Watershed Arizona

Throughout what is now known as Arizona, ancient civilizations constructed epic cities, harnessed the powerful and unpredictable rivers to water crops and sustain their communities, and thrived for thousands of years. Eventually, the unpredictability of the seasons, the power of the floods, and the fragility of infrastructure contributed to the abandonment of cities--leaving only ruins to mark these impressive achievements. Today, modern technology and sheer hubris have resulted in a new set of settlements that again attempt to thrive in one of the world’s harshest and driest climates. With the help of modern engineering marvels like the Hoover Dam and the Central Arizona Project canal, more than 7 million people call Arizona home and over 100,000 more residents move there each year. How long can this continue before, like other civilizations of old, nature asserts its dominance and returns the cities to dust? Watershed: Arizona is a turn-based asymmetrical game played in rounds. Each round consists of the following: 1. Revealing climate conditions card which modifies the precipitation coming to the watersheds 2. Revealing and resolving policies that impact watershed conditions, city building and water infrastructure 3. Simultaneous city building using workers and card playing 4. Watershed stewardship and infrastructure building 5. Delivering water to thirsty cities Players will advance through eras that unlock new abilities, workers and actions—allowing the continued growth and development of their ambitious cities. Victory points determine the winner and are accumulated through achieving objectives, passing policies, stewarding watersheds, building districts and improving quality-of-life in cities, and conserving water through smart development practices.