Extractor 2019

Reinventing the classic Australian sheep-farming game 'Squatter', 'Extractor' is a dystopian board game that maps the possible dynamics of global data-driven businesses or 'platforms' as they compete for world domination. The vast accumulation of data needed for this goal is set against a backdrop of aggressively 'extractive' business practices and the impact they have on the planet. Extraction is a fundamental mechanism of most industries, with a small few accumulating great wealth by extracting value from the earth and the majority of its population. In the universe of Extractor, these global platforms--and aspiring monopolies--automate extraction processes and dominate industry, exhausting resources and polarising society in its wake.

This is a playable artwork by Simon Denny, produced in a limited edition of 1000 copies to accompany the exhibition MINE, by Simon Denny, at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Hobart (Tas.), June 2019 - April 2020.

"Instead of making an exhibition catalogue for Simon Denny's exhibition Mine, we chose to make a board game, thus giving you the opportunity to experience the dynamics of the data mining world, in addition to reading about it. [...] Making reference to the classic Australian sheep farming board game 'Squatter', Simon's game 'Extractor' allows you to read and theorise on the topic through a great selection of essays, but also to play against your friends in a highly competitive scramble to achieve world data domination." - Rule book foreword.