The Immigrants’ Empire Board Game

The Immigrants’ Empire board game is designed to bring history, strategic game play, and multiple playing modalities into the gaming experience. The setting is the Port of New York, April 1850, and players have until November, when the Erie Canal shuts down and parts of the Hudson are no longer navigable, to resettle as many immigrants as possible north and west of NYC. Each player opts for a chance at a better life and takes on the profile of an immigrant commensurate with someone in 1850’s. Historically accurate prices for everyday items, travel fare, housing and actual wages will drive players to make decisions like those facing immigrants in the 1800’s. Players can only leave NYC if they collect all the essential items required, pay for everything along the way, and even steal what they need from others. They’ll need to proceed carefully because other players can disrupt even the best laid plans. Can you survive and even thrive living like a newcomer to NYS? Will you secure your dreams or get your hopes dashed? Play to find out!