Bottleneck Game Simulates Strait of Hormuz Crisis with Real-World Consequences

Game Forces Players to Confront Real-World Trade-Offs in Strait of Hormuz Crisis

The ongoing conflict in the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a global energy shock and economic crisis, leaving 2,000 ships stranded. A new browser-based game, Bottleneck, immerses players in this scenario by tasking them with managing maritime traffic through the strait under real-world constraints.

Developed by journalist and artist Jakub Gornicki, the game simulates the daily challenges faced by a fictional maritime coordinator. Players must select a limited number of ships to pass through the strait each day, navigating a web of geopolitical tensions, economic trade-offs, and humanitarian risks.

High-Stakes Decisions with Global Consequences

Every decision in Bottleneck carries significant costs. Players face dilemmas such as:

• Paying tolls imposed by the Iranian government, which claims authority over the strait
• Risking escalation by antagonizing Iran or the United States
• Balancing the need to push through critical shipments against potential crises in oil, food, and water security

Failure to prioritize shipments effectively can lead to severe outcomes, including:

• Spikes in oil prices
• Food and water shortages
• Accelerated famine risks in vulnerable countries

Gameplay Reflects Real-World Maritime Data

The game integrates actual news reports and maritime transit data to mirror unfolding events. This realism underscores the complexity of the crisis, where every choice has far-reaching implications.

"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."

Why Bottleneck Matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies, with approximately 20% of the world's oil passing through it daily. The conflict has disrupted shipping lanes, leading to economic instability and geopolitical tensions. Bottleneck offers players a firsthand experience of the difficult trade-offs involved in managing such a crisis.

The game serves as both an educational tool and a stark reminder of the fragility of global supply chains in the face of geopolitical conflicts.