Gameplay in Brief:
Originally conceived as a game about the development and merging of hotel chains, the most recent editions of Acquire (published in 2000 and 2008 by Avalon Hill) changed the theme slightly to become a game about corporate mergers. The goal is to strategically invest in the companies most likely to benefit from the mergers.
Basics:
Acquire is for 2 to 6 players (best with 3 to 6 players), ages 12 and up. It takes about 90 minutes per game.
Designer:
Acquire was designed by Sid Sackson.
Publisher:
Acquire was first published in 1962 by 3M. Other publishers include Schmidt Spiele and Grow Jogos e Brinquedos. It is currently published by Avalon Hill (a division of Hasbro). Acquire has also been published under the names Cartel, Hotel-König, Hotelhaie, and Investor.
Genre:
Acquire is a stock-holding game that incorporates tile placement.
Also by Sid Sackson:
One of the most respected game designers of all time, the late Sid Sackson's other designs include Can't Stop (1962), I'm the Boss (1994), Sleuth (1967), Focus (1964), and Metropolis (1984). He also wrote several books.
Why Acquire is Part of the Games Timeline:
Acquire is probably the most enduring game design from master designer Sid Sackson and it introduced a new wave of strategy games to many adults.
Here are the other games I believe are the most culturally and historically significant games published since 1800.
Awards:
Acquire is on my list of the best games designed by Sid Sackson, the best economic games, and the best stock-holding games.
