Dive into Woken, the new board game that marries fun with the insightful exploration of intersectionality and social justice, and teaches you about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Designed for up to six players, Woken takes you on an enlightening journey up the nine levels of Mount Oppression, each layer representing different groups facing systemic inequalities. From the outset, players are immersed in a vibrant, strategic game that not only entertains but educates on the realities of oppression and privilege.
Make Oppression
Your Obsession
Can You Climb to Peak Woken?
Woken guides players through nine levels of Mount Oppression, each layer revealing the complexities of societal hierarchies. Starting with straight cisgender white men at the base, it represents the foundation of privilege. As players ascend, they encounter levels for straight cisgender white women, men of color, women of color, highlighting gender and racial disparities. Further up, levels dedicated to persons with disabilities and persons with obesity address often overlooked challenges. The final layers focus on the LGBTQIA+ community, with spaces for cisgender lesbians, gay persons, and transgender individuals. Reaching Peak Woken culminates in a deepened understanding of intersectionality and the multifaceted nature of oppression.
The Content of Our Characters
Character Cards are at the heart of the gameplay, embodying the diverse experiences of individuals across the spectrum of societal hierarchies. Each Character Card represents a person from one of the nine levels of Mount Oppression, detailing their unique challenges and perspectives. These cards come in pairs, highlighting both how a character experiences oppression and how they can also be an oppressor, thus encouraging players to understand the complex nature of intersectionality. Engaging with these cards allows players to collect, strategize, and reflect on the multifaceted identities and experiences that drive the game's narrative on social justice, making each playthrough a rich learning experience.
Who’s On Top ?
The Oppression Cards play a pivotal role in deepening the game's exploration of social dynamics. These cards are divided into "Oppressed" and "Oppressor" categories, each offering unique insights and challenges that reflect the real-world intricacies of systemic inequality. Landing on spaces that trigger these cards forces players to confront scenarios where they either face oppression or wield power over others. This encourages critical thinking about personal and societal roles in perpetuating or combating injustice. Through engaging with these cards, players gain a more nuanced understanding of the balance between privilege and disadvantage, making Woken not just a game, but a tool for empathy and awareness.
Woken Tokens
Woken Tokens serve as the game's currency, symbolizing the resources and support systems crucial in navigating and combating societal oppression. Players start with an initial allotment, using them to form alliances and acquire Character Cards, reflecting the investment in understanding and advocacy in real-life social justice efforts. The Woken Token Bank acts as the game's economic center, facilitating transactions and symbolizing communal resources and penalties. This dynamic introduces a strategic financial element to Woken, where managing these tokens effectively can influence a player's success. Engaging with Woken Tokens and the Bank educates players on the value of resources in supporting oppressed communities and the importance of strategic resource allocation in advocacy work.
Call Me the Tumblin’ (Inclusive) Dice
The innovative use of black and white dice adds a compelling strategic layer to the game. Rolling these dice determines players' movements and actions on Mount Oppression, embodying the dualities of progress and setback inherent in the journey towards social awareness. The white die propels players forward, symbolizing steps towards understanding and allyship, while the black die offers the power to send opponents backwards, representing the challenges and obstacles faced in the fight against oppression. This not only introduces unpredictability and tactical depth but also serves as a metaphor for the complexities of navigating social hierarchies and the ongoing struggle for equity and understanding.
Diversity is Our Strength!
Sure, you can play Woken with as few as two players, but the more players, the more learning! Playing with more people, significantly amplifies the fun and educational impact of the game. More players introduce a wider range of strategies, perspectives, and discussions, mirroring the complexity of real-world social dynamics. The game becomes a lively arena for negotiation, competition, and alliance-building, enhancing its engagement and depth. With a larger group, the conversations about social justice and intersectionality deepen, making the gameplay not just entertaining but also a rich learning experience. The diverse interactions and shared moments of insight foster a communal atmosphere that elevates Woken from a simple game to an impactful social exploration.