This post was updated on December 7 to include preorder information.
Capstone Games introduced a new economics-heavy board game in November, and if you like high-quality components, you should be pleased with Coffee Traders. Boasting “over 650 components” at the top of a newsletter, Capstone goes on to explain that it has a combination 350 wooden pieces, 55 metal coins, and 90 coffee beans (made of resin).
Fast facts
- Players accommodated: 3-5
- Stated play time: 120-150 minutes
- Lower age limit: Box says 12+
- Mechanics: Contracts, area control
- Preorder Price: $100
Capstone opened the game up for preorders on Dec.1, with a hefty starting price of $100. The high price is not a surprise given the amount of expensive components—expect this box to weigh a ton. Customers have the option to pay another $20 for a bag of “Capstone Coffee Blend,” but I think that would be awfully messy to use as game components.
Coffee Traders is designed by Rolf Sagel and André Spil and illustrated by John Rabou and Daan van Paridon. It takes place in the 1970s and simulates fair trade coffee markets.
From the release:
Empowered with new Fair Trade standards, small-scale coffee farmers from regions around the world have access to new markets.
Work with your competitors to develop the regions you see fit for the best coffee beans while keeping a watchful eye on the market. Construct buildings to help your Fair Trade coffee plantations thrive while enhancing your network for trading coffee. Will your plantations fall to ruin or will you rise to the top and become the world’s greatest Coffee Trader?
Key Features:
– Work, build, trade, harvest, and deliver coffee in the highly interactive world of Coffee Traders!
– Help your Fair Trade coffee plantations thrive by building coffee farms, hospitals, production stations, and more!
– Supply your coffee to restaurants and cafes while piggybacking off the actions of your competitors
– Become specialized in the different types of coffee regions and earn rewards to benefit your trading empire
Source: Capstone Games
The rulebook is now available here, and the game is available for preorder until Jan. 23, 2021. Capstone estimates that the game will ship next May.
