Carnegie the board game was inspired by the life of Andrew Carnegie who was born in Scotland in 1835. Andrew Carnegie and his parents emigrated to the United States in 1848. Although he began his career as a telegraph operator, he eventually became one of the key players in the rise of the American steel industry. That made him one of the richest men in the world and an icon of the American Dream.

Andrew Carnegie was also a benefactor and philanthropist; after his death in 1919, more than $350 million of his fortune was bequeathed to various foundations, with another $30 million going to various charities. His donations created nearly 2,500 free public libraries that bear his name: the Carnegie Libraries.

During the game, you recruit and manage employees, expand your business, invest in real estate, produce and sell goods, and create transportation chains across the United States; you can even work with important personalities of the time.

The game takes place over 20 rounds; players each have one turn per round. On each turn, the active player chooses one of four actions, which the other players may follow. The aim of the game is to build the most prestigious company, symbolized by victory points.