Originally published as Handelsursten by Pegasus Spiele in Germany, Merchants focused on a theme of Old World trading in the 16th century. While the over-all theme of tall-ship trading remains unchanged, all new art has been generated, focusing the items traded towards an American market.

The game play remains unchanged from its original German publication and Reiner Knizia design. A classic German-style resource management style of play, with rules that are read and understood in minutes, but a depth of play that allows for a lot of fun repeat play.