John Company: Second Edition

Get ready to dive into a world of greed and power in John Company. In this game, you don't run your own business; instead, you attempt to manipulate the British East India Company to serve your family's personal interests. Starting in the early 18th century, when the Company had a fragile foothold in India, you and your rivals will decide whether it grows into the most powerful and insidious corporation in the world or crumbles under the weight of its own ambition.

Negotiation is the beating heart of the experience. Since the Company is a cumbersome, bureaucratic beast, doing anything alone is nearly impossible. You'll need to cut deals, bribe your peers, and vote on strategic directions to steer the Company's fate in your favor. However, keep in mind that the ultimate goal isn't just wealth—it's reputation.

The retirement mechanic adds a layer of strategic tension: your family members may retire from their Company positions to establish estates, but you don't have full control over the timing. You'll often find yourself borrowing money from other players just to make the most of a retirement opportunity. To top it off, you'll compete in the 'London Season' for prestige and fashionable properties to secure your victory points.

Fair warning: John Company takes its theme seriously. It serves as a frank portrait of a dysfunctional institution, wrestling with the heavy themes of imperialism and globalization and how these forces impacted both the colony and the homeland. It's a dense, technical, and provocative simulation, perfect for those who love deep historical games and don't mind dealing with the grey morality of colonialism. If you enjoy games where diplomacy (or betrayal) is the primary weapon, this is for you. The second edition is extensively revised, offering a significantly improved experience over the original rather than being a simple reprint.