Bootleggers is a PHP-coded browser game based on the activities of the Italian mafia in the United States during the Prohibition Era of the 1930s. The goal of the game is to become a powerful mobster within the community by committing petty and organized crimes for both experience and money. In addition, one can purchase “points” with real cash in order to get special items and services, including special weapons and protection from other players.
Aside from improving one’s character through criminal activity, the player also has plenty of opportunities to make money. Many casino games are available, from blackjack to keno. Players may also invest their money in the game’s stock market, or purchase a ticket to participate in the regular lottery drawing.
Player accounts can be permanently deactivated - effectively “killing” the target - by other players in the game, when one player “attacks” another player with a weapon and enough bullets to successfully “kill” them. Although this is difficult to do to experienced players, it is always a threat and anyone can potentially be “killed” at any time. The death of an account causes a player to lose all of his or her money and items, though the victim can transfer their points to a new account, should they choose to do so. Keeping a low profile or - alternatively - joining a gang can improve an account’s longevity, as can the acquisition of weapons, protective measures and experience.
On average, the game goes through a “hard reset” once every 12 to 18 months in order to correct inflation, fix bugs and introduce new features into the game.
