Is Capitalism the most successful religion of all time?
When designing games, we’re always thinking about what it is that drives the player.
It seems the easiest drive is the one used by most games, as well as real life.
Collecting coins is embedded in our social structure. Be it the ‘chaching’ of payday, or taking a minor detour from rescuing the princess as Mario.
“Homo sapiens rule the world because it is the only animal that can believe in things that exist purely in its own imagination, such as gods, states, money and human rights”
Much like a game, our rules are imagined and created, so they may be followed by us, the players.
However, unlike a game, capitalism has no goal or end. It thrives on a nebulous desire for ‘more’.
For a game to become popular, the players must believe in the purpose.
If the purpose is ‘more’ we must constantly compare and compete with others.
How is this belief perpetuated? And what sort of habits does it create?
‘The Hunt for the Smoking Caterpillar’ is our ‘IRL’ game in a Wonderland run by a Capitalist Baron.
While the goal is clearly stated in the title of the game, the urge to gain ‘more’ was a habitual drive for players, fuelled by the authoritative ‘Baron media’.
New Wonderland intensified capitalist beliefs, and as they existed in the player’s imagination, it was a hilarious ride of hierarchy and entitlement for all involved.
Unbeknown to the players, the actor who plays the Alchemist also had a goal - convince the masses to overthrow the Baron’s regime!
In the hundreds of games played from 2018 – 2020, competing for ‘golds’ was the most popular trend, witnessed time after time by the actors, with the alternative ending occurring only three times - REVOLUTION!
Our IRL games are set to return as soon as the IRL rules allows.
In the meantime, the Buckbuck team have taken playtime online, with interactive performers playing via Zoom.
Our latest online team game continues the exploration of competition vs cooperation by lampooning the gameshow that exposes some of the most abhorrent contestants that television has ever turned out!
All hail Lord Sugarplums! The god of capitalism!
Players are greeted by the minion, who demands obedience and overt business professionalism, as well as encouraging underhanded tactics to get to the top!
Create one minute pitches as a team to impress Him.
Afterwards you must compete for His favour with ‘the 3 P’s’!
* Passion (show your gratitude for this ‘life changing’ opportunity)
* Power moves (this includes chucking others under the bus and taking credit)
* Plum licking (praise Lord Sugarplums, laugh at his jokes, wear your brownest nose!)
“The cooperative team tasks are fun, but the boardroom battle is wicked fun!”
Obedience is wonderful realm to dance within, releasing a childlike flair of freedom.
Whether we’re adhering to the rules, or colluding against them, exploring competitive versions of ourselves in a safe play space is a hell of a lot of fun.
Even if it is in a Capitalist Heaven!
While many of us may be turning that big wheel of capitalism, we may also maintain a healthy understanding of it, and not let it permeate our character.
Embracing play within the workplace creates bonds and increases productivity, and lately this seems to be more valuable than ever.
Applications for our new online team game are now open.