Every deal is mechanically binding. Break one and the system punishes you.
The Premise
A negotiation game where every deal is mechanically binding. Players make deals via a structured contract system, and breaking a contract has real game-state consequences.
You can defend yourself with a 3-way contract that punishes a defection — but every clause shrinks your win equity.
The Roles
Negotiator
×allDrafts contracts via structured dropdowns. Breaks one = mechanical penalty.
How a Round Plays
Propose
Build a Contract: "I give X, you give Y, by round Z, conditional on…"
Sign
Both parties sign. The contract enters the ledger.
Execute
When the trigger fires, the contract auto-executes if both sides can pay.
Default
Failure to honor: lose 5 VP + signing freeze for 2 rounds.
Win Conditions
Highest VP
Score the most VP via resource conversion.
Designer Notes
Most negotiation games rely on social trust. Contract makes trust mechanical — and the design space opens up: insurance policies, contingent contracts ("if X happens, then Y"), 3-way deals. Scales with how clever your contract drafting is.
Strategy Tips
- Insurance, not threatsA "if you betray me, you lose 10" clause beats a "I trust you" handshake.
- TriangulateThree-way contracts make defection cost the defector AND the third party.
- Read the ledgerEvery signed contract is public. Know who owes whom.