Taiwanese company Mizo Games has recently introduced a new board game that allows players to assume roles such as military commanders, undercover operatives, and civilian resistance fighters in a fictional scenario of a Chinese invasion.
The game called “2045” is set to be launched in Taiwan this month, with an English version scheduled for release later in January in Europe and the United States.
Back in August 2024, Mizo Games initiated a crowdfunding campaign that raised over 4 million New Taiwan dollars ($121,707 USD) in two and a half months.
In a December interview with Reuters, Chang Shao Lian, the founder of Mizo Games, expressed his desire for players to engage in strategic thinking and determination to win the game.
The release of the game coincides with heightened tensions between China and Taiwan, with China increasing military activities near the island and civil defense groups preparing for a potential invasion.
What is 2045 all about?
The board game simulates a Chinese invasion of Taiwan 20 years into the future, where players take on character roles in the days leading up to an imminent attack. The game evaluates players based on how successfully they achieve their character’s specific objectives.
Shao Lian mentioned that there are two types of victories in the game, individual victory and the victory of Taiwan, providing players with conflicting values to consider.
Players in 2045 experience various aspects of modern warfare, including cyberwarfare, economic crises, and civil unrest. The development of “2045” faced challenges related to censorship and production limitations, preventing its manufacturing in China.
Has Mizo Games produced other warfare-themed board games?
Yes, Mizo Games previously launched a warfare-themed game called Raid on Taihoku in 2017, set in Taiwan during World War II. The game depicts the US aerial assault on Kaohsiung in November 1944.
What is driving the popularity of military games?
Paul Booth, a professor at DePaul University, highlighted the importance of games like 2045 in allowing players to engage with social and political themes and participate in an alternate history. These games provide a way for players to feel connected and involved in the storyline.
The tradition of using board games for social commentary dates back over a century, with games like Monopoly serving as early examples. War-themed games have been popular for centuries, offering a way for individuals to engage in military strategy and conflict simulation.
Aside from board games, Taiwanese media companies have explored the theme of a Chinese invasion through TV dramas like “Zero Day,” reflecting the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China.
Why are tensions rising between Taiwan and China?
The conflict between China and Taiwan traces back to the Chinese Civil War and competing claims over Chinese sovereignty. China views Taiwan as part of its territory, while Taiwan rejects any notion of “reunification” and criticizes Chinese military activities near the island as provocative.
In recent years, China has conducted military drills near Taiwan, prompting Taiwan to increase its military readiness and conduct exercises to assess its response to potential escalation with China.
