About the Game

Riverkeeper is a microworld game which simulates effects of natural and human activities on the health of a river ecosystem. Two players compete against each other and work together in the game. Each player has their own score and land (gameboard) populated by variables (tree, brush, watermill) of their choosing. However, both players share one river ecosystem (oxygen, pollution, fish). Each activity (element placed on the gameboard) affects both the individual player score and the overall health of the ecosystem. The player with the highest score wins, but the underlying goal of the game is for the players to work together to keep the ecosystem healthy.

How to Play

Each player has ten turns, with play alternating after each turn. The player with the highest score at the end of the game wins. Player 1 begins the game. Players choose one element from the 'Actions' menu on the left, which is added to their respective gameboard.

About Actions: There are three elements to choose from: "Tree", "Brush", and "Watermill". Each element affects Ecosystem Health variable levels in unique ways: "Tree" (represents building trees near the river): increases oxygen, decreases pollution, increases fish population. "Brush" (represents addition of brush, like sawgrass, in or near the river): increases oxygen, increases pollution, increases fish population. "Watermill" (represents energy production and human impact): decreases oxygen, increases pollution, decreases fish population. ** Additional "energy production" points are given when the Watermill element is added. However, keep in mind that Ecosystem Health suffers when it is is added.

About Gameboards: Each player has a gameboard which displays individual elements, score, turns remaining, and turn indication message.

About Ecosystem Health: Each ecosystem variable (oxygen, pollution, fish population) is displayed as a percentage. This represents the percentage of each variable in relation to that normally found within the ecosystem. At the start of each game, variables are represented at a baseline level of 50%. In order to achieve a healthy ecosystem, oxygen levels should increase, pollution levels should decrease, and fish population should increase. As elements are added to the game (introduced to into the ecosystem), the Ecosystem Health accounts for the impact as the percentages are recalculated after each turn.

Tip: Mouse over an element icon to review how it affects the ecosystem.

Riverkeeper can be replayed upon completion of a game, or at any time, by clicking on the 'Replay Game' button. Enjoy!

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