Beer Game Online - Supply Chain Simulation
BeerGame.io is a free, browser-based supply chain learning game with four roles: Retailer, Wholesaler, Distributor and Manufacturer.
Four ways to learn
- Single Player: manage one role with three system players.
- Team Supply Chain: coordinate one chain with up to four humans.
- Classroom Individual Challenge: every student plays the same role and demand; the lowest cost wins, with a playing or observing host.
- Classroom Group Challenge: groups of up to four share a chain with the same demand; the lowest chain cost wins while the host watches.
Public beta
BeerGame.io is in public beta. The game is complete and playable, but screens and features may change as we learn from players and teachers. Games in progress end when the service is updated, and the service does not keep results, so download any results you want to keep. There are no accounts, advertising or payments. The service is provided as is, without warranties; see the Terms.
Who runs BeerGame.io
BeerGame.io is built and operated by Chandimal Adikari in Australia. Questions, feedback and bug reports: skillidaus@gmail.com.
Open source
The software is open source under the MIT License. You can use the hosted service at beergame.io or run your own copy.
What is the Beer Game?
The Beer Game is a supply chain simulation in which a retailer, wholesaler, distributor and manufacturer manage orders, inventory and backlog. It illustrates how delays and decisions can amplify demand variation: the bullwhip effect.
How long is a game?
A run lasts 24 simulated weeks. You advance one week by placing an order; there is no fixed real-world duration.
Can I play alone?
Yes. Single Player automates the other three roles. Team Supply Chain also fills unassigned roles with system players.
How do the classroom challenges work?
The host chooses a demand seed and method and watches a live leaderboard. In a Classroom Individual Challenge everyone plays the same chosen role in an independent 24-week run, and the host can play too; lowest cumulative cost wins. In a Classroom Group Challenge players form groups of up to four, each member taking a different role, and every group plays its own chain with the same customer demand; lowest total chain cost wins. Completion time breaks ties. The host can finish the classroom early, which marks unfinished runs or groups as incomplete.
What are the costs and lead times?
Holding costs $0.50 per case per week and backlog costs $1.00. Orders take one week; shipments and production take two weeks. Costs are simulated, not payments.
How do players join?
Enter the six-digit code on the home screen, choose a nickname, and join before the host starts. Team players select an available role. In a Classroom Individual Challenge players inherit the chosen role; in a Classroom Group Challenge they create or join a group and choose a role nobody in it holds.
Does multiplayer require a server?
Yes. A WebSocket service coordinates rooms and WebRTC signaling. Orders and game snapshots travel directly between browsers over WebRTC data channels, and the host must remain connected. When a school or workplace network blocks direct browser connections, the encrypted game traffic is relayed through the Cloudflare TURN service instead.
Can AI play?
Yes. The included local stdio MCP server controls isolated browser sessions. AI can play single-player, team games and classroom challenges. It is not a public HTTP MCP endpoint.
Is it free?
Yes. BeerGame.io is free during the public beta, with no accounts, advertising or payments.
How do I report a problem or give feedback?
Email skillidaus@gmail.com. The service is in public beta, so reports about bugs, confusing screens or classroom needs are especially helpful. Report security problems privately to the same address.