When we started making board games about changing the world 13 years ago (wow! time flies!), there weren’t a lot of publishers making these types of games. Honestly, we were really the only one that we knew that was doing that kind of thing. And while we’re still one of the few, we’ve seen more join us in the past few years, and we’re thrilled to discover more games by more game-makers that are about fighting for good.
Recently, we had the chance to play some of these new games, and we thought we should totally share them with you. So here are some of the most recent games about changing the world - that we didn’t make! - that we think you should check out:
Votes for Women, by Fort Circle Games
This history-based game is easy to play, with well crafted gameplay dynamics that brings all players into “the historic struggle for women’s suffrage in the United States between 1848-1920.” As in many history games, some players are the Suffragettes, but one player must be the Opposition. The cards feature real events and people, as well as art from the time period.
Bonus: Want to check out a game that was actually made by suffragists? We wrote up a little post about the history of “Suffragetto.”
Spirit Island, by Greater Than Games
Strategy and teamwork combine in this complex cooperative game about fighting off colonizing invaders who seek to control your island… and the spirits that protect it. Colonizers ravage, bring blight to the land, and take over valuable parts of the ecosystem. Players fight back together, using skills from the island’s spirits to rid the land of blight and “fend off the colonizing forces.” Heads up: This is definitely a super complex board game, so if that’s not your cup of tea, skip it. If it is your cup, then you definitely need to check it out.
Stonewall: Uprising, by Catastrophe Games
This two player deck-building game is all about “the fight for gay civil rights.” Players play as either The Man or Pride, which creates a challenging dynamic. Learn the tactics used by organizers in the 1960s and 70s and keep the movement going!
Endangered, by Grand Gamers Guild
This game about protecting endangered species will have you cheering at the table when (or if!) you win. Like Spirit Island, this is a cooperative game. Players take on different roles (zoologist, philanthropist, TV wildlife host, environmental lawyer, and more) and work to not only bring back endangered wildlife, but also to influence United Nations ambassadors to vote to save the species.
