Posted September 23, 2023 by Dong Zhai
I recently conducted research on wealth inequality. In my view, wealth inequality is a global problem. Research shows that wealth inequality leads to a variety of social issues, and these social problems may reinforce wealth inequality. The first step in addressing wealth inequality is to let the public know the causes of wealth inequality. That's why I wanted to make a game about this genre.
The game's object is to beat other competitors to collect as much wealth as possible. In the process, players gain wealth, but they will create a lot of problems, which I hope reflects the reality of wealth inequality. The game will create a repressive atmosphere full of exploitation.
Each card has an effect and a cost. Various events triggered by cards, show the causes of wealth inequality, such as educational opportunities, tax policies, and economic cycles. Allow the player to experience the effects of these causes in the game. I've come up with some concrete examples that might be interesting to add to a game such as cards or mechanics:
Card Event: The player character can choose to attend a high-quality education (expensive college) or a low-quality education (cheap community college). A high-quality education offers better job opportunities but at a higher cost.
Card Event: The government implemented tax breaks that allowed the rich to reduce their tax burden, but reduced funding for social public programs, causing the poor to suffer.
Game mechanic: Simulate different economic cycles such as booms and busts. During booms, wealth is more evenly distributed, but during recessions, the gap between rich and poor widens.
Card Event: Demonstrations and social unrest occurred due to social discontent caused by wealth inequality. This can cause players to lose wealth or suffer other adverse effects.
Game mechanic: Poor people may face health problems, while rich people have access to better healthcare. This can be expressed through card events or character attributes.
Card Event: Rich people can access resources more efficiently, while poor people need more effort. This can be reflected in the game as the wealth gap.