DEADLINE is a moderator-run board game where student reporters make real journalism decisions under pressure. It's not a generic game reskinned with journalism content—every story forces players to navigate actual conflicts reporters face: Do I publish fast or verify sources? Do I cave to advertiser pressure or spike the story? What happens when a source goes dark? WHAT'S INCLUDED: Complete Game Rules with moderator guide and setup instructions 50 Authentic Story Cards covering breaking news, politics, investigations, sports, and lifestyle journalism Random Complications Table (3d6 mechanic) that mirrors real reporting obstacles Print-Ready PDF formatted for immediate classroom use (two cards per page, fold-and-cut design) HOW IT WORKS: Players take turns as reporters.
See it on Teachers Pay Teachers — $9.99
Each turn: pick a story spend tokens on reporting depth (QUICK = fast but shallow, DEEP = thorough but risky) moderator reads the story aloud player rolls dice a complication happens reputation changes. Play 6–10 rounds. Highest reputation wins. The game teaches that journalism decisions have consequences. A quick story earns points fast but might miss the real story. Going deep takes resources and time. Source problems, legal threats, editor pressure, and unexpected documents all shift the outcome.
No two games play the same way. LEARNING OUTCOMES: Speed vs. accuracy trade-offs in journalism Ethical decision-making under real constraints Recognizing pressure from advertisers, politicians, and institutions Navigating source relationships and confidentiality Understanding the cost of verification vs. the risk of misinformation Making decisions with incomplete information CLASSROOM READY: Grades 9–12 (adaptable for college intro courses) 2–6 players + 1 moderator 45–60 minutes per game Works in single class period or across two sessions Aligned to CCSS W.9-10.1, W.9-10.2 (argumentative and informative writing in context of media literacy) PERFECT FOR: Journalism classes Media Literacy units ELA or Social Studies classes teaching persuasion and bias News writing and reporting courses Ethics discussions in any context PDF FORMAT: Easy to print at home or school.
No login, no apps, no special software required.
Designed for grades 9–12.
Starmaker English and Journalism Tools 
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