Grandfather Paradox
A time-loop programming game · 3–6 players · ~60 minutes · Age 14+
Someone has to kill Grandfather Paradox. Someone else has to save him. Both jobs fall to you - or at least to version of you.
Program your actions through Past, Present and Future. Watch your previous selves execute those plans whether you like it or not. By loop three, there are three versions of Grandfather on the board and three versions of you pursuing three different agendas, all aiming for an overall goal.
The only way to win? Weaponise your own timeline against itself and everyone else.
The Three Loops
Loop 1 — Future (Cyan)
All echoes spawn in the Future. Players program freely. Grandfather #1 follows his route. Weapons spawn in the Present.
Loop 2 — Present (Yellow)
Your Loop 1 echo keeps moving — automatically, whether you like it or not. A new Loop 2 echo spawns. Grandfather #2 appears. Time machine settings carry over.
Loop 3 — Past (Magenta)
All previous echoes still active. Three Grandfathers on the board simultaneously. End-game bonus resolves.
How It Works
- Simultaneous programming - action tiles placed secretly each turn, revealed simultaneously with other players
- Persistent echoes - past-loop characters keep executing their old plans automatically
- Hidden agendas - three motivation tokens drawn at the start, revealed each loop to guide your actions
- Weapon contention - only the armed echoes in Grandfather's room affect his fate; wrestle your previous selves for the weapons that make a difference
- Time machine voting - redirect time machines to change where Grandfather Paradox and your time clones go, disrupting plans
Scoring
Each echo scores if armed, in Grandfather's room, and on the winning side:
- Loop 1 echo — 1 point per loop it scores in
- Loop 2 echo — 2 points per loop it scores in
- Loop 3 echo — 3 points per loop it scores in
Maximum base score: 10 points
End-Game Bonus
Score points on each loop based on your tactical actions, and on how you fulfill your overall agenda - manipulating others to your own ends pays off far more than doing your own dirty work, but brings in a new level of challenge.
Components (Prototype)
- 3 time period maps (3×3 grid each)
- 18 character miniatures (6 characters × 3 loop colours)
- 3 Grandfather Paradox miniatures
- 12 weapon tokens
- 126 action tiles and 6 programming racks
- Time machine destination markers
- Hidden agenda tokens (Kill / Save)
- Grandfather route cards
About
Grandfather Paradox is designed by James Bore and is currently a playable prototype seeking a publisher.
It will be at the Nuits d'Off at the Festival de Jeux in Cannes. If you're going and want a game, find me there.
Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbore