TAIPEI — In a bold move amidst escalating tensions in the Western Pacific, Taiwanese game developer Mizo Games is set to release an intriguing board game titled "2045" in January 2025. This game invites players to engage in a fictional scenario where they must navigate the challenges of war against a backdrop of an imagined Chinese invasion of Taiwan two decades from now.

The growing military assertiveness of China, which includes recent naval maneuvers near Taiwan, has heightened concerns on the island. The premise of "2045" sees players stepping into the roles of various characters, including members of Taiwan's armed forces, undercover Chinese agents, and local politicians potentially undermining national defenses. Additionally, players will have the option to assume the role of ordinary citizens who band together to protect their homeland during a time of chaos.

China has historically claimed Taiwan as its territory and has consistently indicated its willingness to use force to assert this claim. In response, Taiwan's government, led by President Tsai Ing-wen, vehemently defends its sovereignty, emphasizing that the decision on Taiwan's future rests solely with its people.

Mizo Games initiated crowdfunding for "2045" in August and quickly exceeded their goal, garnering over NT$4 million (approximately US$122,000) in just two and a half months. According to Chang Shao Lian, the founder of Mizo Games, the game not only offers entertainment but aims to provoke thought regarding the potential realities of conflict. “I want players to feel motivated to win and to contemplate the strategies they would employ in a dire situation,” he said in an interview.

This project is particularly timely as Taiwan has ramped up its own defensive measures in light of ongoing threats from Beijing. Recently, the island's presidential office conducted its inaugural "tabletop" exercise involving multiple government agencies to simulate a military escalation scenario. This exercise was designed to assess the readiness of both governmental and civil institutions in the event of a conflict.

Participants of the test run for "2045" reported valuable insights gained regarding the logistical complexities of a possible invasion. Kalin Lai, a 23-year-old gamer, noted, “I’m not very knowledgeable about military strategies, but through this game, I learned about potential landing zones and attack plans.”

Mizo Games is no stranger to creating thought-provoking war-themed board games, having previously released titles focused on air raid survival in Taipei and bombings during Japan's colonial period in Taiwan from 1895 to 1945. With the release of "2045," the company hopes to deepen public understanding of Taiwan's geopolitical situation and foster discussions on the island’s future amid growing tensions.

As the date approaches for the game’s release in both the US and Europe, the excitement surrounding "2045" continues to build, promising an engaging experience while shedding light on Taiwan's precarious position on the international stage. Will you be ready to navigate the challenges of a potential future conflict?