In John Company, players take on the roles of ambitious families trying to use the British East India Company for personal gain. The game begins in the early 18th century, when the Company has a weak foothold in the subcontinent. Throughout the game, the Company can evolve into the most powerful and cunning corporation in the world or collapse under the weight of its own ambition. John Company is a game about a state-granted commercial monopoly. Unlike most economic games, players often do not control their own businesses. Instead, they collectively guide the Company, securing positions of power and trying to steer the Company's fate in ways that benefit their own interests. However, the Company is a cumbersome thing. It is difficult to accomplish anything on your own, and players will often need to negotiate with each other. In John Company, most things are up for negotiation. Ultimately, this game is not about wealth. It is about reputation. Each turn, some members of your family may retire from Company positions, giving them the opportunity to establish estates. Crucially, players do not have full control over when these retirements occur. They will often need to borrow money from other players to best exploit the possibility of retirement. Players also earn victory points by competing in the London season for prestige and securing modern properties. John Company takes its subject matter very seriously. It is intended as a sincere portrait of an institution that was as dysfunctional as it was influential. As a result, the game grapples with many of the key themes of 18th and 19th century imperialism and globalization and how these developments were felt internally. Therefore, this game may not be suitable for all players. Make sure that everyone in your group consents to this exploration before playing. The second edition has been extensively revised and is not a reprint.