Megagames are a new and exciting way to socialise and strategise with like-minded geeks. If you love D&D or any tabletop strategy game, this is a perfect opportunity to test your skills. New to it? Don’t worry, you don’t have to be an expert to play. Just bring some friends, snacks and a good attitude. The last two events hosted by the Megagame Initiative had Earth invaded by aliens but this time around, we’re taking a trip to a Game of Thrones-inspired fantasy era.
What is a Megagame?
Megagames combine live-action role-playing (LARP), board games and wargaming into one chaotic, collaborative adventure. The game lasts a whole day with players split into teams, each with roles, resources and goals they hope to achieve in the game. Once the control team has given the brief, players can take the story whichever way they want. The only limit is their imagination.
Cape Town’s own Megagames are run by Megagame Initiative, a group dedicated to bringing these large-scale games to life for local players. The games can also be run as team-building exercises for businesses helping to improve skills in communication, problem-solving and crisis management.
What to expect at a Megagame
The first Megagame I attended was called Watch the Skies. Teams took on the roles of foreign nations, and our team was the aliens. Our goal was to bring peace, but communication was a challenge. Countries had to work together to strategise, fund weapons and technology, or attack each other as they scrambled to figure out why the aliens were here. It was an incredible experience, not only working together with a team of friends but also meeting new people in a creative and fun setting. As the game went on, sharing snacks became a symbol of peace, secret alliances were formed and someone even blew up the moon.
In the second half of the day, all the teams switched roles, and this time we represented the nation of Japan. With our roles as scientist, general, diplomat, and president, we planned how to communicate with the aliens. This time, we saw the other side of the game: how the media reported on their findings and how big companies were needed to fund technology. Forming coalitions and talking to other teams was the only way to get anything done.
What’s the next game?
This September, the Megagame Initiative is hosting a game called God Emperor, a blood-stained fantasy megagame of Power, Lies, and Regicide.
The brief is this: 10 000 years ago, the God Emperor and his army took over the continent by slaying the demon who ruled. Now that he is growing weak, teams of 3-5 players must take on the role of Noble Houses hoping to dethrone the mysterious God Emperor. To do this, they will have to command armies, make laws, and plan treason to gain control of the throne. Meanwhile, teams must also arrange marriages, hold funerals, and duel challengers for their houses.
How to join the God Emperor Megagame
We’ve got all the details for you here. Tickets are on sale now and can be booked individually or as a group. If you don’t have a team, don’t worry, they’ll help you find one.
Megagames are a fantastic way to immerse yourself in strategy and storytelling. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer, the upcoming God Emperor game offers a unique and thrilling experience. For more places to get together and game check out our article on Geek Culture spaces in Cape Town.
