This category of tabletop games typically involves strategic negotiation, resource management, and hidden roles, often centered around the theme of trading one’s morality or long-term well-being for short-term gains. Participants face difficult choices, weighing the consequences of alliances and betrayals as they strive to achieve victory. The core mechanic frequently includes secret agreements or pacts that offer immediate benefits but carry significant risks later in the game.
The appeal of such games lies in the complex moral dilemmas presented and the intense player interaction they foster. These titles often explore themes of ambition, corruption, and the corrupting influence of power. Historically, these types of games draw inspiration from folklore and literature, reflecting timeless narratives of temptation and Faustian bargains.