# Die Macher

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1986
- **BGG Rating**: 7.6
- **BGG Rank**: #523
- **Players**: 3-5 (Best with: 5)
- **Duration**: 240 min
- **Weight**: 4.30 / 5
- **Designers**: Karl-Heinz Schmiel
- **Artists**: Bernd Brunnhofer, Harald Lieske, Marcus Gschwendtner
- **Publishers**: Hans im Glück, Moskito Spiele, Ediciones MasQueOca, Portal Games, Spielworxx, sternenschimmermeer, Stronghold Games, Valley Games, Inc., YOKA Games
- **Categories**: Economic, Negotiation, Political
- **Mechanics**: Alliances, Area Majority / Influence, Auction / Bidding, Dice Rolling, Hand Management, Simultaneous Action Selection

## Verdict
For those who love heavy games and politics, it's a visceral simulator of the corridors of power.Extremely deep political simulationIntense player negotiationsMultiple ways to score pointsReal feeling of an election campaignVery long playtimeSteep learning curveFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
If you've ever wanted to feel the adrenaline (and the grit) of an electoral campaign, Die Macher is the game for you. You aren't just a candidate; you are the mastermind behind a national political party in Germany. The goal is simple on paper but complex in execution: win seven sequential regional elections to accumulate the highest score possible. But don't think it's just about handing out flyers; you'll need to manage scarce resources, forge shaky alliances, and fight for influence.

Scoring is multifaceted, which makes the strategy fascinating. First, you earn points based on the size of the region and your performance at the polls. However, things get interesting when you dominate the media: if you win the election and have media control in the region, you earn extra influence points. Additionally, there is the growth of your party's national membership over time and, depending on the edition, the alignment of your party platform with national public opinion at the end of the game.

The game has evolved significantly since its 1986 debut. The first version focused on West Germany and supported 3-4 players. Later editions (1997 and 2006) expanded to 5 players, updated the rules for a reunified Germany, and introduced shorter variants for those who don't want to spend four full hours at the table. The 2019 version further simplified the experience, even offering a four-round option. This is a heavy-weight game, perfect for those who enjoy dense strategy, intense negotiation, and the feeling of manipulating the corridors of power. Get ready to make promises you might not keep and calculate every move to ensure your party dominates the political landscape.

## FAQ
### Is the game really that long?
Yes, a full game can take about 4 hours, but newer editions include 4 or 5-round variants to speed things up.

### Do I need a lot of experience with complex games?
Yes, with a BGG weight of 4.3, it's recommended for experienced gamers who enjoy dense rules and deep strategy.

### How many people can play?
It depends on the edition, but modern versions support 3 to 5 players.

### Is it a game of luck or strategy?
It's predominantly strategic, but dice rolling adds that touch of unpredictability typical of real elections.

### What is the main goal?
Accumulate the most victory points through regional wins, media control, and party growth.

## Price Comparison
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