The new game was designed by Jay Treat (Cunning Folk), and features almost unlimited negotiation between players. The players are the leaders of camel caravans crossing the deserts of Arabia to deliver loads of trade good. To make profits, the player must fill their caravan with camels and goods, then reach the destination while avoiding bandits. Nearly everything in the game can be exchanged or traded with the other players, including space in the caravans, trade goods, gold, and more. After four rounds of play, the wealthiest merchant is the winner.
Daily Magic will be funding production of Merchants of Araby through a Kickstarter campaign, which reached its $15k funding goal in the second day, and has attracted over 500 backers with 22 days remaining. The campaign does not have a retailer pledge level, but is offering a discounted “group buy” option. Kickstarter backer fulfillment is scheduled for June 2017, with a Gen Con premier and release into the trade to follow.
