and influence to control the map of the world.

Gameplay

The game is an area control game, similar to Risk. Players move their god pawns around the board, gathering power through Wrath and Conversion cards. The goal is to control the most territories and gain the favor of the public.

Reception

The public reaction to “Playing Gods” has been generally positive, with many players appreciating the game’s humor and satirical tone.

Game Components of Playing Gods: The Board Game of Divine Domination

Game Board: A map of the world with each continent containing a Holy City.

God Pawns: Six pawns representing different gods, including Jesus, the Buddha, and others.

Wrath Cards: Used to inflict natural disasters and other Acts of God on opponents’ followers.

Conversion Cards: Used to convert followers of other gods to your own beliefs.

Sticker Sheet: Allows for customization with additional gods and religions.

Player Tokens: Representing believers and sects.

How To Setup Playing Gods: The Board Game of Divine Domination

To set up the game, each player chooses a god and places their pawn on the outer ring of the board, representing the heavens. Each player starts with a set of Wrath and Conversion cards. The board is divided into continents, each with a Holy City, which serves as the base for each god’s followers. Players distribute their initial followers across the board according to the game’s rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Area Control: Players compete to control territories and convert or eliminate followers of other gods.

Card Play: Use Wrath cards to kill off opponents’ followers and Conversion cards to convert them.

God Selection: Choose from a variety of gods, including figures from major religions and satirical options.

Objective: Win by converting or killing off all the other gods’ followers.

Player Experience

Playing Gods is known for its satirical take on religious conflicts, combining dark humor with the mechanics of an area control game. Players navigate the world map, utilizing cards to influence the beliefs and fate of their followers. The game’s humor and satire have been praised, but it has also received criticism for its gameplay, which some find boring and lacking in meaningful decisions.

Pros

Satirical Humor: Offers a unique and irreverent take on religious themes.

Customization: Allows players to create their own gods using the provided sticker sheet.

Social Commentary: Addresses religious violence and conflicts from a satirical angle.

Cons

Boring Gameplay: Some players find the game mechanics repetitive and unengaging.

Lack of Meaningful Decisions: Limited depth in gameplay decisions.

Controversial Theme: Has caused controversy due to its potential to offend religious individuals.

Personal Thoughts on Playing Gods: The Board Game of Divine Domination

Playing Gods is best suited for players who appreciate satire and are comfortable with its irreverent take on religious themes. It is not for everyone, especially those who might be easily offended by its content. The game is ideal for groups looking for a light-hearted, humorous game that also sparks conversation about serious topics. However, those seeking a game with deep strategic mechanics might find it lacking.

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