Rules of Play
Everything you need to run a game. Takes about 5 minutes to learn.
You are the head of a mobile game studio. Each round is one month. Pick strategies for acquiring users, keeping them, and making money. The publisher with the highest Final Valuation wins.
Three play modes
| Mode | Best for | Pace |
|---|---|---|
| Local | Classroom, shared screen | As fast as the room |
| Online — Live | Zoom, in-person with devices | Instructor-controlled |
| Online — Async | Online courses, multi-day | Timed deadlines |
Starting cash is set by the instructor (default: $50,000). All teams start with 0 users.
Each round
Every team secretly chooses one card from each category: Acquisition (A1–A4), Retention (R1–R4), Monetization (M1–M4).
All teams reveal at the same time.
The system computes: Effective Retention → Returning Users → Total Users → Revenue → Profit → Cash.
Review results. Talk strategy. Instructor advances when ready.
How it works by mode
Local play
One screen, one facilitator. Teams announce choices verbally. Facilitator enters cards. Results on shared screen.
Online — Live
Each player on own device. Instructor creates session, shares code. Students join, pick cards, lock in. Instructor reveals for everyone.
Online — Async
Each round has a deadline. Students submit before deadline. Auto-reveal, auto-advance.
Quick reference
| Step | Local | Online Live | Online Async |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cards chosen by | Verbal | Own device | Own device |
| Reveal by | Facilitator | Instructor | Deadline (auto) |
| Results on | Shared screen | All screens | All screens |
| Next round by | Facilitator | Instructor | Automatic |
| Missed round | N/A | 0 users, −25% cash | 0 users, −25% cash |