Gugong 1.42

Set in China during the year 1570, the narrative unfolds under the reign of the Longqing Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, a period marked by a nation striving to recover from years of mismanagement and rampant corruption. The Forbidden City, where the emperor resides, serves as a historical backdrop. This architectural marvel, constructed between 1406 and 1420, comprises 980 buildings spread over 72 hectares (more than 180 acres) and has long stood as a symbol of imperial authority.

During the Ming Dynasty, significant efforts were made to rebuild, fortify, and expand the Great Wall of China in response to persistent threats from Mongolian invasions. The legacy of this era is largely responsible for the structure we recognize today.

China's intricate bureaucratic system, while renowned for its complexity, also perpetuated high levels of corruption. Even with severe penalties in place, high-ranking officials at the Forbidden City often engaged in practices that undermined these regulations. They would accept gifts from petitioners while returning items of lesser value, thereby creating a façade of adherence to anti-corruption measures.

The board game Gugong draws inspiration from this fascinating historical context. Players assume the roles of influential Chinese families vying for power through strategic gift-giving to officials. Each gift offered must exceed the value of the one received, necessitating thoughtful decision-making each turn regarding actions and resource management. Participants will navigate various regions of China, travel along the Grand Canal, acquire valuable jade, contribute to the construction of the Great Wall, secure advantages via decrees, manipulate political intrigue, and ultimately seek a coveted audience with the emperor.

The app version of this game features a solo mode against Meng, an automated opponent, with three levels of difficulty to cater to different players' preferences. Additionally, it provides a concise tutorial that outlines fundamental game principles for new players while also including a comprehensive set of written rules for deeper understanding.