The Urban Calculus Game (TUC)
The Urban Calculus (TUC) is essentially a very high-level, highly abstracted model of modern urban conflict – and particularly its non-combat implications and trade-offs. It is a systems model, and the “game” is really there to help to get people to look at, consider and discuss the model and to think how the values in the model/game might vary for different past and future urban conflicts.
The game uses standard decks of cards (at least 2) rather than dice to introduce levels of uncertainty, and the map/board has been designed so that the model values can be written using a dry-wipe pen and changed from game to game – or even mid-game if someone makes a good enough argument! The game needs about 100 cubes (or similar counters), and ideally about 20 larger/different counters to represent stacks of 5 cubes - and printable counters are included in the files as an alternative.
- Download a Zip of all the Print'n'Play files
Right click on the Zip link, choose “Save as” and then save to your PC and then unzip the file. The key files are also available individually for those who just want to get a sense of the game:
- Read the TUC Designer's Notes
- Playable Powerpoint - saves you needing all the cubes! (Right click and choose “save as”)
I have also produced a set of videos to show how TUC is played and to help you to understand how to play it:
The Tabletop Simulator version of TUC is all set up ready to play the Introductory Scenario, and you can then load up scenario maps as listed below, or even create your own. You should be able to search for it in the Tabletop Simulator workshop, otherwise the URL is:
You can also download a Guide to playing TUC on TTS - which assumes that you've also read the TUC rules.
The BoardGameGeek page for The Urban Calculus is at https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/445065/the-urban-calculus
Scenarios
These are the scenarios I have developed so far. The PDF has a description, objectives and layout for all of them, the PNG images are to upload to TabletopSimulator.
- All Scenarios (pdf)
- Blank scenario map (png)
- Introductory scenario (png)
- Peer vs Peer - Host Nation (png) - think Estonian Army in Estonia
- Peer vs Peer - Alliance Partner (png) - think British Army in Estonia
Feedback for Research
TUC has been developed as part of my PhD on Wargaming Urban Conflict - lots more information on that in the rest of this wiki. As such I'm keen to get formal, ethics approved feedback on the game. If you would like to provide formal feedback on the game to help with my PhD research then you will also need access to the following:
- Participant Information Sheet - read and digest!
- Participant Consent Form - complete online
- Player Demographics Questionnaire - optional, complete online, only 8 tickbox questions
- TUC Game Questionnaire - complete online after playing the game
But I'm always delighted to receive informal feedback at david@burden.name!
Credits
My thanks to the following for playtesting the game and providing useful feedback: Mick Allen, Mike Matchett. My thanks also to all those who played the game at COW2024 and ConnectionsUK 2024 and for the feedback that they provided.
Listen to the NotebookLM generated “podcast” description of the game
TUC in Play
I have run games of TUC at both the 2024 Conference of Wargamers and ConnectionsUK 2024 - pictures below. If you'd like me to facilitate a game of TUC in person or online then do email me at david@burden.name.
