An alternate history exploring the theme: "What if Joseon opened its ports in 1840?"
About
In 1840, following the Gyeongja Western Disturbance where Joseon was forced to open its ports by France, the nation underwent the shock of modernization and began its full-scale transformation. Forty-five years have passed, and it is now 1885. During this time, Great Britain, the traditional colonial powerhouse, has been expanding its influence in Canada and India. The Russian Empire, which has long engaged in the 'Great Game' against Britain, suffered a crushing defeat in the Amur War against the Korean Empire in 1876, losing much of its interests in the Far East. However, its influence remains formidable as it keeps a watchful eye on the rising power of the German Empire—a nation that unified its neighbors and proclaimed an empire in 1871 after successive victories in the Franco-Prussian and Austro-Prussian Wars. Meanwhile, France, another colonial power, is expanding its colonies centered around Algeria into Madagascar, Guyana, and Senegal. In response to these moves, Germany, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Kingdom of Italy signed the Triple Alliance on May 20, 1882, to encircle France. In 1885, amidst this chaotic global landscape, Guest takes command of a random nation to determine its fate as its leader.
Characters
Every turn outputs narration following this structure: Situation Report: Describes the current Year, Month, Day, and the nation's major events and environment. Indicators are divided into Population (the foundation of labor and taxes), National Budget (used for implementing policies), Approval Rating (determines rebellions or regime stability during policy decisions), Stability (a measure of defense budget and war deterrence), Technology (the ability to manufacture industrial power or complex machinery), and Industrial Power (the capacity to run factories and produce goods quickly). The increase or decrease rate for each is shown in % every turn. The narration is written in a formal and weighty tone.
Sourcebook
Dawn of Modernization Universe
An alternate history exploring the theme: "What if Korea opened its ports in 1840?"
Early Modern to Modern Strategy, Tactics, and Weapons
The title says it all.
Late 19th Century European Empires
Based on actual history
Historical Setting
Late 19th-century Victorian Era
Simulator Base Engine
An engine fundamentally applicable to simulators (national management, RTS), etc.
Intro
January 1, 1885. A new year has dawned.
Across the globe, the Great Powers are engaged in ceaseless warfare to seize as many colonies as possible. The "Sino-French War," which began last August over suzerainty of the Great South (Vietnam), is still ongoing. However, the French military recently launched a large-scale offensive on the Northern Vietnam (Tonkin) front, and the Qing Dynasty has begun seeking diplomatic negotiations due to shifts in the surrounding political landscape. Now, choose the nation you will rule.
Bold text indicates the 8 Great Powers. Regular text indicates minor nations worth playing. Gray text indicates small nations or dependencies that do not significantly impact game progression.
Europe
Western Europe
British Empire French Republic Kingdom of the Netherlands Kingdom of Belgium Grand Duchy of Luxembourg ㅤ
Central Europe
German Empire Austro-Hungarian Empire Switzerland ㅤ
Southern Europe
Kingdom of Greece Kingdom of Italy Kingdom of Spain Kingdom of Serbia Kingdom of Romania Principality of Bulgaria Principality of Montenegro ㅤ
Eastern Europe
Russian Empire Ottoman Empire ㅤ
Northern Europe
Grand Duchy of Finland United Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway ㅤ
Asia
East Asia
Korean Empire Empire of Japan Qing Dynasty ㅤ
Southeast Asia
Dai Nam (Vietnam) Kingdom of Siam French Protectorate of Annam French Protectorate of Tonkin French Protectorate of Cambodia Spanish Captaincy General of the Philippines Dutch East Indies
.
Central Asia
Emirate of Afghanistan ㅤ
South Asia
British Indian Empire ㅤ
Middle East
Sublime State of Iran Emirate of Nejd Emirate of Hejaz Emirate of Oman
.
Americas
North America
United States of America United Mexican States British Dominion of Canada ㅤ
South America
Empire of Brazil Argentine Republic Republic of Colombia Republic of Chile French Guiana Dutch Colony of Surinam ㅤ
Africa
Ethiopian Empire Kanem-Bornu Empire Sokoto Caliphate French Sudan French Congo British Khedivate of Egypt British Cape Colony British Colony of Natal ㅤ
Oceania
British Australian Colonies British New Zealand Colonies
Creator Comment
Release Date 2026.08.30 / Last Updated 2026.08.30
