Die Fugger

Die Fugger - the 1989 economic simulation for Commodore 64 from
Rainbow Arts.

Build a trading empire in Renaissance Europe by buying low, selling
high, and expanding influence across key cities as a member of the
Fugger merchant dynasty.

Core loop
- trade goods between towns to exploit regional price differences
- manage cargo, crew, and capital while avoiding bankruptcy
- invest profits into property and banking ventures
- outmaneuver rival merchants to dominate European trade routes

Systems and items
- dynamic economy - prices fluctuate by supply, demand, and time
- goods - grain, wine, iron, cloth, spices, and luxuries
- random events - storms, plagues, or raids affecting profit
- multiplayer mode - up to four merchants compete in shared markets

Level design and feel
Turn-based trading interface over a map of medieval Europe. Simple but
readable graphics and historical tone evoke the rise of merchant banking
families during the 16th century.

Why it is notable
- one of the earliest continental European trading simulations
- precursor to later strategy classics like “Patrician” and “Hanse”
- introduced competitive multiplayer economics on the C64

Tips
- buy bulk in cheap inland cities, sell at coastal ports for higher gain
- keep reserve cash—events can block travel or destroy cargo
- diversify trade routes to avoid local price crashes

At a glance
Year - 1989
Developer - Rainbow Arts
Design and programming - Markus and Ralf Mertens
Graphics - Rainbow Arts team
Music - Chris Hülsbeck
Publisher - Rainbow Arts
Genre - Economic simulation
Players - 1 to 4 alternating
Controls - Joystick in port 2 - keyboard for menus