NOTE: This site is still very much under construction, and some parts of it do not yet work. For a brief overview of the game, see this file.
Welcome to the New Wealth Game. This is an engaging, experimental, and experiential game, in which together we get to co-create wealth in the new economy.
The game has its own currencies, markets, rules, and aggregate outcomes; it offers individual and team accounts; and it interconnects with the “real” world in several productive ways. It is based on a concept by Jonathan Cloud, but is truly a collective product—an open source platform for social and economic transformation.
The fundamental premise of the game is simple: as stated by Paul Hawken, “Our fate will depend on how we understand and treat what is left of the planet’s surpluses—its lands, oceans, species diversity, and people.” What is at stake, according to the best scientific evidence and analysis today, is the continuation of life as we know it. How we address the multiple challenges we face will determine the outcome of this existential crisis.
The elements of the game consist of the familiar actors and situations of modern life, within several “frameworks” or “paradigms” that allow us to compare outcomes and assess the consequences of our actions. There is an opportunity, within the scope of the game, to create new patterns and sequences, to evaluate their success or failure, and to address the whole-systems character of reality.
Participation in the game is, at this stage, essentially participation in the game development process. While it is possible to “play” the game according to the parameters laid out, each such game is essentially forging new ground and establishing the frameworks for simulating and comparing similar games, for assigning values, for assessing actions. Consequently interested participants are invited to collaborate in creating the levels, sequences, software, documentation, and scenarios of the game.
There are several ways to get started. You can register, create an account, and establish a player character or persona. You can explore what has already been developed, and determine where to contribute. You can become an analyst or commentator, undertake research, or seek to legislate additions or changes to the rules. Each of these ways will be explored in the relevant sections.