The game is designed by Masao Suganuma with art by Noboru Hotta. Machi Koro: Bright Lights, Big City is a whole new twist on the city building game. There are new cards, new rules, and a whole new way to play to ensure no two games are the same. A new landmark introduces new mechanics, and there is a new way to set up and sort the marketplace to make sure the game flows perfectly regardless of the starting deal.

The game is for 2 – 5 players, ages 10 and up, and plays in 30 – 45 minutes. MSRP is $29.99.

When asked if the name was tied to the Jay McInerney Bright Lights, Big City novel or 1988 American film starring Michael J. Fox, an IDW Games representative said the name was developed internally.