Like many others in their 20’s or 30’s, my introduction to the stock market started with ‘stonk’ memes and GameStop. Despite my limited knowledge of stocks, I was still interested in checking out a game based on the subject matter. Whilst The Invisible Hand didn’t turn out to be the educational resource on legal stock trading that I so desperately needed, it certainly does allow those with nefarious intentions or a desperate hunger for money to take advantage of the stock market and live out their manipulatory dreams. All within good jest, of course!

The Invisible Hand is a satirical take on the stock market and those who work in it. You’ll throw caution and morals to the wayside as you take on the role of a stockbroker. One who is willing to do anything it takes to make a profit. This stock market simulation game presents itself very differently from others, parodying the lifestyle of these corrupt yet crafty individuals.

You then find yourself jobless and sitting in the company building of Ferios. After the crash, it seems you’re now applying for a new intern position, and you come highly recommended by a “trustworthy employee”. It’s a pretty standard interview, even making you take a questionnaire, made mandatory for new hires by the Trade and Investment Commission (TIC). This is your first introduction to the TIC, who are watching your answers very closely. They are always watching.

The game may sound a tad dry at this stage, but it is a lot more mischievous and full of satire than you may think. The aim of this game is to make money, using any means necessary. As long as you avoid the watchful eyes of the TIC and keep your public opinion in the green, you can use any little tricks you have in your arsenal to get those gains.

Once you’re through the tutorial content, you can begin to get those gains. You’ll have access to one screen that is dedicated to the buying of stocks, and flicking to the second screen lets you keep track of everything you’ve done. There are many choices in stocks, materials, products, or even currencies to invest in. You have the ability to order stocks “Long” or “Short” and to also liquidate them when you so choose. The challenge is to figure out which stocks to invest in. Luckily there are a few ways you can get an insight into the future rise and fall of stocks.

To add to the legal issues, you even have lobbyists to bribe and send off as you wish. You will want to use them in certain situations, especially to meet some of your daily challenges. Meeting these daily challenges adds to your overall position at the end of the workday when you’re evaluated. Since the aim of the game is to be the best and climb your way to the top, you want to make sure you complete them. When you’re evaluated, you also have the chance to buy lifestyle products like cars or condos which is a fun little thing to add. Without having these little extras to think about, I would have likely quit the game out of frustration long ago.

Everything moves quite fast in this environment. This can definitely aid you if you’re confident in your position, or really screw you over if you’re anything like me and have no idea what you are doing. This is something the game devs thankfully thought about because in the back corner of the office is a little slice of paradise where you can get some coffee or tea. Depending on the strength you drink, the coffee will speed up the time passed and the tea will slow it right down. You better believe the entire time I was playing The Invisible Hand I was absolutely CHUGGING that tea.

The game is a constant battle of keeping on top of everything. It moves quite quickly and doesn’t do an amazing job of making sure the player is keeping up with the pace and not getting bogged down by the confusion of the stock market. You’re always in a competition of “who is the best” against other employees. You’ll be trying to sway them to your side and make them like you while watching them get fired in the same breath. Definitely not the kind of game to play if you feel bad about hurting imaginary characters’ feelings and definitely not the kind of game to play if you’re not at least a little bit interested in the stock market. And that’s unfortunately where the game falls short for me. It is a wonderfully put together simulation that gives a satirical feel to what it’s like to be a shady trades broker. However, this game would only be enjoyed by a certain niche of gamer out there. I always felt as though I just wasn’t the target market for this game. The repetition of stockbroking turned into a confusing and dull grind with an aim of wealth I didn’t personally feel passionate about.