Game Concept
Arbeiter is a survival-management game that puts you in the shoes of a low-income worker navigating daily life. Face everyday challenges, tackle workplace struggles, and find ways to survive. Burn out, get fired, walk out, achieve collective victories, or carve out your own independent path.
The Struggle of an Ordinary Worker
Start your day by waking up with the first light of dawn. At the factory’s dusty workbenches, begin assembling toy cars; put the parts together and tighten any missing screws. During working hours, connect with other workers, share their troubles, and gradually strengthen your bonds. At the end of the day, every penny you earn becomes a direct part of your struggle to survive.
Coffeehouse and Resistance
After work, head to the coffeehouse and join the other workers. Discuss wage cuts and worsening working conditions. If you wish, organize a meeting to establish a collective plan. The choices you make here will shape not only your own future but also the fate of your coworkers.
Home and Livelihood
When you return home exhausted, the first thing you do is pay your rent with your earnings. If you can save some money, buy items to improve your home and make your living space more comfortable. The cycle repeats every day: Work, talk, decide and survive at all costs.
Gameplay Features
Character Creation: Customize your worker's gender and starting traits.
Procedural NPCs: Meet different coworkers, neighbors, and strangers in each playthrough, each with their own traits and stories.
Daily Planning: Structure your days by dividing time between work, meals, rest, and social activities.
Job Routines: Take on a variety of tasks in different workplaces.
Social Dynamics: Build trust, tension, or solidarity with coworkers.
Worker Meetings: Organize meetings with colleagues, discuss agendas, and make collective decisions.
Union Progression: Join the union, climb the ranks, and influence workplace policies.