04

Southwest Silicon

Water, Semiconductors and the Future of American Economic Security
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Game Objective

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For more than a century, the Colorado River has been at the center of intense negotiations among America’s Western states and Mexico.

Today, the Colorado River is severely overused across hundreds of independent water markets encompassing states, tribes, cities and irrigation districts.
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Pressure on all water sources is keen. The Southwest United States has added tens of millions of new residents over the past century, and the region remains one of the fastest-growing in the country.

Even with a greater focus on irrigation efficiency, the expansion of farming has continued while a new set of water-demanding industries like chip fabs have sprouted up.
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Negotiations for water rights are fierce. Which industries and citizens will secure and keep access — and which ones won't — will determine Arizona's future, and the future of the world.

Characters

Vice President Saachi / Sankalp Chen-Chowdhury
General Foundry
Chen-Chowdhury is a global citizen driven by the relentless pursuit of technological excellence. In 2019, Chen-Chowdhury joined General Foundry, eventually taking the helm of the company’s $20 billion semiconductor expansion project in Arizona.
Governor Alexis / Alex Lewis
Gila River Indian Community
After law school, Lewis returned home to serve their community after practicing environmental law. Now in their third term as governor, they have pioneered innovative water-rights agreements while expanding the Gila River Indian Community’s economic development.
Managing Partner Victoria / Victor Palmer
AquaWest Solutions
Palmer’s desire to disrupt Arizona’s water rights landscape wasn’t born from mere ambition, but from a deep frustration with systemic inefficiency. They co-founded Arizona’s largest water brokerage firm was a bold move, fueled by a desire to unlock the state’s water potential.
Founder AJ Brooks
Cholla Advisory
A native Arizonan, Brooks carries a unique blend of local insight and national political acumen. They founded Cholla Advisory, a venture built on their deep understanding of both national and local politics. Their firm quickly became a Republican powerhouse, renowned for its strategic insights and ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with Arizona voters.
Mayor Briana / Ben Leighton
City of Chandler
A scion of a major political dynasty, Leighton watched as the city transformed into a regional tech hub while growing up. When Chandler’s previous mayor departed office and left behind a vacancy, they saw an opportunity to run for office as a builder. They won, and focused their administration on sustainable tech development.
Mayor Michael / Michele Begay
City of Phoenix
Begay’s commitment to urban development stems from a deep-rooted belief in the power of community-driven solutions. While Phoenix boasts more available water supply than other cities in the valley, Begay faces significant local pushback on water management issues, demanding a delicate balance of Stakeholder engagement.
Mayor Kristy / Kraig Moore
City of Peoria
Moore’s political ambitions were evident from their early career in local government, showcasing a drive that extended beyond the confines of Peoria. After two terms as mayor, they know political momentum is crucial, and so Moore is focused on securing significant wins in their final year.
President Dania / David Hawkins
 Arizona Senate
Hawkins holds a deep connection to Arizona’s agricultural heartland, stretching back four generations. Born and raised on the family-owned Smith & Montgomery Ranch, they inherited not just land, but a profound understanding of the delicate balance between nature and livelihood. Now serving their seventh term in the legislature — and third as Senate President — Hawkins has become a pillar of Arizonan politics.
Senator Cynthia / Cesar Martinez
U.S. Senate
A former Maricopa County supervisor and state attorney general, Martinez has carved out a unique political path in Arizona. Their rise to the Senate was built on a foundation of understanding for Arizona’s diverse demographics, enabling them to build strong ties with both agricultural and urban constituencies.

Acknowledgements

This scenario was inspired by the books Cadillac Desert: The American West and Its Disappearing Water, by Marc Reisner, and The Future of the Suburban City: Lessons from Sustaining Phoenix, by Grady Gammage. The article, “What Will Become of American Civilization?: Conspiracism and hyper-partisanship in the nation’s fastest-growing city,” by George Packer and published in The Atlantic was also an inspiration.

The resources at Arizona State University’s Morrison Institute for Public Policy and the Kyl Center for Water Policy were invaluable for research. The author also expresses their gratitude for the beta-testers from around the world whose curiosity about gaming, water and technology in the American West helped develop this game.

“Go West Young Man, and Grow Up with the Country.” – Horace Greeley

Credits

Game Designer: Ian Curtiss
Editor-in-Chief and Producer: Danny Crichton
Partner, Research: Laurence Pevsner
Editor: Katie Salam
Front Cover Illustration: Andreas Rocha
Production Designer: Justin Barber
Website Designer: James Clements