Artifact
2 players • Metagaming Concepts • 1980
- Publisher
- Metagaming Concepts
- First published
- 1980
- Players
- 2 players
How it plays
Artifact plays 2 players.
Where to find one
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Where it came from
Artifact was released in 1980 by Metagaming Concepts as part of their acclaimed MicroGame series. These games were notable for their compact, budget-friendly format, typically consisting of a small ziplock bag containing a thin rulebook, a map, and a set of cardboard counters. The game was designed as a science fiction tactical simulation that focused on the recovery of alien technology within a confined, hazardous environment, reflecting the company's commitment to delivering complex, high-concept tabletop experiences in a highly portable, minimalist package.
The game was developed during a period of rapid expansion for the tabletop hobby, where Metagaming found success by bridging the gap between traditional wargaming and early RPG sensibilities. The design aesthetic relied heavily on the stark, functional art styles typical of late 1970s and early 1980s gaming, prioritizing clarity and mechanics over high-production visuals. While it never achieved the massive mainstream footprint of later titles, it remains a respected piece of history among collectors of the MicroGame era for its challenging, claustrophobic gameplay loop.
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Who's collecting this
Real games collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Artifact
Artifact is a game in the Board Games catalog on collecto.rs. 2 players • Metagaming Concepts • 1980. Catalog data is sourced from Wikidata. No public games collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How do you play Artifact?
Artifact is a board game for 2 players. collecto.rs catalogues the game, not its rules — for the full rulebook, use the copy in the box or the publisher's own site.
How many players is Artifact for?
Artifact is built for 2 players. That count comes from this catalog entry alone — nothing from an expansion or a spin-off is folded into it.
Who publishes Artifact?
Artifact is published by Metagaming Concepts. The catalog gives its publication year as 1980.
How many collectors track Artifact on collecto.rs?
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Where does the Artifact catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Artifact is sourced from Wikidata. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
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