BSG Online Game – Economic Stages Part One – Boom Times

After playing hundreds of BSG rounds, I’ve seen typically what usually happens to the average industry at each step of the game. There are several factors that can create highly profitable boom times and terrible recessions that make people go bankrupt. The greatest of these factors are exchange rates, industry capacity (and by default shoe supply) and Industry Competitor aggressiveness. Usually at the start of a new game because of everyone’s newness and very rarely afterward is what I like to call “Soft”, “Good” or “Boom” Years. The overarching strategy of these types of years is to gather as much net profit as your company can absorb and make good use of the year’s opportunities. These are the key factors to watch out for Boom Years. Positive exchange rates usually helps the whole industry improve. Good balance of supply and demand allow for a future of growth for smart minded companies. But the best of all… is when other companies just aren’t very aggressive or don’t understand what they are doing which makes them ripe targets to DOMINATE!!! It is from Boom Years that your company can really jump ahead and gain huge advantages over the competition that may secure future victories in tougher years. Unfortunately Boom Years can be very scarce and companies must usually contend with “Bad” Years or Recessions that make up the bulk of the game. Although competitor aggressiveness may increase as the game continues and industry capacity may never be healthy again. Exchange rates sometimes act as a little financial oasis in the middle of a recession acting as a mini boom against adverse circumstances.