# Smartphone Inc.

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2018
- **BGG Rating**: 7.6
- **BGG Rank**: #449
- **Players**: 1-5 (Best with: 5)
- **Duration**: 60-90 min
- **Weight**: 2.81 / 5
- **Designers**: Ivan Lashin
- **Artists**: Viktor Miller Gausa
- **Publishers**: Cosmodrome Games, Arcane Wonders, BoardM Factory, Broadway Toys LTD, Dice Tower Essentials, Lanlalen, Maldito Games, Portal Games
- **Categories**: Economic, Industry / Manufacturing
- **Mechanics**: Action Queue, Area Majority / Influence, Layering, Network and Route Building, Simultaneous Action Selection, Solo / Solitaire Game, Turn Order: Stat-Based, Variable Set-up

## Verdict
Perfect for those who love management Eurogames and want to feel the pressure of dominating a competitive market. The planning system is brilliant and highly satisfying.Innovative layering planning systemTight economic simulationCompetitive pricing interactionExcellent solo mode availableModerate initial learning curveMany phases per roundRECOMMENDED

## Description
Ever wondered what it would be like to be the CEO of a tech giant right when smartphones started conquering the world? In Smartphone Inc., that's exactly your role. You'll manage your own company, investing in research, upgrading your factory, and expanding your global office network to crush the competition and maximize profits. It's an economic simulation Eurogame where strategy is everything.

The heart of the game lies in its planning system. Over five rounds, you don't just choose what to do; you 'program' your actions. The standout feature is the layering (patching) mechanic: you combine plan cards and development tiles to build your action schedule. What you plan now strictly defines what you can perform in the subsequent phases of the round.

Each round follows a flow of eight phases: planning, pricing, production, development, research, expansion, selling, and profits. The most tense moments happen during pricing and selling. If you lower your price, you sell faster and secure your market spot, but earn less per unit. If you set a high price, you might make a killing, but you risk being blocked by cheaper rivals who 'fill up' the region first.

Additionally, researching new technologies unlocks special powers and opens doors to new customer segments. Expansion allows you to open offices in neighboring regions, creating the necessary infrastructure to sell your devices. In the end, the player who dominates the accessory market and ends up with the most cash wins the battle. It's a game of constant optimization, where every cost-benefit decision can be the difference between global success or bankruptcy.

## FAQ
### Is the game too complex?
It has a medium weight (2.8 on BGG). It's not a 'gateway' game, but the phases are well-structured and the economic logic is intuitive for Eurogame fans.

### How long does a game take?
Usually between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the player count and the group's experience.

### Can I play it solo?
Yes! The game includes solo rules, making it a great option for those who want to test strategies on their own.

### Is it language dependent?
Very little. There is minimal text that is easy to memorize, so it's simple to play even if it's not in your native language.

### Who would you recommend this game to?
To players who enjoy industry-style games, resource management, and planning several moves ahead.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 64.06 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=2254672&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
  - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/27059/smartphone-inc?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com