Smartphone Inc.: A Guide to Rules, Instructions & Strategy Tips
Introduction
Smartphone Inc. is a game where players become CEOs of smartphone-producing companies. You try to outsmart competitors by developing new technologies, creating better smartphones, and controlling the market.
The game was designed by Ivan Lashin and first published in 2018. I find it pretty interesting for its unique pad-folding mechanic and strategic depth. The goal is to sell phones in different regions and earn the most money. It’s a mix of planning, strategy, and a bit of luck. The game has gained popularity for its theme and engaging gameplay.
Quick Tip for Smartphone Inc.
Always keep an eye on your competitors’ actions and be ready to adapt your strategy.
Rules for playing Smartphone Inc.
The rules of Smartphone Inc. are about planning and executing your business strategy. Each player gets a company board, pads, and other pieces. The game goes over five rounds, each with five phases: Planning, Pricing, Selling, Production, and Updating. In the Planning phase, you use pads to set actions for the round. In Pricing, you set the price for your phones, which affects demand. Selling is where you sell phones based on price and tech. In Production, you produce phones for the next round. Updating lets you improve your tech and expand your company.
Equipment and Setup for Smartphone Inc.
To play Smartphone Inc., you need the game box which includes company boards, pads, technology cards, a game board, and other pieces like phones and price markers. Set up involves placing the game board in the middle, giving each player a company board and starting resources, and preparing the market with phones and price markers. There are different types of tiles for technologies and upgrades that you can use to improve your company.
How to Play Smartphone Inc. and Game Mechanics
The key mechanics in Smartphone Inc. involve planning your actions with pads, setting prices, selling phones, producing new phones, and updating your company. Here’s a list of gameplay phases:
- Planning: Decide your actions for the round.
- Pricing: Set the price for your phones.
- Selling: Sell your phones based on price and technology.
- Production: Produce phones for the next round.
- Updating: Improve your technology and company.
How to Win at Smartphone Inc.
To win at Smartphone Inc., you need to make smart decisions about pricing, technology, and market control. Beginners should focus on understanding how pricing affects demand. Intermediate players can start to use technology and upgrades to get ahead. Advanced players will need to control the market and predict competitors’ moves. It’s important to balance all aspects of the game to be successful.
Best Strategies for playing Smartphone Inc. board game
To excel in this game, I really recommend that you make the most of planning during the game’s planning phase. Players must effectively utilize the pad-like planning boards to select actions that will maximize their production, distribution, and technological advancement while considering their competitors’ potential moves.
Balancing the supply and demand across different regions is crucial; flooding a market can lower prices and profit margins, whereas underproducing can leave sales opportunities on the table. Tech upgrades can provide a competitive edge, so investing in R&D to unlock advanced technologies and features that appeal to the demographic of the various regions can be a game-changer.
Additionally, savvy players will keep a close eye on pricing strategies; setting the right price can undercut competitors or maximize profits in less contested areas. Networking is also key, so expanding into new territories and building efficiencies in logistics can help players outmaneuver their opponents.
Lastly, adaptability is important; being able to pivot strategies in response to market changes and competitor moves will keep a player’s company agile and competitive throughout the game.
Scenarios
Good scenarios in Smartphone Inc. include having a strong presence in multiple markets and leading in technology. Bad scenarios might be getting priced out of the market or falling behind in tech. To turn these around, you might need to change your pricing strategy or focus on a different market where you can be more competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How long does a game of Smartphone Inc. take?
A: It usually takes about 60-120 minutes. - Q: Can you change your strategy mid-game?
A: Yes, you can adapt your strategy each round. - Q: Is Smartphone Inc. good for two players?
A: Yes, it works well with two players. - Q: How important is technology in the game?
A: Very important, it can give you a big advantage. - Q: Can you block other players’ actions?
A: Not directly, but you can affect the market they’re in.
Related Subtopics
Other things to consider when playing Smartphone Inc. include managing your resources well and being aware of the global market. You also want to plan for the end game early on, as the last few rounds can be very competitive. It’s also good to know the different expansion options that can add variety to the game.
External Links
For more information on Smartphone Inc., you can visit the publisher’s official website or check out reviews and discussions on various gaming forums. Remember to always check the latest version of the rules for any updates or changes.
Smartphone Inc. Official Publisher Site
Eve Brownlee was a gamer before gaming communities on the internet were a thing. Eve grew up playing traditional, standard deck card games like Rummy and Bezique, taking an interest in the classics Backgammon and Chess. Parlor card games like Bridge continue to keep Eve active in the community. After a long career, primarily in horticulture for USDA in Maryland, Eve now travels and writes on The Pineapple (pineapples.info) and contributes to Quora/Pinterest topics. Contact Eve via email.
