An Infamous Traffic

An Infamous Traffic casts you in the role of an opium magnate at the dawn of the 19th century, after the East India Company’s monopoly was stripped away. In 1833 China is opening up to new trade routes, but Qing policy remains tight and the British Parliament can shift the balance at any moment. You start by relying on smugglers to bring your goods into the interior, but you can try to spark a war to secure the trade. Excessive British aggression, however, could turn the region into a failed state and jeopardize your gains. The goal is to amass wealth, yet reputation is a hurdle: the elite won’t accept a trader like you. To gain social acceptance you might buy castles, marry into the nobility, or secure governmental posts. The game blends route‑building, area control, dice rolling, and chit‑pull mechanics, delivering a negotiation and market‑simulation experience. Every choice can reshape the political and economic landscape, and end‑game bonuses reward those who master the trade network. Playtime ranges from 45 to 90 minutes and suits 2 to 5 players who enjoy complex economic strategies with attention to detail. Components include a detailed board, road tokens, event cards, and dice. An Infamous Traffic is perfect for fans of historical themes, trade, and influence battles, but not for those who prefer fast‑action games.