Oil Imperium

Black Gold is a business strategy simulation set in the global oil industry. Players control one of four competing companies, which may also be managed by the computer, with the objective of achieving market dominance through the acquisition and sale of oilfields.

The core strategic gameplay is supplemented by direct action sequences. These occur during specific operations such as drilling, where performing the task manually can avoid challenging early-game costs, constructing pipelines near rival infrastructure, and responding to sabotage on owned facilities.

Competition extends beyond financial maneuvers to include covert tactics. Players can engage in acts of industrial sabotage, like igniting opposing rigs or commandeering storage tanks. To counter or enable these actions, the hiring of private investigators is a available system within the game.

Victory is not bound to a single condition. Several primary goals are offered, ranging from securing a leading market position within a set timeframe to the complete elimination of all rival corporations.