FED CHAIR: An Inflation Game

Fed Chair is an online game that puts students in charge of the United States economy as the head of the Federal Reserve. Over a four year term, they must use one powerful tool, the interest rate, to keep inflation near two percent, GDP growth near three percent, and public approval high enough to survive politically. Every month runs in real time, and even small rate changes ripple through the entire economy.

When rates are cut, borrowing becomes cheaper, which boosts GDP but also fuels inflation. When rates are raised, inflation cools but growth slows and voters get angry about high mortgage and credit card costs. The game constantly visualizes these tradeoffs with live gauges, safe zones, and warning systems so students can see exactly how monetary policy pushes and pulls the economy in opposite directions.

Random economic shocks such as oil spikes, trade wars, stimulus checks, automation waves, and consumer fear strike throughout the term. These events shift inflation and GDP instantly, forcing players to adapt rather than coast. The dynamic pacing system guarantees quiet stretches and sudden crises, just like the real economy, making each playthrough feel unpredictable and tense.

You receive a doc with a game guide and a student worksheet with a direct link to the game for sharing with your students. If you are a teacher and are worried about the game being blocked by your school's server, contact us; there are two easy ways to make the game available besides the direct link.

One license per educator.