This War of Mine: The Board Game (2017)

This War of Mine: The Board Game

This War of Mine: The Board Game is the tabletop adaptation of the award-winning video game This War of Mine, developed and published by the Polish game development company 11 Bit Studios. The game was inspired by the extremely poor living conditions and wartime atrocities that Bosnian civilians endured during the 1992–96 Siege of Sarajevo. It differs from most war-themed video games by focusing on the civilian experience of war rather than front line combat. The board game was announced in November 2015 and was launched on Kickstarter in May 2016.

Why is This War of Mine: The Board Game Popular?

This War of Mine: The Board Game is significant because it offers a unique perspective on war-themed games by focusing on the civilian experience of war. It has received critical acclaim for its storytelling and thematic elements, and has been praised for its applicability as a teaching aid to convey history’s lessons and foster historical empathy. The game has also been recognized for its mature content and has been recommended for ages 18+.

Game Components of This War of Mine: The Board Game

12 detailed character miniatures

3 custom six-sided dice and one ten-sided die

Transparent blue water markers, wood and gear markers, and a noise marker

Various tokens depicting food, supplies, and other items

Game board

Book of 1000 scripts (approximately 128 pages)

Journal

200 cards

2 scenario sheets

Rules clarification document

Save Sheets for convenient game saving.

How To Setup This War of Mine: The Board Game

Setting up the game involves randomizing the board, characters, and initial supplies. The game comes with a journal that guides players through the setup process step-by-step. Players start with three characters and must set up the shelter, which is a ruined building. The setup includes placing various cards and tokens on the board, which represent the different resources and challenges players will face. The rules are introduced as players progress through the game, making it intuitive and easy to follow without needing to memorize the rulebook.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

**Cooperative Gameplay**: Players work together to survive in a war-torn city.

**Day and Night Phases**: Days involve managing resources, crafting items, and scavenging. Nights involve avoiding raids and managing the shelter.

**Resource Management**: Managing food, water, and other essential supplies.

**Event Cards**: Players draw event cards that introduce new challenges and narrative elements.

**Reality Impact**: Events and entries from the Book of Scripts can trigger significant random events and ethical dilemmas.

**Objective**: Survive until the “Ceasefire” card is drawn, completing randomized objectives along the way.

Player Experience

This game is not about having “fun” in the conventional sense; it’s an intense, emotionally charged experience designed to depict the harsh realities of war. Players must make tough decisions that have lasting consequences, such as choosing between stealing food or letting characters starve. The game’s bleakness and randomness can make players feel helpless and emotionally invested in the characters’ fates. Each game is unique due to the random events and objectives, making it a highly replayable but emotionally demanding experience.

Pros

**Strong Narrative**: Deeply emotional and engaging storytelling.

**High Replayability**: Randomized events and objectives ensure each game is different.

**Cooperative Depth**: Players must work together, making it a true cooperative experience.

**Realistic Depiction**: Successfully portrays the harsh realities of war and civilian survival.

Cons

**Emotionally Demanding**: The game can be very bleak and emotionally taxing.

**Long Gameplay**: Games can last from 45 minutes to over 5 hours.

**Bookkeeping**: Involves significant token management and card shuffling.

**Randomness**: Some players may find the randomness and lack of control frustrating.

Personal Thoughts on This War of Mine: The Board Game

This game is for those who appreciate a deep, narrative-driven experience and are willing to confront the harsh realities of war. It is not for players seeking a light-hearted or casual gaming experience. Instead, it is ideal for those interested in a game that serves as both an artistic statement and an educational tool, highlighting the struggles of civilian survivors in conflict zones. Despite its challenging nature, the game’s system and mechanics are so well-designed that it could be adapted into other settings, offering a versatile gameplay framework.

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