Machiavelli the Prince Demo

It's 15th century Europe – resources are bountiful and deception is king. It's the perfect time to execute your plan for world domination. Manipulate military, political and religious powers using bribery, piracy and assassination. Acquire wealth by trading across Europe, Africa and Asia. But plan your strategy carefully, young prince. Because every move can mean the difference between exaltation and excommunication.

Set during Machiavelli's time in Europe when city-states reigned, this multiplayer strategy game pits you against three other human or A.I. controlled traders in Venice, competing to amass the most wealth and influence by game's end. To achieve lasting fame for your family name, you must build a globe-spanning trading empire with caravans and fleets, always looking to buy low and sell high in the world's commodity markets.

• Play on a historic map of Medici-era Italy or a procedurally generated map for a new exploration experience

• Adjustable starting resources and A.I. strength for each player

• Create and modify trade routes for your fleets and caravans with a detailed and intuitive interface

• Bribe cardinals and senators to sway papal politics to your family's favor

• Contend with pirates, brigands and storms along your trade routes

• Rule by love and by fear: patronize the arts to raise your popularity, or undercut your rivals by assassinations, arson and slander