A live-action role-playing game that asks players to live out one of the most dangerous periods of the Cold War: the Cuban Missile Crisis.
The world stands on the brink. Can you avert Armageddon?
Eyeball to Eyeball: The Cuban Missile Crisis, from game designers Ray Kimball and Kimberly A. Redding, is a live-action role-playing game that asks players to live out one of the most dangerous periods of the Cold War. The Cuban Missile Crisis marked the peak of a particularly dangerous phase of the Cold War; a misstep on either side could have led to mutual annihilation. Eyeball to Eyeball takes place simultaneously in the halls of power of Washington DC, Moscow, and Havana, while media and international figures jostle in New York.
This game reinforces understanding of a diplomatic crisis at the height of Cold War hostilities, and is a quick-paced case study of the complex nature of modern governance. Even amid the ideological clashes of Cold War superpowers, smaller nations and non-state actors could and did influence international affairs in surprising ways.
Eyeball to Eyeball has been played in colleges, service academies, high schools, and wargame conventions. Whether you’re looking for a classroom exercise to deepen student understanding of Cold War dynamics; a group development exercise in organizational engagement; or an engaging Cold War simulation/parlor LARP, Eyeball to Eyeball offers a unique opportunity to relive and understand the past.
To learn more about the game’s genesis and design, check out designer Ray Kimball and Kimberly Redding’s February 2023 appearance on Liz Davidson’s Beyond Solitaire podcast, where they discussed Eyeball to Eyeball.
What’s Included?
- A 142pp spiral-bound Core Game Book containing everything a player needs to play the game, including an essay summarizing the historical context of the Cuban Missile Crisis, a set of primary source readings, biographical summaries of each role in the game, and game instructions.
For game masters or educators looking to run the game, there is also an Game Master Manual PDF (sold separately) containing step-by-step instructions for running the game, suggested written assignments, and the detailed player role sheets with individualized goals for each character.