Chartered: The Golden Age is a historic and economic building game known for its easy game system.
You are a merchant, looking to profit from the budding trade in Amsterdam in the 1600s and participate in the growth of a multitude of chartered enterprises. Several European nations are vying for the lucrative trade in spices and other goods. The goods brought back to Amsterdam at great peril and cost are rapidly growing merchant wealth and increasing trade. To increase working capital and spread risk, you and other merchants use stocks for the first time in history.
You are establishing your first warehouses in Amsterdam, contributing to the city that will grow to become the wealthiest city in the western world. You can become the best merchant, build chartered enterprises and purchase stock to profit from their expected growth. Your goal? Profit and wealth.
Players buy building cards to found chartered enterprises and purchase stock in them. Throughout the game they expand these enterprises, increasing their stock value and ultimately increasing players’ wealth. Enterprises merge to accelerate their growth and add floors to their warehouses to easily gain value. Players will aim to block enterprises they don't have stocks in but might be forced to help them grow. Buy the right stocks and build the right warehouses to put you on your way to profit and to victory.
—description from the publisher
- dense economic action with thematic flavor
- cute 3D buildings add visual appeal
- complexity may be steep for casual players
- thematic heft may overwhelm some groups
- Economic engine-building with early stock markets
- 1600s Amsterdam and its bustling spice trade
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- economic engine-building — growing wealth through chartered enterprises and warehouses
- Engine Building — growing wealth through chartered enterprises and warehouses
- Stock market/syndicate management — buying stock, establishing enterprises, and leveraging capital
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
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