Imperial
2–6 players • 180 min • ages 12+
- Players
- 2–6 players
- Playing time
- 180 min
- Age
- 12+
How it plays
Imperial plays 2–6 players, takes about 180 minutes to play, and is recommended for ages 12 and up.
Where to find one
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Where it came from
Imperial was designed by Mac Gerdts and first published in 2006. It emerged during a period of rising interest in heavy, rules-dense European strategy games that emphasized economic systems over luck. The game is notable for its 'rondel' mechanic, a signature Gerdts design feature that dictates action selection, forcing players to manage time and efficiency on a circular track rather than relying on dice or card draws.
The game centers on a geopolitical simulation where players act as international investors rather than individual nations. This design choice was intended to highlight the tension between state power and private wealth, reflecting mid-20th-century geopolitical themes. Upon release, it was received as a highly original departure from traditional wargames, gaining acclaim for its lack of direct player elimination and its tight, mathematical approach to strategy.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real games collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Imperial
Imperial is a game in the Board Games catalog on collecto.rs. 2–6 players • 180 min • ages 12+. Catalog data is sourced from Wikidata. No public games collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How do you play Imperial?
Imperial is a board game for 2–6 players, running about 3 hours. collecto.rs catalogues the game, not its rules — for the full rulebook, use the copy in the box or the publisher's own site.
How many players is Imperial for?
Imperial is built for 2–6 players. That count comes from this catalog entry alone — nothing from an expansion or a spin-off is folded into it.
How long does Imperial take to play?
A game of Imperial is listed at about 3 hours. Real sessions run shorter or longer depending on player count and how well the table already knows the game.
What age is Imperial for?
Imperial lists a minimum age of 12. That's a recommended starting age rather than a hard rule.
Has Imperial won any awards?
Yes — the catalog entry for Imperial lists Jogo do Ano.
How many collectors track Imperial on collecto.rs?
Imperial doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Imperial?
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Where does the Imperial catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Imperial is sourced from Wikidata. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
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