Before 1204, the Black Sea remained closed to foreign merchants. The Fourth Crusade facilitated its opening to Venetians who barely reaped any profits. Only after 1261, in competition with the Genoese, did the Venetians organize the first commercial activities related to high-value cargo. Despite the difficulties in recruiting and commanding the crews, the connections with the Black Sea were essential for the Venetian economy in the period. At Pontus Euxinus, players take on the role of traders sailing the difficult Black Sea, with all its challenges, to earn profits for their family and reputation for their home. Throughout the game, players will need to not only make the most of the goods they transport, but also build ports along the huge coastline, build cities and establish influence at various points. The game works through an innovative system of data use in which each round the parameters change and the players need a good planning to face the difficulties. Navigate, trade and exert your influence and be the great Black Sea trader in this strategy game that mixes tactics and luck. —description from the designer