Overview
Master Media Mogul sees the player take control of one of several failing media businesses and propelling it into the 21st century. From cutting-edge fax machines to state of the art web streaming, players experience the growth of the media industry from the latter half of the 20th century to the new era in the 21st. Everything is managed by the player - from the placement of office furniture to the broadcasting choices of a tv station.
Core Mechanics
Players begin by selecting an industry they want to start with. Print and early TV are the only types available in the latter part of the 20th century. Once players progress past the first few years, they are able to set up an R&D department to begin researching alternative ways to get their media to the masses. This can range from polling for interests to developing new broadcasting technology. As players progress further through the timeline, sequences like awards shows, real-life events to cover, and other issues confront the player. Reporters and representatives can be sent to events, and their skills depend on how well the company's coverage is received. A by-person simulation is also a core component of the game, with star members of a station or newspaper requiring an entourage and incentives to keep them happy. Players have to balance keeping their staff happy and therefore productive with all of their other expenses, which forces them to make important decisions. Because events cost money to cover, players also have to balance the possible financial impact vs the potential rewards.
Style
Mogul's style changes through the time periods - with each era being distinctively different in both presentation and approach to news coverage. The different eras require different presenters and reporters, and for those characters to have different skills. A more story-aggressive writer might thrive in the 21st century, while a charismatic newsreader might succeed in the 1960s and 70s. The visual style changes as well, both in appearance and the aesthetic. Characters might swap their muted suits and visually desaturated style for smart casual on-site reporting gear and stylistic fashions in the 21st century.Game is laid out in a similar fashion to the simulation game The Movies.
