Manager
- Designer Burkhardt Münchhagen , Peter Pfeifer , Waltraud Pfeifer
- Publisher Hexagames (I) , Noris Spiele
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Manager, each player manages one of six competing companies, setting product prices and trading stocks simultaneously. Players secretly choose prices, with only those close enough in price allowed to sell. Market shares and stock prices fluctuate based on sales success. The game involves balancing price competition and stock market speculation to gain advantage.
Who Is This Game For?
Designed for 3 to 6 players aged 10 and up, Manager is a medium-weight economic strategy game. With a playtime around 60 minutes, it suits players who enjoy tactical planning without excessively long sessions. Prior experience with economic games is helpful but not mandatory.
How It Works
Each round, players simultaneously set their product prices (Simultaneous Action Selection). Players whose prices are within 1,000 DM of the next lowest competitor get to sell. Commodity Speculation drives stock prices up or down depending on market success. Players can also buy and sell stocks (Stock Holding) to profit from these market fluctuations.
What Makes It Special
Created in 1979 by Münchhagen, Pfeifer, and Pfeifer, Manager blends Commodity Speculation, Simultaneous Action Selection, and Stock Holding mechanics. It is an early example of an economic board game focusing on pricing strategies and stock market dynamics within a simple yet deep framework.
Pro
- Early implementation of economic mechanisms in board games
- Combination of price setting and stock trading
- Simultaneous price selection adds tension
- Moderate 60-minute playtime for a strategy game
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Requires some economic understanding
- Possibly complex for younger players
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game simulates a market environment with six competing companies, likely computer manufacturers, operating in the same market. It models a modern economy with dynamic pricing and stock movements.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on aligning your pricing and stock decisions carefully without acting too aggressively too early.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Manager is designed for 3 to 6 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
Gameplay takes about 60 minutes, a moderate length for economic strategy games.
What prior experience do I need?
Basic understanding of economics and stock markets helps but is not required.
How does this compare to similar games?
Manager uniquely combines Commodity Speculation, Simultaneous Action Selection, and Stock Holding in an early economic game.
Is this suitable for families?
Suitable for ages 10+, but its economic theme and complexity lean towards experienced players.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of Commodity Speculation, Simultaneous Action Selection, and Stock Holding defines its gameplay.
Fazit
Manager is recommended for players interested in economic strategy games emphasizing price competition and stock trading. Its depth arises from the interplay of pricing tactics and market speculation.
