Games that use the area control or area influence mechanic award points to players controlling an area or points to players who have the majority of influence in particular areas. It can be viewed as a sub-category of the Auction/Bidding mechanic in that players “bid” for specific areas through the placement of playing pieces.

Players of the popular Small World earn points by the number of areas they control. They can overtake areas by placing more playing pieces on an area than their opponents.