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This Card Game Lets You Build the Ideal Social Network — Or the Most Toxic
In a world where social media is riddled with toxicity and influencers have become all-powerful, One Billion Users is a card game that allows players to build their own virtual social networks. But rather than just mimicking the real-life experiences of popular platforms like Twitter or Facebook, this game takes a unique approach by incorporating mechanics that reflect the complexities of online interactions.
As players navigate the game, they’ll encounter cards that simulate the challenges of managing a community, from dealing with toxic users to stealing influencers from their competitors. The goal is to grow your network by adding more and more users, but it’s not as simple as just attracting followers.
One Billion Users adds several new twists to the classic card game Mille Bornes. Instead of tracking mileage, players are now responsible for managing toxicity levels within their networks. This mechanic forces players to think about the kind of culture they’re building online, and the consequences that come with it.
Each player draws cards representing different types of users and influencers, which can either help or hinder their progress. For example, a “contrarian” influencer is drawn to the most toxic network, while others may be attracted to more positive environments.
The game also features “event” cards that change the rules of play or require players to take specific actions. These events can have unpredictable consequences, forcing players to adapt and respond to changing circumstances.
While One Billion Users doesn’t shy away from the challenges of online life, it’s clear that the game is intended to be more lighthearted than a scathing critique of social media. In an interview with The Verge, creator Mike Masnick explained that he wants players to “experience the kinds of problems” that social media platforms face, but without getting too bogged down in the details.
The game’s design allows for a wide range of outcomes, from building a thriving community to creating a toxic wasteland. As one player put it, they found themselves going “full Reddit” after their network became hopelessly and irredeemably toxic.
One Billion Users is still an evolving product, with rules that are subject to change as the game continues to develop. But even in its current state, it’s clear that this card game offers a unique take on the social media landscape. By encouraging players to think about the kinds of cultures they’re building online, One Billion Users presents a fascinating commentary on the very real issues we face in our digital lives.
And who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll all be able to build the perfect social network – or at least learn from our mistakes and try to avoid creating toxic wastelands.
Source: www.theverge.com
