Deadwood Studios USA

About this board game

Deadwood Studios USA is a 1999 board game for 2–8 players that takes about 60 minutes, casting everyone as a struggling actor on a cheesy Western backlot.

Here, your actor is represented by a six-sided die. Its exposed pip value shows your current place in Hollywood’s pecking order as you move around the studio’s sound stages, searching for bit parts and a chance to become a star.

Each day, players can pick up wonderfully odd roles such as Crying Woman or Man Falling Off Roof. When you land a role, choose whether to act by rolling a die against the scene’s target or rehearse to bank a bonus for a later roll.

• Roam the backlot: Visit sound stages and claim available roles.
• Act or rehearse: Take your chance immediately or prepare for a stronger future roll.
• Upgrade your status: Spend earned cash and fame at the Casting Office to improve your status die.
• Chase better parts: Higher status unlocks roles including Stagecoach Driver and the prestigious Rear End of Horse.

Successful performances earn cash and fame, which can be spent at the Casting Office to raise your Hollywood standing. Improving your status opens access to more desirable roles and gives you another way to build your final score.

Once the final scenes wrap, add together your money, fame, and status points. In Deadwood Studios USA, the player with the highest total earns the title of top star of Deadwood Studios.