Everyone’s a loser in Strait of Hormuz game that simulates global crisis

Amid the ongoing global energy crisis and economic turmoil triggered by shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a new browser-based game titled Bottleneck offers a thought-provoking experience. This game places players in the role of a fictional maritime coordinator, tasked with making tough decisions about which of the 2,000 vessels stranded in the area can pass through each day. Bottleneck integrates real-time news reports and current maritime transit data, immersing players in a dynamic scenario reflecting the complexities of international shipping and geopolitics. Each choice comes with significant repercussions, as players must navigate the tolls imposed by Iranian authorities, while also considering the potential fallout from actions that could escalate tensions with either Iran or the United States. The stakes are high; failing to prioritize essential shipments might ignite crises related to oil prices, food availability, and water security, leading to dire consequences such as famine in vulnerable nations. As Jakub Gornicki, the game's creator, stated, "The game does not ask whether you are smart enough to solve the crisis; it asks what kind of damage you choose when every option has a cost." In addition to managing interactions with Iran and the US, players must also consider the impacts of their choices on various stakeholders, including the Gulf States, the United Nations World Food Programme, and the shipping industry. For instance, while prioritizing crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments may align with US interests in stabilizing energy prices, it risks undermining trust with the UN, which favors the transport of fertilizers to prevent future food shortages.