John Company (2017) Board Game

John Company is a board game that takes players back to the 17th century when the British East India Company, also known as John Company, held immense power and influence in India. Players take on the role of shareholders in the company, aiming to maximize their profits while navigating the political landscape of the time. Designed by Cole Wehrle and published by Sierra Madre Games in 2017, John Company has gained popularity for its unique blend of economic, educational, negotiation, and political mechanics.

Game Components of John Company

High-quality six-panel board

Punchboard coins and player boards

108 wooden family pieces with 18 unique designs in 6 colors

Beautiful resin elephant, stackable tower pieces, and metal flags

Over 200 cards featuring period artwork (94 Bridge and 166 mini euro cards)

4 different scenarios and a robust automated opponent for 1-2 player games.

How To Setup John Company

Setup involves each player receiving random bonuses such as money, positions in the Company, influence on the Prime Minister, and a set of promise cards. Players represent families with shares in or members working for the East India Company. The board displays a map of India, rewards for retiring employees, and information about the Company’s state. Each player starts with a set of five promise cards that can be used during negotiations.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:

Negotiation: Players must negotiate to secure positions of power and steer the Company’s fate.

Economic Management: Players collectively manage the Company’s resources and make decisions on trade, conquest, and politics.

Dice Rolling: Actions often require rolling dice, with players spending money to add dice to the pool.

Reputation: The game focuses on reputation rather than wealth, with players gaining victory points through prestige and achievements.

Game Objective:

Players aim to guide the East India Company’s fate while competing to acquire the most prestige for their families.

Victory points are earned through retiring family members to valuable properties, passing laws, conquering Indian kingdoms, and holding power within the Company. If the Company goes bankrupt, shares become negative victory points.

Player Experience

John Company is renowned for its complex and engaging gameplay. Players take on the roles of ambitious families capitalizing on the success of the East India Company, navigating its vast bureaucracy and the consequences of their actions on the Indian subcontinent. The game requires extensive negotiation and strategic planning, making it ideal for players who enjoy complex economic and historical simulations. It is best played with 4-6 players, creating tense and interesting situations through cut-throat negotiations.

Pros

Immersive Historical Experience: The game offers a detailed and uncompromising portrait of the British East India Company’s operations and impact.

Beautiful Components: Lavish wooden family pieces, resin elephants, and metal flags enhance the gameplay experience.

Complex Negotiations: The game’s negotiation mechanics add a layer of realism and challenge.

High Replayability: Multiple scenarios and an automated opponent for solo or two-player games increase the game’s replay value.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game’s complexity and extensive rules can make it difficult to understand and play.

Long Playtime: Games typically last between 1.5 to 4 hours, which may deter some players.

Sensitive Themes: The game deals with colonialism, imperialism, and the darker aspects of the British Empire, which can be uncomfortable for some players.

Personal Thoughts on John Company

John Company is for players who appreciate deep, historically rooted games with complex mechanics. It is ideal for those who enjoy strategic planning, negotiation, and economic management. The game’s themes and mechanics make it a great choice for fans of games like Root and Pax Pamir, also designed by Cole Wehrle. However, due to its complexity and sensitive themes, it may not be suitable for all audiences, particularly those looking for lighter or more casual gaming experiences.

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