MORE THAN PROFIT: Network Economies

5.1. Game: The Swap Challenge

Duration: Approximately 1 hour

Number of Players: 6-8 adults

Objective: To simulate a lighthearted barter economy where participants trade items and services creatively while experiencing the challenges and joys of direct exchange.

Materials:

1. A variety of small, random items (e.g., toys, kitchen gadgets, trinkets)
2. A timer or stopwatch
3. Small cards or slips of paper
4. A bowl or container for drawing slips
5. Play money (optional)

Game Rules:

1. Set Up:

• Place the random items in the center of the playing area.
• Prepare small cards or slips of paper with fictional "barter values" for each item. These values can be represented in a playful way (e.g., three chicken dances, five silly jokes, or one air guitar performance). Place these cards in the bowl.

2. Start the Barter Challenge:

• Each participant draws a slip of paper from the bowl, which reveals the "barter value" of the item they receive.
• Participants then have a limited time (e.g., 5 minutes) to barter, trade, or negotiate with others to acquire items with a combined "barter value" equal to or greater than their own item's value.

3. Trading and Negotiation:

• Participants must find others willing to trade their items or services to reach the desired "barter value." They can negotiate creatively, using humour or unique offers to persuade others.
• Encourage participants to use their imagination and engage in fun negotiations. For example, someone might offer to sing a song in exchange for a rubber duck or perform a magic trick for a set of colourful beads.

4. Time's Up:

• When the time is up, gather the participants to see how successful their barter exchanges were. Ask each player to share their final item and explain the trades they made to reach their target "barter value."

5. Prize or Reward:

• Offer a small prize or recognition for the participant who successfully reached their target "barter value" with the most creative or entertaining trades.

6. Reflection:

• After the game, discuss the challenges and joys of bartering without money. Reflect on the concept of the "double coincidence of wants" and how creative negotiations were used to overcome it.
• Share some fun anecdotes and laugh about the unique offers and trades that took place during the game.

Optional Variation:

To add an extra layer of complexity and strategy, you can introduce play money. Participants can use this money to sweeten their deals, make multiple trades at once, or even pay off "barter value" debt if they can't find a direct trade.

This game combines the values of barter, such as negotiation, value comparison, and creativity, in a playful and entertaining way. It encourages participants to think outside the box while experiencing the challenges and humour of direct exchange. Plus, it's a great opportunity for laughter and lighthearted interaction among friends or colleagues.