Box cover of "Poleconomy: The Power Game" board game featuring various corporate logos and images of places and objects, such as a bus, computers, House of Commons interior, and a classical building facade, on a blue background.
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Poleconomy (1977)

ByMichail

Poleconomy

Poleconomy is a board game invented by New Zealander Bruce E. Hatherley and first published in 1980. The game is set in a stylized economic and political environment, where players compete to acquire properties and investments through companies represented on the board. The game has been published in several countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, with each version featuring companies and advertising properties relevant to the region.

Why is Poleconomy Popular?

Poleconomy is a popular and significant board game for several reasons:
– It is a capitalist’s dream, allowing players to buy and sell companies, invest in insurance, bonds, and bid for takeovers.
– The game board is divided into companies rather than properties, making it unique and appealing to players interested in business and economics.
– It has been published in multiple countries, showcasing the adaptability of the game to different markets and its ability to engage players with varying interests.
– Poleconomy is considered a great political and economic simulation board game, requiring more intellectual commitment than a typical board game.

Game Components of Poleconomy

  • Game Board: Mirrors real-world businesses with licensed trademarks.
  • Player Tokens: Represent individual players.
  • Dice: Used for determining player movement.
  • Cards: Include instructions and economic events.
  • Artificial Money: For transactions and investments.
  • Company Shares: Players can buy and manage.
  • Advertising Space: Sold to real companies in different editions.
  • Government and Economic Indicators: Track inflation, taxation, and government decisions.

    How To Setup Poleconomy

    Setup involves placing the game board, distributing player tokens, and allocating initial funds. Each player starts with a set amount of money and a few company shares. The board is populated with company squares, advertising spaces, and economic event cards. The entire setup process typically takes 5–10 minutes.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics

  • Dice Rolling: Determines player movement.
  • Card Drawing: Introduces economic events and instructions.
  • Negotiation: Players interact to make deals and form alliances.
  • Economic Management: Players manage investments, taxation, and inflation.
  • Government Role: Players take turns as prime minister or president to influence economic policies.

    Game Objective

  • Acquire Wealth: Players aim to accumulate the most monetary value through properties, companies, insurance, and other assets.
  • Influence Government: Players influence government decisions to benefit their businesses.
  • Educational: Teach players about economics, government interaction, and social skills.

    Player Experience

    Playing Poleconomy is an engaging and educational experience. It combines the thrill of acquiring wealth with the complexity of navigating political and economic landscapes. Players must balance their financial strategies with the need to influence government policies, making it a game that requires both luck and strategic thinking.

    Pros

  • Educational Value: Teaches economics, government procedures, and social skills.
  • Real-World Application: Uses real-world companies and economic scenarios.
  • Interactive: Encourages negotiation and strategic planning.
  • Long-Term Engagement: Games can last about 3 hours, keeping players engaged.

    Cons

  • Complexity: The game can be overwhelming for new players due to its intricate mechanics.
  • Luck Factor: Dice rolling and card drawing introduce elements of chance.
  • Lengthy Games: Requires a significant time commitment.

    Personal Thoughts on Poleconomy

    Poleconomy is ideal for those interested in economics, politics, and strategic board games. It is a great tool for educational purposes, especially for students or professionals looking to understand the interplay between government and economy. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers seeking quick, light-hearted gameplay due to its complexity and lengthy gameplay sessions.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl