Choose your faction.
Shape the 21st century world order.
Fight in an escalating conflict over land, sea and air!
It’s the second decade of the third millennium, and the world is witnessing a dramatic shift in the geopolitical landscape. The Indo-Pacific, emerging as the pulsating heart of the global economy, stands at the forefront of escalating rivalries and strategic maneuvers.
China’s rapid growth is unmistakable, fueled by its ambitious desire to challenge and eventually overtake the United States as the world’s preeminent superpower.
China’s claims, articulated through the ‘Nine-Dash Line’, have led to escalating tensions with neighboring countries like the Philippines and Vietnam over the resource-rich South China Sea, and with Japan and South Korea over the East China Sea.
Additionally, the unresolved status of Taiwan adds a layer of complexity to the already volatile situation.
China’s expansion isn’t merely a quest for dominance; it’s a strategic response to perceived encirclement and suppression. The robust presence of American military power in the region, exemplified by the ‘Island Chain Strategy’, aims to deter China and reinforce U.S. influence. This perceived containment, coupled with the growing American military buildup, has led China to seek alliances and fortify its position.
In response to the shifting dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, the United States has strategically chosen to forge alliances as a cornerstone of its regional strategy. This is exemplified by the formation of the AUKUS security pact, a significant alliance between the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. This pact stands as a direct countermeasure to China’s assertive expansion in the region.
Further reinforcing this alliance-based approach, France, a nation with a longstanding presence in the Indo-Pacific, has strengthened its military capabilities and aligned itself with the AUKUS pact. This alignment also includes pivotal regional players, Japan and South Korea, showcasing a united front among these nations in response to the evolving geopolitical landscape. This collective stance reflects a clear shift towards collaborative security and diplomatic efforts aimed at maintaining balance and stability in the region.
Concurrently, China, seeking to balance the scales, strengthens its ties with Russia, a once-rival now partner. United in their belief that current international dynamics disproportionately favor the U.S., they are determined to establish a new world order—one where their interests find better representation through new institutions, ideas, and power structures.
The board is set, the pieces are moving. It’s your turn to assume the role of one of these eight nations. As the diplomatic and military crises unfold, your mission is to navigate through these turbulent waters, safeguarding your nation’s interests while minimizing casualties. Your ultimate goal: to bring the opposing side to the negotiating table and compel them to accept your terms. The stakes are high, the challenges immense, but the opportunity to reshape the world order awaits.
This is not just a test of military might or diplomatic savvy; it is the ultimate battle, defining the very contours of our time. The decisions made here, on this grand geopolitical stage, will echo through history, shaping the future of international relations and global power dynamics for decades to come
AUKUS & CHINA depicts a modern day armed conflict on an epic scale. Up to 5 players can play on two different teams. On one side the AUKUS alliance – USA, UK, Australia, France, Japan and South Korea. On the other side China and Russia.
A full map of the Pacific is provided, broken up in various chunks similar to Axis and Allies , War room, Scythe, War of the Ring or Risk all which were a huge inspiration. The game comes with hundreds of tokens that represent various military units of today’s global players.
Players have at their disposal surface action groups, submarines, drones, fighters, bombers, air defense, cruisers, aircraft carriers. All of the units perform differently and many have special functions. Players have to work together with their teammates in order to coordinate offenses and defenses and decide how best to utilize their resources.
The game is for ages 14+, 2-5 players and lasts 4-6 hours. The game has been developed, played and tested and refined for more than a year now with the help of mathematicians, game masters and enthusiasts like you. We put a lot of effort into political and military accuracy. Here a summary of what to expect:
- A highly complex strategy game with an easy to learn hard to master approach.
- It’s super quick to learn the basics and start playing. You won’t have to spend an hour going over the rules with your friends and look for exceptions in the rule book.
- Allow hardcore players like us to improve their strategies game after game and win against all odds by the perfect combination of unit and resource allocation.
- Individual strengths of the different powers but balanced chances.
- The game is designed to intensify from round to round and stays balanced for a very long time allowing maximum excitement till the very last round.
- Dice luck only plays a minor role
- High re-playability due to the various strategies players can take
The tried and tested rules makes this game a lot of fun! So let’s talk about how it works!
- You and your friends are the leaders of one 8 powers, 5 teams and 2 sides
- Red side teams: China, Russia
- Blue side teams: USA, UK-AUS-FRA, JPN-KOR
- Your goal in the game is to drive down the enemy side’s morale points to 0 or below to win. Whichever sides depledes more below 0 loses. Morale points represent the public’s political willingness and economic ability to continue to support the government’s war efforts.
- Allies will win or lose together. The game may end in a draw.
- You can drive down the other side’s morale points by controlling sea and land areas, winning battles.
- Each team gets a fixed number of military power at the beginning of each round which they can allocate between the three main powers in the game. The three main powers are:
- Mobilization power is the ability to deploy new units.
- Operational power is the ability to move your units. Each team gets a fixed number of military power at the beginning of each round which they can allocate between the three main powers in the game. The three main powers are:
- Intel power is the ability to use unit special abilities, tactics and cyber warfare
- The game is divided into five escalation phases. You enter a new escalation phase if one side’s morale points crosses a morale point threshold. Each new phase means:
- New units that are available to mobilize
- New areas that are available for combat (Sea, islands, North Korea, Taiwan, Mainland)
- Larger maximum army size per area
- And new events such as moving from standstill to war.
- Actions are done in a sequential order based on the turn order. In the respective phase the team which has either the highest or the lowest turn order completes an action followed by the next team in the turn order.
- The game is semi-asymmetric. Players have both similar and differing military units and each unit have both similar and different special abilities according to what side or team it belongs to.
Building on the conventions of strategy board games like Axis and Allies or Risk, AUKUS & China emphasizes both careful planning and daring gambits. One side will take the role of AUKUS as they create a powerful alliance to contain the ambitions of China and Russia. While the other side will take the role of China and Russia as they seek to expand their influence in the pacific region securing their economic growth and strategic safety.
The AUKUS alliance has a stronger air and naval force and the advantage of joint operations but a lower tolerance for a prolonged military conflict. While China and Russia has the advantage of a higher tolerance for a prolonged conflict and the advantage of the conflict happening in close proximity of their homeland; their coastal and air defense systems can be devastating for AUKUS units. And they have an easier time deploying reinforcements and a larger force for launching amphibious operations against AUKUS bases and strategic allies in the region.
The game typically starts with China and Russia trying to push AUKUS expeditionary, Japanese and Korean forces out of important strategic positions before AUKUS and France mobilizes its Pacific forces entirely. The conflict is mostly centered around two main regions the South China Sea and the East China Sea. The AUKUS side has to be more aggressive and bold in their gameplay to secure a victory because of their lower resilience to a prolonged armed conflict, while China and Russia has to play a very tactical game to counter the more powerful AUKUS forces playing to whatever weaknesses present themselves and driving down enemy moral by smart attrition warfare.
The movement and combat system will be familiar for those who have played with similar strategy games in the past but easy enough to learn for those who haven’t. We worked relentlessly to simplify the basics and managed to create an easy to learn but hard to master experience, which you can easily set up and start enjoying this dramatic and epic game with any crowd.
So, you want to know what comes in that awesome game box? If you back AUKUS & CHINA you will get:
- 1 Gameboard (68x68cm)
- 1 Battle Board
- 5 Command Boards & Privacy Screens
- 6 Trays (5 Team Trays, 1 Common Tray)
- 20 custom 6-sided dice (3 types: 6 Standard, 8 Attack, 4 Defense)
- 700+ Playing Tokens
- 1 Rule Book
Box size: 36 x 25 x 13 cm.
Frequently asked questions
AUKUS & CHINA distinguishes itself in the strategy board game genre through its unique gameplay elements. The game introduces an innovative approach to hidden resource allocation, happening both at a macro and micro level. This involves strategic decision-making about resource acquisition and combat preparation, adding depth and an element of surprise to the game.
Another characteristic that players often highlight as a favorite is the way units and their special abilities can be combined. This feature enhances strategic depth without introducing undue complexity, allowing for a rich tactical experience and re-playability.
Thirdly, „AUKUS & CHINA” excels in its dynamic escalation mechanics, a feature that significantly enriches the gaming experience. This aspect perfectly complements the hidden resource allocation and the strategic unit combinations, keeping the gameplay continuously engaging and evolving. As the game unfolds, the intensity of decisions and their impact magnifies, ensuring a constantly shifting strategic landscape. This escalating complexity not only maintains excitement but also deepens the tactical richness of the game, offering players a uniquely thrilling and varied strategic experience every time they play.
What we are most proud of in „AUKUS & CHINA” is its continuous gaming experience. In many strategy games, long decision times can lead to other players becoming disengaged. Our game overcomes this by offering players decisions that are both quick and exciting to make. The game encourages rapid strategic thinking in manageable steps, derived from surprising and dynamic situations.
Additionally, the gameplay in „AUKUS & CHINA” is carefully balanced to ensure that no player can snowball to an unassailable lead. This keeps the game competitive and enjoyable right up to the last minute, with mechanisms that allow for dramatic turnarounds through smart play. While luck plays a role in dice-rolling, the game predominantly hinges on strategic choices and cooperation between allies. The thrill of dice-rolling adds an element of unpredictability, but strategic planning is what truly drives success in the game.
These features collectively make AUKUS & CHINA the ultimate wargame of the 21st century, catering to both seasoned strategists and those new to the genre.
AUKUS & CHINA is grounded in a realistic portrayal of modern geopolitical dynamics. We have collaborated with multiple military and foreign relations experts to accurately depict the current geopolitical situation and translate these real-world elements into engaging game mechanics. Their immense contributions have been instrumental in shaping the game into what it is today. Their insights and expertise have not only enriched the gameplay experience but have also ensured a level of realism and strategic depth that we are incredibly proud of. We can’t praise them enough for their impact on the game and are deeply thankful for their significant role in bringing AUKUS & CHINA to life. Our goal was to create a game where players can realistically step into the roles of key global players. We have been extensively researching the subject, even prior to the game’s creation and we’ve also strived to avoid a solely Western perspective.
The development of AUKUS & CHINA was a thoughtful process of thematic and mechanical design, conducted in parallel. Initially, we started with a set of rules and mechanics based on concepts and ideas we were passionate about. However, as we explored various topics, we found ourselves increasingly drawn to the current geopolitical climate, which we felt was the defining issue of our time. This realization steered our focus, leading us to continually refine and sometimes even discard initial ideas that did not realistically align with a modern-day strategy board game. In balancing the game, it was crucial to us to not only choose a subject matter that could be addressed fairly and without arbitrary elements but also one that allowed us to make a meaningful artistic statement. The more we learned about the intricacies of global politics, the more we felt compelled to create a game that would artistically capture the essence of these decisive moments in our contemporary world.
The game is set in the third decade of the second millennium, during a transformative period in the Indo-Pacific region. This era is marked by the rise of the AUKUS security pact between the USA, UK, and Australia, aimed at containing China’s ambition to displace the US as the pre-eminent global power. France, Japan, and South Korea align with AUKUS, strengthening their military presence in the region. Meanwhile, China fortifies its alliance with Russia, united by a shared desire to challenge the US-dominated world order and establish new power structures and institutions.
AUKUS & CHINA not only realistically portrays the military aspects but also delves into the strategic significance of various regions. The game brings to life the intricate dynamics of the Indo-Pacific, highlighting the crucial role of the Malacca Strait in potentially cutting off China’s energy supply and the contentious South China Sea, including the 9-dash line conflict. It intricately maps out the island chain strategy for containment and accurately represents the locations of US and other international military bases.
While AUKUS & CHINA aims primarily to entertain and provide a thrilling gaming experience, its detailed depiction of these geopolitical elements serves to educate players about the economic and political perspectives from both sides of the conflict. We believe that the considerable effort put into creating this realistic and immersive atmosphere significantly enhances the overall experience, offering players not just a game but a deep dive into what these global tensions mean in practice
The game explores scenarios of escalation and potential conflict, posing the question, ‘What if it really happens?’ However, it is our hope that such a conflict never occurs in reality, as it would be a disaster of immense proportions. AUKUS & CHINA allows players to navigate these tense geopolitical waters in a safe gaming environment.
While we anticipate that AUKUS & CHINA might provoke discussions and debates regarding its depiction of the political, economic, and military situation, especially among reviewers and experts in the field, we welcome such discourse. It’s important to recognize that although the game is detailed in its approach, it is not a professional wargame. Our primary goal is to provide an engaging and enjoyable experience for all strategy game enthusiasts. Within this scope, AUKUS & CHINA aims to balance entertainment with an accurate portrayal of contemporary geopolitical themes, making it a compelling choice for those who appreciate both strategic gameplay and a thoughtful depiction of real-world issues.
Yes, AUKUS & CHINA has undergone extensive testing across a wide spectrum of players. Our focus has been to engage both seasoned wargaming enthusiasts and casual board game players. While the game is primarily designed for strategy game aficionados, gaining insights from those less experienced in strategy games has been invaluable.
Our testing process has been rigorous and comprehensive. We have employed professional testers and dedicated a significant amount of time and resources to ensure the game’s quality. AUKUS & CHINA has evolved through numerous iterations since its initial concept. With each version, our goal has been to streamline and simplify the gameplay, making it as intuitive as possible without compromising its depth and strategic elements.
Moreover, our commitment to the game extends beyond its initial launch. We plan to continuously test and refine AUKUS & CHINA based on community feedback. Our aim is to evolve the game, providing online rule updates and investing in further playtesting. This approach ensures that AUKUS & CHINA remains a unique, replayable experience that stands the test of time.
We take the balance and experience of gameplay very seriously. Our dedication to AUKUS & CHINA is steadfast, and we’re committed to ensuring it delivers a finely-tuned, engaging experience. Looking ahead, we’re excited about the possibility of developing additional games. We already have numerous ideas brewing for future projects. If our Kickstarter campaign is successful, we’re also considering expansion sets for AUKUS & CHINA. However, our current focus remains on perfecting this game. We want to ensure that AUKUS & CHINA is thoroughly developed and functions flawlessly before venturing into new games and expansions. Our commitment to quality and player satisfaction is our top priority, and we’re excited about the potential future of our gaming universe.
AUKUS & CHINA is designed as an easy-to-learn yet hard-to-master strategy game. Our testing has shown that explaining the rules to newcomers typically takes around 15-20 minutes. We highly recommend a learn by playing approach, which has been effective and enjoyable in our own experiences with other games. This approach is particularly suitable for AUKUS & CHINA.
The basic rules of the game are straightforward, but AUKUS & CHINA offers a significant depth in terms of strategy, resource allocation, and combat dynamics. For instance, the game allows players to strategically combine units and utilize their special abilities in combat. We’ve observed many creative strategies emerge during our extensive testing sessions, especially when players focus on thoughtful resource management and the synergistic combination of units and abilities.
Although a game can last anywhere from 5 to 7 hours, depending on the players’ aggressiveness and strategic depth. The gameplay is intensely engaging from round to round and turn to turn. We’ve designed the game so that players don’t have to wait long for their turn, contributing to a dynamic, almost real-time gaming experience. As a result, time tends to fly by during the game, adding to the excitement and engagement of AUKUS & CHINA.
AUKUS & CHINA will become available following our Kickstarter campaign launch in March. We are targeting to ship the game by May, depending on the success of the campaign. We’re committed to delivering a high-quality gaming experience and appreciate your support and patience as we bring this project to fruition.
The Kickstarter campaign for AUKUS & CHINA is set to launch in March. We’re working hard to ensure everything is ready for a smooth start. Following a successful campaign, we aim to ship the game to our backers by May. Stay tuned for the exact launch date and be ready to join us on this exciting journey!
To stay informed about AUKUS & CHINA’s campaign, updates, and announcements, be sure to follow our Kickstarter page or sign up to our Launch Alert.
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Currently, AUKUS & CHINA is being released in English. However, we are actively exploring opportunities to collaborate with publishers in other regions, which could lead to licensed versions of the game in additional languages. We will keep our backers and supporters informed about any updates regarding translated editions.
We are thrilled to see significant interest in AUKUS & CHINA from various parts of the world, especially from the USA, China, Vietnam, the UK, Germany, France and Poland. Our goal is to make AUKUS & CHINA accessible to enthusiasts everywhere. We are committed to shipping worldwide, ensuring that anyone, in any country, can enjoy our game.
Please note, while we aim for global availability, international shipping can involve additional costs or specific restrictions depending on the destination. We’re working hard to facilitate as wide a distribution as possible and to keep shipping fees reasonable. For detailed information on availability and shipping to your specific location, we encourage you to check our Kickstarter campaign once it launches.