POX: Save the People (2011) – Board Game Guys

Pox: Save the People

Pox: Save the People is a cooperative board game that challenges 1-4 players to stop the spread of a deadly disease that threatens to take over the world. The game was developed by Tiltfactor Laboratory, a game design research institute at Dartmouth College, and was released in 2011.

Why is Pox: Save the People Popular?

Pox: Save the People is popular because it is not only fun, but it also teaches players about the importance of public health and disease control. The game is significant because it provides an engaging way for players to learn about the spread of infectious diseases and the measures that can be taken to prevent them.

Game Components of POX: Save the People

95 plastic chips (red, blue, and black)

28 cards

Game board

Instructions.

How To Setup POX: Save the People

To set up the game, players shuffle the cards and place the initial red and yellow chips on the board according to the rules. The yellow chips represent vulnerable people, such as the infirm or elderly, while the red chips mark the infected individuals. The game board is a grid representing a community, with each space symbolizing a person.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Cooperative play for 1-4 players

Random card draws to determine disease spread

Vaccination and curing of infected individuals

Use of plastic chips to mark vaccinated, infected, and deceased people

Game Objective

Contain the disease by surrounding infected areas with vaccinated people

Prevent deaths by vaccinating or curing infected individuals before they are completely surrounded by the disease

Win the game by containing the disease; lose if the number of deaths exceeds the chosen difficulty level.

Player Experience

Playing **POX: Save the People** is an engaging and educational experience. The game is simple to learn but challenging to master, making it accessible to a wide age range (from 7 to 65 years old). Players must strategize together to vaccinate and cure infected individuals, while the random card draws add an element of unpredictability. The game effectively teaches the importance of vaccination and the consequences of not immunizing a community[4’.

Pros

Educational Value: Teaches about disease spread and the importance of vaccination.

Cooperative Play: Encourages teamwork and collaborative strategy.

Accessible: Easy to learn, yet challenging to master.

Engaging: Simple yet intellectually stimulating gameplay.

Multi-platform: Available as a board game and an iPad app.

Cons

Limited Complexity: Some players may find the game mechanics too simple.

Emotional Impact: The theme of disease and death can be emotionally intense for some players.

Dependence on Randomness: The game’s outcome is heavily influenced by random card draws, which can be frustrating for some players.

Personal Thoughts on POX: Save the People

**POX: Save the People** is ideal for those who enjoy cooperative games and are interested in educational content. It is a great tool for schools and public health initiatives, as it provides a tangible way to understand the importance of vaccination. The game’s simplicity and cooperative nature make it a fun and instructive experience for families and casual gamers alike. However, hardcore gamers seeking complex strategies might find it less appealing. Overall, it is a well-designed game that balances fun and education effectively.

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