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Showbiz: The Entertainment Game! - Economic Entertainment Board Game for Family, and Adults (2-6 Players, Ages 10+) - Avalon Hill

4.86 (174)
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Showbiz: The Entertainment Game! - Economic Entertainment Board Game for Family, and Adults (2-6 Players, Ages 10+) - Avalon Hill

$49.99
Original price $49.99 - Original price $49.99
Original price $49.99
$44.99 - $49.99
Current price $49.99
Age 10+ 2-6 Players
Condition: New
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Availability:

Only   1 left in stock   - order soon!

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Product Information

Showbiz: The Entertainment Game! puts you in the high-stakes role of a theatrical agent navigating the unpredictable world of public taste, talent contracts, and competitive bidding. Published by Avalon Hill, this classic economic board game challenges players to read trends, forecast demand, and sign performers at just the right moment. From top singers to novelty acts, every contract decision can lead to fame and fortune—or financial disaster—depending on how the audience’s preferences shift.

Each turn introduces a dynamic change in public opinion, driven by a dedicated deck that reveals current demand and hints at possible future trends. Players engage in tense bidding wars to secure performers on short- or long-term contracts, balancing risk and reward as market conditions evolve. Locking in talent for too long can backfire when tastes change, while short-term deals may miss out on lucrative peaks in popularity.

With its elegant systems, clear information, and ever-present uncertainty, Showbiz delivers deep strategy without unnecessary complexity. Its theatrical theme, vintage pedigree, and strong economic mechanics give it lasting appeal for collectors and fans of classic board games alike. Whether played competitively or as a thoughtful family game night centerpiece, Showbiz remains a sharp, replayable simulation of entertainment industry economics.

One 16x22" Mounted Gameboard

One 54-Card Performer Deck

81 Performer Discs

90 Resource Markers

6 Star Discs

2 six-sided Dice

Complete Rules on box platform

Manufacturer: Avalon Hill

Year Manufactured: 1990

Item Weight: 2.19 pounds

Item UPC: 045708064107

Puts you in the shoes of a top theatrical agent! You must predict the demand for different types of acts and sign performers to contracts of varying length to fill that demand. Top singers may be in demand this year, but if you sign one to a five-year contract and the demand drops, you'll eat his contract. Two to six players then bid among themselves to sign the available talent for that year. Animal acts may be plentiful and cheap this year, but who knows what the public will want next year? Future demand will determine who gets rich and who goes broke. But that's "Showbiz"

In the game, players take on the roles of theatre managers and must hire performers that will bring in the most money from the public. There are six different styles of performers, and at different times in the game, public opinion will favour different styles. Public preference is determined by dealing out cards from a special deck. The current opinion is always known, and a possible (but not necessarily accurate) forecast of future preferences is also provided.

Each turn, public opinion changes (sometimes to match the forecast, and sometimes into something completely random), then players use a bidding system to acquire contracts with performers. Once contracts have been negotiated, profit is calculated depending on how well performers match the public's desires.

By the time twelve turns have been played (and possibly one or two turns sooner), the game will come to an end and the player with the highest score is declared the winner.

The game was originally published by the designer in 1984 (or earlier). Hexagames published a German edition (which is the only one that handles up to 8 players) in 1988. Avalon Hill published their edition (with very minor changes) in 1990.

Avalon Hill was founded in 1954 by Charles S. Roberts, who is widely regarded as the father of modern board wargaming. The company pioneered the genre with innovative strategy games like Tactics, which introduced concepts such as hexagonal grids and detailed rulebooks, setting the standard for many games that followed. Over the years, Avalon Hill expanded its offerings to include a wide variety of titles that blended historical accuracy, fantasy themes, and complex strategy, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the tabletop gaming industry.

In 1998, Avalon Hill was acquired by Hasbro, a move that brought the company’s legendary catalog under the umbrella of one of the largest toy and game manufacturers in the world. This acquisition allowed for the revival and expansion of many classic Avalon Hill titles, while also introducing them to new generations of players. Under Hasbro’s stewardship, iconic franchises like HeroQuest, Betrayal at House on the Hill, and Risk continued to thrive, often enhanced with updated mechanics, expansions, and modernized designs to appeal to both veteran players and newcomers alike.



product-benefitsDynamic Public Opinion System: Uses a dedicated deck to determine current demand and hint at future entertainment trends

product-benefitsCompetitive Bidding Mechanic: Players bid against each other to sign performers each round

product-benefitsContract-Based Gameplay: Performers are signed to varying contract lengths that impact long-term profitability

product-benefitsMultiple Performer Categories: Six distinct styles of acts reflect shifting audience preferences

product-benefitsTurn-Based Economic Scoring: Profits are calculated based on how well contracts match public demand

product-benefitsClassic Avalon Hill Design: Clean layout and clear components support strategic play and replayability

Poggers Product Information

Product Information

Product Description

expand

Showbiz: The Entertainment Game! puts you in the high-stakes role of a theatrical agent navigating the unpredictable world of public taste, talent contracts, and competitive bidding. Published by Avalon Hill, this classic economic board game challenges players to read trends, forecast demand, and sign performers at just the right moment. From top singers to novelty acts, every contract decision can lead to fame and fortune—or financial disaster—depending on how the audience’s preferences shift.

Each turn introduces a dynamic change in public opinion, driven by a dedicated deck that reveals current demand and hints at possible future trends. Players engage in tense bidding wars to secure performers on short- or long-term contracts, balancing risk and reward as market conditions evolve. Locking in talent for too long can backfire when tastes change, while short-term deals may miss out on lucrative peaks in popularity.

With its elegant systems, clear information, and ever-present uncertainty, Showbiz delivers deep strategy without unnecessary complexity. Its theatrical theme, vintage pedigree, and strong economic mechanics give it lasting appeal for collectors and fans of classic board games alike. Whether played competitively or as a thoughtful family game night centerpiece, Showbiz remains a sharp, replayable simulation of entertainment industry economics.

Manufacturer Description

expand

Puts you in the shoes of a top theatrical agent! You must predict the demand for different types of acts and sign performers to contracts of varying length to fill that demand. Top singers may be in demand this year, but if you sign one to a five-year contract and the demand drops, you'll eat his contract. Two to six players then bid among themselves to sign the available talent for that year. Animal acts may be plentiful and cheap this year, but who knows what the public will want next year? Future demand will determine who gets rich and who goes broke. But that's "Showbiz"

In the game, players take on the roles of theatre managers and must hire performers that will bring in the most money from the public. There are six different styles of performers, and at different times in the game, public opinion will favour different styles. Public preference is determined by dealing out cards from a special deck. The current opinion is always known, and a possible (but not necessarily accurate) forecast of future preferences is also provided.

Each turn, public opinion changes (sometimes to match the forecast, and sometimes into something completely random), then players use a bidding system to acquire contracts with performers. Once contracts have been negotiated, profit is calculated depending on how well performers match the public's desires.

By the time twelve turns have been played (and possibly one or two turns sooner), the game will come to an end and the player with the highest score is declared the winner.

The game was originally published by the designer in 1984 (or earlier). Hexagames published a German edition (which is the only one that handles up to 8 players) in 1988. Avalon Hill published their edition (with very minor changes) in 1990.

Product Specifics

expand

Manufacturer: Avalon Hill

Year Manufacturered : 1990

Item Weight: 2.19 pounds

Item UPC: 045708064107

Box Contents

expand

One 16x22" Mounted Gameboard

One 54-Card Performer Deck

81 Performer Discs

90 Resource Markers

6 Star Discs

2 six-sided Dice

Complete Rules on box platform

About Avalon Hill

expand

Avalon Hill was founded in 1954 by Charles S. Roberts, who is widely regarded as the father of modern board wargaming. The company pioneered the genre with innovative strategy games like Tactics, which introduced concepts such as hexagonal grids and detailed rulebooks, setting the standard for many games that followed. Over the years, Avalon Hill expanded its offerings to include a wide variety of titles that blended historical accuracy, fantasy themes, and complex strategy, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the tabletop gaming industry.

In 1998, Avalon Hill was acquired by Hasbro, a move that brought the company’s legendary catalog under the umbrella of one of the largest toy and game manufacturers in the world. This acquisition allowed for the revival and expansion of many classic Avalon Hill titles, while also introducing them to new generations of players. Under Hasbro’s stewardship, iconic franchises like HeroQuest, Betrayal at House on the Hill, and Risk continued to thrive, often enhanced with updated mechanics, expansions, and modernized designs to appeal to both veteran players and newcomers alike.



product-benefits Dynamic Public Opinion System: Uses a dedicated deck to determine current demand and hint at future entertainment trends

product-benefits Competitive Bidding Mechanic: Players bid against each other to sign performers each round

product-benefits Contract-Based Gameplay: Performers are signed to varying contract lengths that impact long-term profitability

product-benefits Multiple Performer Categories: Six distinct styles of acts reflect shifting audience preferences

product-benefits Turn-Based Economic Scoring: Profits are calculated based on how well contracts match public demand

product-benefits Classic Avalon Hill Design: Clean layout and clear components support strategic play and replayability

Showbiz: The Entertainment Game! - Economic Entertainment Board Game for Family, and Adults (2-6 Players, Ages 10+) - Avalon Hill
$49.99
4.86 (174)
Store-Wide Rating

Availability:

Only   1 left in stock   - order soon!

Availability:

Only   2 left in stock   - order soon!

Order today for delivery December 28 to January 05
4.86 ( 174 )
Store-Wide Rating

GUARANTEED SAFE CHECKOUT

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