As you progress and sell paperclips, you unlock various upgrades that make the process of paperclip-making ever more efficient and automated, until the game is basically playing itself.

Before long, the game offers you the AutoClippers ... which automatically purchases more wire for you to make paperclip as supplies run out. Pretty soon, it's more efficient to let them go ...

Paperclips, a new game from designer Frank Lantz, starts simply. The top left of the screen gets a bit of text, probably in Times New Roman, and a couple of clickable buttons: Make a paperclip.

Or tomorrow. All in all, the game made me think that if the paperclip maximizer doomsday scenario does ever come to pass, it will, at least, be pleasingly ironic. We go to the trouble of creating ...

Soon enough, you’ll be able to automate paperclip production, and then take your profits, and invest them in a stock market. Upgrade your stock market engine by playing some game theory ...