Game Objective
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One of the greatest industrial shifts in world history is underway as internal combustion engines (ICEs) lose global market share to electric vehicles (EVs) in the $3 trillion automobile economy. China has made EV dominance a national strategic priority, but the best manufacturers in the world have traditionally been overseas.
How did China reverse that relationship and emerge as the world’s greatest automaker in just over a decade?
How did China reverse that relationship and emerge as the world’s greatest automaker in just over a decade?
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In Powering Up, players simulate the political economy of China from the 2000s into the 2020s while playing three automakers, two vice mayors of Chinese cities and a foreign consultant. Together, the six will compete and collaborate to profit on the world’s largest auto market, while fighting to secure their future in electric vehicles through carefully negotiated investments. Will foreign automakers with a century of experience outfight the domestic upstart with government backing?
All the while, dictates from the Chinese central government and other global powers constantly shift the business strategies that work — and which ones don’t. Will U.S. or European tariffs transform exports between China and global markets? Will a supply chain disruption or corruption scandal suddenly turn a productive business into a dangerous one? Social Capital and proprietary Information may be just the currencies needed to avert a crisis.
All the while, dictates from the Chinese central government and other global powers constantly shift the business strategies that work — and which ones don’t. Will U.S. or European tariffs transform exports between China and global markets? Will a supply chain disruption or corruption scandal suddenly turn a productive business into a dangerous one? Social Capital and proprietary Information may be just the currencies needed to avert a crisis.
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Designed for both policymakers and business executives in mind, this Riskgaming scenario will help anyone appreciate the intricate risks and rewards of one of the world’s most opaque yet lucrative markets. China is Powering Up, and it’s time to compete for the future of the industrialized world.
Characters
Patrick / Patty Wong
US General, China President
Wong, a Duke graduate from Singapore, rose through global business ranks, starting with Bain in Beijing and later leading US General’s China operations. Known for navigating complex markets, Wong managed challenges from EV competition, pandemic shifts, and U.S.-China tensions. Recently, they’ve cautioned leadership on the risks of politicized strategies affecting the company’s future in China.
Feng Ma
Autobauer, China President
Ma, born in Changchun, excelled in industrial engineering and economics, studying at Shanghai Jiao Tong and Germany's University of Mannheim. Fluent in German, Ma built a career in China's automotive sector, rising through multinational corporations. Now President of Autobauer China, Ma bridges German business culture with China's market while supporting a partner who is a social entrepreneur.
Li Hong
Shanghai Car Company CEO
Hong, once a struggling student in Shaanxi, found their calling as a truck mechanic in the coal industry. With a passion for engines and relentless dedication, they rose through Shanghai Car Company, transforming it into an industry leader. Now CEO, Hong is driven to propel the company to global prominence, honoring the opportunities China's economic rise has provided.
Yuebin Fang
Chengdu, Vice Mayor
Fang, a top Peking University graduate from rural Sichuan, rose rapidly in China's political ranks through the Communist Youth League. Inspired by the 2008 earthquake's devastation in their hometown, Fang returned to Sichuan to lead recovery and growth efforts. Now in Chengdu, they aim to attract investments and solidify their influence in Western China's development.
Yuze Hao
Shanghai, Vice Mayor
Hao, a third-generation Communist Party "princeling," carries the legacy of their Long March hero grandfather. Now Vice Mayor of Shanghai, Hao is under pressure to attract major investments and elevate Shanghai’s auto industry to global prominence. With limited time to secure promotion, success could propel Hao into a top provincial leadership role in Xi Jinping’s China.
Stephan / Stephanie Dorsey
Managing Director, McFarland Associates, China
Dorsey, a San Francisco native fluent in Mandarin, transitioned from a U.S. diplomatic career to global business, becoming a Partner at McFarland Associates. With deep expertise in U.S.-China relations, Dorsey champions engagement between the two powers, believing collaboration is vital for the planet's future. Their career reflects a commitment to fostering connection and mutual understanding.
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Official Game Kit
Download all materials required to run this scenario
Game Scenario and Rules
Full Scenario and Rules Booklet
Score Calculator (Apple Numbers)
Spreadsheet to calculate game metrics and scores
Score Calculator (XLSX Export)
Spreadsheet to calculate game metrics and scores
Briefing Deck
A 40-slide presentation deck on the EV market and the rules of Powering Up
Game Boards and Event Cards
Printable public and private game boards as well as printable scene settings and event cards. We recommend laminating the game boards for ease of use.
Currencies
Printable currency sheets to create tokens for Capital, Social Capital and Information.
Table Name Tents
A set of table tents for each character in the game. Use Avery #5305 paper.
Acknowledgements
This scenario was inspired by Ian Curtiss’s experiences living, working, and studying in China. He heartily thanks earlier generations of China-hands who passed on their knowledge and insights to him through the years, as well as the wonderful people he met and worked with who inspired and informed this scenario.
The mechanics behind the Chinese political players was influenced by Chenggang Xu’s “Regionally Administered Totalitarianism.”
Given the ongoing complexity of gathering data in China and the rapidly changing nature of the broadly defined electric vehicle market, data in the game was inspired by reporting from the resolute journalists who continue to work in this opaque, yet fascinating market.
As one mentor would say of his 20+ years in China: “If you’re not confused, you’re probably not paying attention.”
Ian acknowledges the 61 players who beta tested this scenario across the United States and Lux Capital’s and Danny Crichton’s support to make this happen.
Credits
Game Designer: Ian Curtiss
Editor-in-Chief and Producer: Danny Crichton
Director of Programming: Laurence Pevsner
Front Cover Illustration: Feixue Mei
Production Designer: Justin Barber
Website Designer: James Clements
