John Company
- Players
- 1-6
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 180 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 14+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 4.1 / 5
- Year
- 2017
About the game
John Company is a card-driven simulation for one to six players that tells the story of the British East India Company from the inside, as dynasties vie for position, power, and prestige within the Company itself. Rather than commanding armies directly, players navigate the Company's internal politics through bribery, negotiation, and voting, deciding whether to expand holdings, invest in infrastructure, or line their own pockets. Scenarios let groups play the Early, Mid, or Late Company in about 90 minutes each, or combine them into a full campaign spanning 1720 to 1857. Designer Cole Wehrle draws inspiration from Republic of Rome to create a uniquely internal, cooperative-competitive corporate drama.
Hobbli's Notes
John Company is a landmark design in how it turns corporate bureaucracy itself into the game's central conflict, which is a genuinely fresh angle for a historical economic game. The scenario structure is a smart concession to its otherwise imposing length, letting groups sample the experience without committing to the full multi-century campaign. It demands a table of players genuinely invested in the shared fate of the Company, since selfish play can tank everyone's fortunes together.
What we like
- Uniquely simulates corporate and political intrigue within a shared company structure.
- Deep multiplayer negotiation and internal politics drive every session.
- Scenario options let groups tailor playtime from about 90 minutes to a full campaign.
- Acclaimed design from award-winning designer Cole Wehrle.
Keep in mind
- Very high complexity and long playtime, especially in campaign mode.
- Best experienced with a full table of cooperative-minded, engaged players.
- Steep rules overhead for newcomers to card-driven economic games.
Who it's for
Best for experienced strategy gamers age 14+ comfortable with long, negotiation-heavy sessions in groups of up to six.
