Aotearoa: Contact and Tiriti
Second Mega-game Play-test Experience
Register to play:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6rtdd1qvg2b1lhlDh4lv4rMn-s_kSTVjmV5NwNeWMFH7lYA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=103878144103209675080
Following a fantastic first play-test, we're back for a second opportunity to experience Aotearoa: Contact and Tiriti.
Arcturus Trail has refined the game based on player feedback and we are inviting another group of players to help shape this unique historical mega-game before its public release.
Step into one of the most significant periods in Aotearoa's history and become part of a living story where every decision influences the future.
What is a Megagame?
Megagames are large, immersive experiences where players work in teams, take on roles, and interact within a shared system that evolves in real time.
You’ll be part of a community navigating a changing world — making decisions, forming alliances, and responding to the actions of others.
Expect a mix of:
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Strategy and resource management
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Negotiation, trade, and diplomacy
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Conflict and cooperation between teams
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Roleplay and decision-making under pressure
No prior experience is needed — the game is designed to be learned as you play.
Get a Feel for the Experience
If you’re new to megagames or want a sense of both the experience and themes, these videos are a great introduction:
What is a megagame like?
Themes and historical context:
The Experience
Players take on roles such as rangatira, tohunga, missionaries, traders, and community leaders during a time of rapid cultural, economic, and technological change.
Working in teams, you will:
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Provide for your population and grow your community
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Trade goods and build relationships with other groups
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Navigate disputes and seek resolution — through diplomacy or conflict
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Respond to shifting population dynamics and new opportunities
Every decision contributes to a shared story that unfolds across the room.
The experience concludes with a facilitated reflection, allowing players to unpack what happened and connect it back to the historical context.
Event Details
Date: Saturday 22 August
Time: 9:00am (please arrive a little early)
Duration: Approximately 3–5 hours
Venue: Climate Action Campus, 180 Avonside Drive, Christchurch
Cost: Free
Age: 14+
Who Should Attend?
This experience is open to:
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Board gamers and strategy enthusiasts
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Roleplayers and creative thinkers
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Students, educators, and history enthusiasts
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Anyone curious to try something different
No prior experience with mega-games or roleplaying is required.
Important Notes
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This is a play-test event, and your feedback will help shape the future of the game.
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The experience explores a significant and sometimes sensitive period of Aotearoa’s history and is designed to encourage thoughtful engagement.
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Spaces are limited to 20–100 players. Registrations will close when full or one week prior to the event.
Why a Second Play-test?
Every playtest helps us improve the game.
Your ideas, observations and feedback will directly influence the final version of Aotearoa: Contact and Tiriti, making this a chance to contribute to the development of an original New Zealand megagame.
Spaces are limited, so registrations are essential.