From the designer of Root! Promise and persuade your way to the top while managing the East India Company. In John Company, players take on the roles of ambitious families using the British East India Company for personal gain. Starting in the early 18th - century, the Company may either become the world's most powerful corporation or collapse under its own ambition. This is a game about state - sponsored trade monopoly. Unlike typical economic games, players don't control their own firms but collectively guide the Company by securing power positions to benefit their interests. The Company is hard to manage alone, so negotiation is key. Most things in the game are negotiable. Ultimately, it's about reputation, not wealth. Some family members may retire each turn, giving a chance to establish estates. You may need to borrow money from others for the best retirement opportunities. Players also earn victory points by competing in the London Season and getting fashionable properties. The second edition is extensively revised. It's a serious take on the theme, exploring key themes of imperialism and globalization in the 18th and 19th centuries and their domestic impact. It may not be suitable for all players, so ensure group consent before playing. 1 - 6 Players | 90 - 240 Mins | Ages 13+. Features: Bribery, Dice Rolling, Negotiation, Push Your Luck, Simulation, Voting, Worker Placement. Theme: Economic, Educational, Negotiation, Political. Awards: 2022 Golden Geek Most Innovative Board Game Nominee, 2022 Golden Geek Heavy Game of the Year Nominee, 2022 Golden Geek Best Thematic Board Game Nominee, 2022 Golden Geek Best Board Game Artwork & Presentation Nominee.
To play John Company, first gather 1 - 6 players aged 13 or older. The game will take around 90 - 240 minutes. Each player becomes an ambitious family trying to use the British East India Company for personal gain. At the start, the Company has a weak hold in the sub - continent. As the game goes on, work together to guide the Company by getting power positions. When you want to influence the Company's fate for your benefit, you'll often need to negotiate with other players. Some family members will retire each turn, and this gives you a chance to set up estates. You might need to borrow money from other players to make the most of these retirement opportunities. Also, compete in the London Season and try to get fashionable properties to earn victory points. Remember, this game seriously explores themes of imperialism and globalization, so make sure everyone in your group is okay with this before starting. There's no special maintenance for this board game. Just keep the pieces in the box when not in use to avoid losing them.
