An Infamous Traffic

Players run rival trading concerns seeking profit from the opium trade in 1830s Qing China. The game blends economic planning, supply-chain management and political influence as players smuggle product inland, invest in infrastructure and sway Parliament or provoke open conflict to secure markets. Players allocate resources, hire smugglers and officials, expand holdings and take risky actions that affect regional stability and market demand. Domestic ambitions and social climbing are represented through investments in estates, titles and government posts, and players may divert company funds or gamble on war to gain advantage. Victory comes from balancing profit, influence and reputation amid shifting political and economic pressures.

Players: 2–5 best 4
Playing time: 45–90 min
Age: 14+
Complexity: 3.5 / 5