In Hostage Negotiator, you take on the role of a law enforcement agent charged with negotiating the release of hostages held by an unscrupulous figure determined to meet his or her demands at all costs. Each turn in the game represents a conversation between you and the hostage taker. You play cards and roll dice to increase conversation and talking points, lower the threat level, and release hostages.

Hostage Negotiator uses a unique "hand-building" mechanic that puts the cards you buy directly into your hand for the next turn, instead of making you wonder when the cards will come out, as in deck-building games. In Hostage Negotiator, there are multiple paths to victory, but the hostage taker has other plans. Will you try to calm him down and make him surrender? Or will you wait and bid the time before sending the team in for a grand rescue operation? How many hostages will you rescue? These are some of the exciting decisions you'll make in a game of Hostage Negotiator!