Rigged Rails

The Race to First Class

Rigged Rails is a board game about class struggle, where players race to first class on a train while facing an unfair system. Earn money through luck, work, or crime—but your character’s background determines how easy or hard the journey will be.

Number of players: 2-4 
Play time: +- 20 min. 
Age group: 16+ 

Description:

Strategy (from 1 to 5)
Luck ( from 1 to 5)
Difficulty (from 1 to 5)  

The major theme of our game revolves around class differences, which we have visualized using the Dutch railway system. This system has a very clear separation between second-class and first-class train seats, making it a fitting metaphor for social inequality. It is also highly relatable for many people, as they encounter this division almost daily during their commutes.

Most of the time, train compartments are physically divided right down the middle, reinforcing the distinction between the two classes. This strong visual and structural separation serves as a powerful way to highlight and explore issues of privilege, accessibility, and fairness within our game mechanics. By integrating these real-world dynamics into our design, we aim to create a thought-provoking experience that encourages players to reflect on the impact of class differences in everyday life.