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2001 · Stardock · Business simulation · Simulation

The Corporate Machine

The Corporate Machine is Stardock's classic 2001 real-time economic strategy game, available now on Steam. Dive back into the timeless battle for one of the most ruthless environments ever created: international trade.

Released: 14 July 2001
Platforms: Windows
Genres: Business simulation Simulation Strategy
Developers: Stardock
Publishers: Take-Two Interactive
Modes: Multiplayer Single-player
Country: United States
Age ratings: ESRB E
Languages: English

About

The Corporate Machine (known in Europe as Business Tycoon) is a business simulation computer game from Stardock in which the goal is to create a corporation in one of four industries (automobiles, aircraft, computers, or soft drinks) and eventually dominate rival companies. To win the player must dominate the chosen market (getting 55% to 65% of the market share depending on the number of opponents). The Corporate Machine is a follow-up to the game Business Tycoon, which was itself a sequel to the game Entrepreneur, all developed by Stardock.

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Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

When starting a game, the player picks a company specialty. Three specialties are available: marketing, labor and research. Each specialty doubles productivity in that area. After picking a specialty, the start screen allows choice of how many opponents to be faced, the difficulty of the game, what map will be used (both real and fictional maps are available), starting funds, and what industry is to be competed in.

The game is started at the home site (which is randomly chosen on the map) and with one sales executive. To introduce and sell the product to other regions, the region must be investigated. This process can take from 3 to 10 weeks depending on how far they are from the sites. After an area is explored, the player will know the market leader, if opponents have sites or units there, if the region has a resource, as well as statistics like what the targeted area desires in a product, their concerns with price, and how rich the region is.

Development

The Corporate Machine expands on themes introduced in an earlier Stardock game from 1997, called Entrepreneur.

Reception

The game received "favorable" reviews according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. Brett Todd from GameSpot describes the game having "winning design, powerful artificial intelligence, and a great sense of humor". GameSpy recommended it "if you're a fan of slower-paced games with more fun in the game itself than in its graphics."