Toward the end of the Middle Ages, the rise of rich merchant families helped open the cities of Europe to trade and commerce. Beginning with their homes in small villages, players open branches in nearby cities. Once branches are established, players use their income to increase their wealth or to increase their presence in the cities where they have branches. Players then can use their wealth to further develop their trading empire into new cities and regions. In the end, it is the player who has developed the largest trade empire and earned the most money in the process that wins the game.