Votes for Women: A Game of Suffrage and Strategy
Votes for Women is a board game that delves into the pivotal women’s suffrage movement in the late 19th and early 20th century USA. Designed to be both a card-driven strategy game and an educational tool, it aims to teach players about the arduous journey to ratify the 19th Amendment. The game’s first edition resonated with audiences, leading to a complete sell-out. In response to this success, historical board game publisher Fort Circle has launched a crowdfunding campaign for a second edition.
Facebook Ad Rejection
In an unexpected turn of events, Fort Circle faced a significant hurdle when their attempts to advertise the Votes for Women Kickstarter campaign on Facebook were thwarted. The social media platform, owned by Meta, issued an automated response rejecting the ad. The reason provided was that the ad “mentions politicians or is about sensitive social issues that could influence public opinion, how people vote and may impact the outcome of an election or pending legislation.” This blanket policy response did not take into account the historical and educational nature of the board game.
Fort Circle pursued the matter further by requesting a review of the decision, only to be met with another rejection. The situation highlights the challenges faced by creators in navigating the complex and often automated ad review systems of large social media corporations.
Impact of Facebook’s Decision
The rejection of ads by Facebook has had a tangible financial impact on the crowdfunding efforts of Fort Circle for their Votes for Women board game. The inability to advertise on such a significant platform has potentially cost the campaign a substantial amount in funds that could have been raised. Kevin Betram, the founder of Fort Circle, expressed that while the campaign is a modest success, the lack of Facebook advertising is a significant setback.
| Expected Funds | Potential Loss |
|---|---|
| $120,000 | $60,000 |
According to Betram, Facebook advertising is often a crucial component of a successful Kickstarter campaign, and missing out on this could mean a substantial difference in the final amount raised.
Comments from the Game’s Designer
Tory Brown, the designer of Votes for Women, has voiced concerns over the influence that large corporations like Meta have on public discourse. Brown’s comments underscore the challenges faced by smaller entities in getting their voices heard in a landscape dominated by corporate giants.
Organizations that advocate for economic liberties and public interests were highlighted by Brown as potential allies in this struggle:
- American Economic Liberties Project
- Public Citizen
- Open Markets Institute
These organizations are involved in efforts to ensure a more equitable platform for all voices, particularly in the face of corporate practices that may inadvertently silence historical and educational content.
Board games have long served as powerful educational tools, with their value extending far beyond mere entertainment. Historical games like Votes for Women follow in the footsteps of classics such as Monopoly, which originally aimed to teach players about the single tax movement. Other notable examples include Brenda Romero’s The Mechanic is the Message series, featuring the game Train, and Academy Games’ Freedom: The Underground Railroad, both of which explore significant historical themes and events.
The campaign for the second printing of Votes for Women has proven the enduring appeal of such games, having already raised over $135,000 with 11 days remaining. This demonstrates the community’s support for board games that not only provide a challenging and engaging experience but also educate and inspire by bringing important historical narratives to the table.
