Can You Take Control of Planet B in October 2022?

For the past couple of days, I've focused almost entirely on the Gen Con 2022 Preview and the SPIEL '22 Preview, catching up on my inbox, working on survey responses from publishers, and poking publishers scheduled to be at Gen Con who have not yet responded. Thus, I haven't been writing much about games.

However...

German publisher Hans im Glück announced a fascinating-sounding title outside of its normal wheelhouse — at least in subject matter — so I thought I'd highlight this first design from HIG developer Johannes Natterer, a game for 2-4 players that plays in 1-3 hours. Here's the short take on Planet B, due out in October 2022:

Quote:

At some point in the not-so-distant future, we humans had to look for a new place to live. Just when we thought we'd have to settle for Mars, we suddenly discovered a new planet, one we lovingly christened "Planet B". It was a second chance for humanity, and of course we were determined to do everything right this time because as everyone knows, we humans learn very well from our mistakes...

In Planet B, you slip into the role of corrupt governors. You make crooked deals with corporations to advance your own interests. You build your city, let the population work for you, rise in the favor of political factions, or control the news. Of course, all of this comes at a price — and by the time you're vying for the presidency, you'll want potential voters to be on your side. In the end, as always, only one thing counts: Who has managed to pocket the most government money?