Free-to-play casual game
Split or Steal is a free-to-play indie game by Rootpew. Based on the theory, Prisoner's Dilemma, the game matches you with other real players online. Each round, you and your match will decide to split the pot money given to you. Or you can deceive the other player and steal all the money.
Unlike the classic version of the prisoner's dilemma, Split or Steal adds layers of complexity to the basic concept. Players can chat with one another before deciding to split or steal. Moreover, the social-engineering feature allows you to call out a player who stole from you publicly.
How do you play this game?
Split or Steal is an online simulation game that questions your morality. As mentioned, you and another real player will face a decision to split the money given to you or take it all to yourself by stealing. Every round is a minute and a half long, and before you lock in your answer, you can use the instant messaging menu to talk it out with your match.
If you both decide to split, you get the money. If you steal, you get all the money. If you pull off a successful steal or split the money, you move up a tier, and the game matches you with another player. However, after the first round, your information will be given to your opponent. Moreover, there is a global chat room where your victim can call you out.
You can use your money to build structures on a Sim City-like hub. Like idle games, such as Cookie Clicker, building structures boost your accrual rate more and help you increase your earnings. More than structures, you can also use your money to buy costumes. This feature opens up avenues for roleplay, such as when you choose the pirate avatar, you would only respond with Arrr in the chat room.
Is the game good?
Overall, Split or Steal is a fun game that combines free-to-play incentives, idle game satisfaction, and social engineering. Although the gameplay is simple, there is a lot to consider as you play. Not only will you decide based on your morals, but you have to think of the repercussions of your decisions. Lucky for you, despite having a concept based on deceit, the people in the community are surprisingly nice.
