Blurbs & Curbs | Barometer
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Blurbs & Curbs

Blurbs & Curbs is a hidden-role negotiation game where players take on the roles of blurbs (concerned citizens), curbs (adversarial actors), or verbs (policy decision-makers) in a two-district town. Each round, players submit perceived needs for their district—like food, medicine, or housing—contributing to a collective "truth" that the group must uncover. Blurbs aim to surface accurate needs, curbs spread misinformation, and verbs must allocate resources accordingly. It's a strategic, socially-charged game of deduction, persuasion, and civic tension.

Mechanics:

Asymmetry, Bluffing, Cooperative, Deduction, Elimination, Exploration, Hidden Action, Improvisation, Memory, Observation, Real-time, Role-playing, Simultaneous Action,

Dynamics:

Adaptability, Application, Communication, Confidence, Conflict Resolution, Credibility, Curiosity, Cultural Intelligence, Delegation, Emotional Intelligence, Empathy, Initiative, Listening, Multitasking, Persuasion, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Self Advocacy, Strategy Development,

HOW TO PLAY

Written Instructions:

Coming Soon

Play Personalities

Joker, Explorer, Competitor, Director, Collector, Storyteller,

As a Physical Game

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As a Digital Game

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As an Opener

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As a Core Activity

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As a Closer

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FACILITATION SUPPORT

An Expert in Your Pocket

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Buy / Access

N/A (organize story pieces and census)

DIY Notes:

Variations

> Different script or story 

> Change the number of each character

Pulse Check

Q - Are people having fun — smiling, laughing, in deep thought? 

Q - Does everyone seem open to keep playing? Are the disengaged able to be more engaged? 

Q - Do you hear productive strategizing about how to improve process or results?

Why

Position the reflection around purpose and impact of working/playing together: 

Q - Did you enjoy this game? Do others agree? Why or why not? 

Q - Where might you have changed your strategy or mindset to improve results? 

Q - When did your actions most affect others in the game?

Feel

Position the reflection around sensory and emotional responses to certain options or ideas: 

Q - Were you satisfied with the level of engagement from your team members? 

Q - What made you feel respected and valued during the game? 

Q - When did the game have the most energy? The most tension?

Have feedback? Offer your thoughts here:

Learning Preambles

COMING SOON

Connected Playlists

Why  |  Feel

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