John Company (2nd Edition)

In John Company the players are ambitious families trying to use the British East India Company for their personal gain. Over the course of the game the Company will either grow into the most powerful company in the world or collapse under the weight of its ambitions.

Unlike many other economic games, the players do not run their own firm. Instead they must guide the Company together by securing positions of power, and try to steer the fate of the Company in a direction that favours their own interests. It is hard to get things done alone, however, and the players have to negotiate with each other.

John Company is not about wealth, but about reputation. Each round some of your family members may retire and establish manors. The players do not control when this happens. This means you sometimes have to borrow money from other players to make the most of the situation. Players also gain victory points by taking part in London society.

A gripping game that tackles themes such as imperialism, globalisation and an institution that was equal parts dysfunctional and influential.