A new Taiwanese board game is putting players in the midst of a simulated Chinese invasion, challenging them to strategize for survival—sometimes by making drastic decisions, including the use of nuclear weapons.
Titled 2045, the game is a high-intensity contest of military strategy and self-interest, where players take on roles such as armed resistance fighters, collaborators, or arms dealers. Their choices shape the fate of Taiwan in a scenario depicting the first 10 days of an attack, before foreign reinforcements can intervene.
“The most interesting part of this game is that you have to make continuous decisions based on the evolving situation, and these choices can alter the entire history of Taiwan in an instant,” said Ruth Zhong, 36, while playing 2045 at a Taipei board game store. Zhong opted for the game’s most extreme move—dropping a nuclear bomb on Taipei—to prevent a Chinese takeover.
A Game Reflecting Geopolitical Tensions
Released by Mizo Games last month, 2045 comes amid heightened tensions between Taiwan and China, which claims the self-ruled island as its territory and has not ruled out the use of force. The game presents a stark contrast to traditional war games that emphasize teamwork, instead offering a more realistic portrayal of the complexities of modern warfare.
“We decided to move away from romanticism and create a game rooted in realism,” said Mizo Games founder Chang Shao-lian.
Victory conditions depend on strategy: if China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) captures a critical number of key cities, Taiwan falls. However, players of different political perspectives can adopt varied approaches to winning.
“Some assume the game caters only to pro-Taiwan independence players, but in reality, anyone with a strategic vision for the Taiwan Strait conflict can find ways to win,” Chang added.
Grounded in Military Reality
To ensure authenticity, the game developers consulted military experts, national security analysts, and political strategists. Maps and scenarios were based on real-life PLA exercises, while attack strategies—such as targeting Taipei 101—were refined to reflect real-world possibilities.
“We repeatedly refined details—how much damage should be shown, the intensity of the explosion, the light effects, even the presence of aircraft in the background,” said visual designer Lai Boyea.
With China increasing military drills around Taiwan, the game resonates with real-world concerns. Taiwan’s government recently conducted its own tabletop war simulations to assess preparedness, while the ongoing war in Ukraine has heightened fears of a potential Chinese attack.
“You imagine, if they were to attack, how would they do it?” Lai said.
More Than Just a Game
While 2045 is designed as entertainment, it also serves as a sobering reflection on alliances and self-preservation.
“Its value lies in showing players that even in a game, or in real life, your allies won’t necessarily help you unconditionally,” said Zhong.
“Everything ultimately depends on interests.”
Key Points :
Game Concept: 2045 is a Taiwanese board game simulating the first 10 days of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.
Strategic Gameplay: Players take on roles such as resistance fighters, collaborators, or arms dealers, making high-stakes decisions to influence Taiwan’s fate.
Extreme Tactics: Some players, like Ruth Zhong, opt for drastic measures, including dropping a nuclear bomb on Taipei to prevent a Chinese takeover.
Real-World Parallels: The game’s release comes amid rising military tensions between China and Taiwan.
Developer’s Approach: Mizo Games designed 2045 to emphasize realism over romanticized warfare, allowing for multiple strategic perspectives.
Military Accuracy: The game’s mechanics and maps are based on real PLA exercises, military tactics, and geopolitical analysis.
War Simulation Trend: Taiwan’s government has also conducted tabletop war simulations to assess military readiness.
Geopolitical Reflection: The game highlights the complexities of alliances and self-interest in wartime scenarios.
