Federation is a strategic board game designed by Dimitri Perrier and Matthieu Verdier, with artwork by Miguel Coimbra. It is intended for 2 to 4 players, lasts approximately 60 to 120 minutes, and is suitable for ages 14 and up.
Set in the year 2442, the game presents a universe composed of numerous federations that trade, negotiate, and evolve. One of these federations—made up of five planets—is searching for a new delegation to join its ranks. Players take on the roles of delegates striving to prove their worth over a five‑year period in order to gain prestige and secure a place within the federation.
The game lasts five rounds, and each round is divided into two main phases:
Players take turns placing their ambassadors onto double‑sided spaces in the Senate, where choosing one side or the other determines whether they will fund projects or vote on laws. Each space offers different actions, such as gaining resources, recruiting characters with special abilities, or gaining influence on the various planets.
After all players have taken their turns, a second phase takes place in which players receive income, fund major projects, and enact laws—depending on their earlier decisions and the results of the voting.
A key mechanic of the game is the dual‑sided worker placement system (ambassadors), where one side enables project funding and the other enables Senate voting. This innovative approach requires careful strategic planning and adaptation to opponents’ moves.
If you enjoy complex strategic games with strong player interaction and a science‑fiction theme, Federation is definitely worth exploring.
