The Commons Game
The Game of the Commons is a great interactive game to discover what it takes to manage together a common resource.
How it Works
Participants engage in a hands-on simulation where they must collectively manage a shared resource—represented by wooden fish in a common pool. Each player must decide how much to take, balancing personal gain against the sustainability of the resource for everyone.
Through multiple rounds and debriefing sessions, participants experience firsthand the challenges and solutions for governing shared resources, discovering the principles that Nobel laureate Elinor Ostrom identified for successful commons management.
Elinor Ostrom's 8 Principles
Nobel Prize-winning economist Elinor Ostrom identified these principles for successfully managing common-pool resources.
Clearly Defined Boundaries
The boundaries of the resource and who has access must be clearly defined.
Proportional Equivalence
Rules should ensure proportional distribution of benefits and costs.
Collective Choice Arrangements
Those affected by the rules should have a say in modifying them.
Monitoring
There must be effective monitoring of the resource and user behavior.
Graduated Sanctions
Sanctions for rule violations should start mild and become stricter for repeat offenders.
Conflict Resolution
There should be rapid, low-cost, local means for resolving conflicts.
Minimal Recognition of Rights
The rights of community members to organize must be recognized by outside authorities.
Nested Enterprises
For larger resources, governance should be organized in multiple nested layers.
Learn More About the Commons
Watch this introduction to understand the concept of the commons and why managing shared resources matters.
Ready to Play?
Book The Commons Game for your team, community, or organization and discover the art of collective resource management.