In Pendulum each player takes on the role of a unique noble vying to succeed the Timeless King and rule the world of Dünya. The game unfolds in real time, meaning the clock never stops and every decision consumes actual minutes. You command workers of various types, place them on strategic board spaces, build your own deck and play stratagem cards to expand provinces, gather resources, and advance on four victory tracks: power, prestige, popularity and legendary achievements.

The standout twist is that time itself is a precious resource, on par with gold or influence. Every action carries a real‑time cost, and you must balance the minutes spent executing tasks with the time you allocate to planning and analysis. Victory isn’t about being the fastest; it’s about who best manages the clock and constructs the most efficient engine.

The game blends Worker Placement, Deck Construction, Simultaneous Action Selection and Variable Player Powers within a real‑time flow timed by sand timers. A solo mode with an automa replaces human opponents. Playtime ranges from 60 to 90 minutes, supporting 1‑5 players, and it carries a moderate complexity (weight 3/5).

Pendulum was the highest‑rated prototype in Stonemaier Games Design Day history, reflected in its strong community scores: 6.38 on BGG, rank 6 on Ludopedia and an 8.00 rating there. If you love games that demand time management, simultaneous decisions and engine building, this title offers a rewarding blend of careful planning and swift action.