Taiwanese game company Mizo Games has recently unveiled a new board game that lets players step into the roles of military commanders, undercover operatives, and civilian resistance fighters as they combat a fictional Chinese invasion. The game, called “2045”, is set to launch in Taiwan this month, followed by a release in English in Europe and the United States in January.
In August 2024, Mizo Games successfully raised over 4 million New Taiwan dollars ($121,707 USD) through a crowdfunding campaign in just two and a half months. Founder Chang Shao Lian expressed his desire for players to feel the drive to win and strategize to achieve victory.
“2045” allows players to immerse themselves in a simulated Chinese invasion of Taiwan two decades into the future. Instead of focusing solely on defending Taiwan, players are tasked with accomplishing specific goals tied to their respective characters. The game offers both individual and collective victories, creating a dynamic where players must navigate conflicting values to emerge victorious.
The game encompasses various aspects of modern warfare, including cyberwarfare, economic collapse, and civil unrest. However, the game’s production faced challenges due to concerns about censorship and limited production capabilities. Notably, the controversial nature of the game prevented manufacturing in China, deviating from the norm for Taiwanese board game companies.
This isn’t Mizo Games’ first foray into warfare-themed board games. In 2017, the company introduced “Raid on Taihoku”, a game set in Taiwan during World War II that centers on surviving a city bombing inspired by the US aerial assault on Kaohsiung in 1944.
The rising popularity of military-themed games reflects a broader trend of gamifying social and political issues. By allowing players to engage with and imagine potential scenarios, games like “2045” provide a platform for interactive exploration of complex topics. This trend dates back over a century, with games like Monopoly offering commentary on wealth accumulation and competition.
Beyond board games, Taiwanese media has also delved into the theme of a Chinese invasion, with the upcoming TV series “Zero Day” portraying a fictional scenario involving the People’s Liberation Army attacking Taiwan. Tensions between China and Taiwan stem from historical conflicts and differing perspectives on sovereignty, with recent military drills near Taiwan further escalating the situation.
As Taiwan remains on high alert amidst escalating tensions, the country’s government recently conducted tabletop war-game exercises to test response readiness and assess crisis management capabilities. The simulation, led by top officials, involved various government agencies and civil defense organizations to evaluate preparedness in the event of a military escalation with China.
