Collection: Game Mechanics: Market

The Market game mechanic is a mechanism in which players can buy and sell resources to a central market, where prices and quantities can vary. In games that use this mechanic, players must carefully manage their resources and negotiate with the market to get the best prices and deals.

Examples of games that use the Market game mechanic include many economic games such as Power Grid and Acquire. In these games, players must buy and sell resources to the market to generate income and strategically invest in their businesses. The market may be influenced by various factors such as supply and demand, player actions, or random events, which can make pricing and availability of resources unpredictable.

In games that use the Market game mechanic, players must consider the value of their resources and the potential profits and risks associated with buying and selling to the market. They must also carefully monitor market trends and adjust their strategies accordingly. The Market game mechanic adds a layer of economic strategy to gameplay, as players must balance their need for resources with the market's changing demands.

It's worth noting that some games use a "market" to price cards, tiles, or other permanent purchases, but this is actually a type of Open Drafting mechanism and should be classified as such. The Market game mechanic specifically refers to buying and selling resources to a central market with fluctuating prices and quantities. Overall, the Market game mechanic is a fun and engaging way to add depth and complexity to board games, and it encourages players to think strategically about their resource management and investment decisions.