“World Turned Upside Down” in Warwick, 5 Feb.

On Sunday, 5 February, the CaptainCon gathering in Warwick, Rhode Island, will host a playing of “The World Turned Upside Down: An American Revolution Megagame.”

Okay, I just learned about this, so I’m relying on the game website for this information:

The World Turned Upside Down is a new megagame about the American Revolution. The people of the American Colonies are deciding whether they will remain loyal to the Crown or take arms against their oppressors. Players will either be a part of the British command or become a leader in one of the thirteen Colonies of America.

In each round players decide which role is more important for them to fill at that time. You could begin your revolution in Congress, helping sway opinion (and funds) to your side. Soon afterwards you may be called back to your home to defend it as a Commander in the Continental Army. You decide how to best use your time throughout the game.

In a megagame, “More than 50 players will play out an in-depth, immersive game in an five-hour event.” Here’s a Facebook gallery of people playing the game earlier in the year.

As for historical content:

Do I have to know anything about the American Revolution ahead of time?

Only that it happened! The game is designed with history in mind so you may discover interesting things along the way. This is also a megagame, so you'll be the one rewriting history as you see fit!

How historically accurate is this game?

We based certain events and game elements off of key moments in the American Revolution. By playing the game you may find out some interesting facts that you may not have been aware of. We’ve also taken steps to capture the emotion of the American Revolution through the gameplay and mechanics. Ultimately, the players have control of how the game plays out, so major events will not always play out the way it did in reality.

It looks like the game is still being tweaked based on feedback from players, so that could be part of the fun.

(Thanks to Donovan K. Loucks for alerting me to this unusual event.)