Roles

You are a simple, but honest researcher. During the review phase, you keep your eyes shut and during the rebuttal phase, you try to oust sub-standard reviewers.

"I just want to get my research published to finish my degree/do my job. Is that too much to ask?"

Scientist, Steadfast PostDoc, Master’s student, Bachelor’s student,…

Villager

During the review phase, you learn which paper will be rejected. Once during the game, you can prevent the rejection (changing the status to major revision). Once during the game, you can (accidentally, of course) reject a paper.

"Crap! I shouldn't have let slip that I know about 'the terminal'. Now I got volunteered for IT. But with great community work, comes great power..."

Witch

If your paper is rejected or you are removed as a reviewer, as a final act as area chair you can reject another paper.

"I so hope that the reviewers will report back on time. And please let them agree with one another... On the other hand, if they don't then it's up to me... But I would never let myself get corrupted by that power."

Hunter

During each review phase,  you can choose one of the reviewers and learn whether he or she is a Reviewer 1 or a Reviewer 2.

"I see it as my duty to make sure that all the reviewers are up to standard. Of course, I cannot read all the reviews, but one review per review phase seems like a good enough sample size, doesn't it?"

Seer

If your paper is rejected during the review phase, you do not notice until after the next review phase (when you accidentally revised your manuscript according to some old feedback and handed it in just to receive a slightly confused and irritated editorial email that your paper had been rejected before).

"Tiredness is just an indicator of lack of caffeine! I need to finish these other 5 manuscripts, handle 3 rebuttals, and polish 2 publication ready versions. That's manageable... Still a good 2 to 3 hours of sleep for me tonight. “

Scharping*

During the first review phase, you may open your eyes and indicate two people whose dual careers you have pushed through. From now on this dual career couple can only win together.

"Let me change two people's lives for the better... I hope.”

Amor

During each review phase, you may open your eyes and indicate another player. You are now a co-author of this player's publication. If the Reviewer 2 Syndicate tries to reject your manuscript they fail. If they choose your first author, you are rejected too.

"Research is collaboration. Also, if I am not the first author, I don't have to write the whole damn manuscript..."

Sex worker*

You start as a simple and idealistic Reviewer 1. However, if your manuscript is rejected in the review phase, you are disillusioned and lose all faith in the publishing system. From then on, your goal is to be voted out as a reviewer during the rebuttal phase. If you succeed, you are the sole winner of the game.

"No, no, I cannot believe that anyone would rig the publishing process for personal gain. Peer review is sacrosanct! I refuse to believe it... *starts sobbing* Let them all burn..."

The Other*

You may open your eyes whenever you want during the review phase.

"Well, if they want me to bring their coffee I guess it's their problem when I hear more than I'm supposed to."

The girl*

Every review phase you and your Reviewer 2 Syndicate decide by (silent) majority voting which submission to reject.

"Shit! That's exactly my idea! But lucky me, bad language. Reject. Sooooorrryyyy, better luck next time." "I hate that lab. 5 years ago one of their PhD students asked me a hard question. Now it's payback time evil smile" "Oh man, oh man. The review was due two weeks ago. Okay, I will just write that I did not understand their methods and that the related work is lacking. That should be enough..."

Power-hungry Ph.D. student

Werewolf