Goldfields (video game)

Goldfields is a text-based strategy video game, typically implemented in BASIC or a similar early programming language. The core gameplay involves the player managing resources, such as capital and labor, to prospect for gold in a simulated gold rush environment. The game often presents the player with choices regarding where to dig, how much to invest in equipment, and how to respond to events like accidents or unexpected finds.

The objective in Goldfields is usually to accumulate the greatest wealth by the end of a predefined period, such as a year or a series of turns. Success depends on a combination of strategic resource management, risk assessment, and a degree of luck. The game typically features simple input/output, relying on textual descriptions and numerical data rather than graphical elements.

Variations of Goldfields exist, with differing complexities and features. Some versions may include elements of competition with other prospectors (represented by the game's AI), while others focus solely on the player's individual progress. The game's appeal stems from its simple mechanics, replayability, and the inherent allure of the gold rush theme. Due to its age, Goldfields is often found in collections of classic computer games and is sometimes used as an introductory programming exercise.