Tripwire Presents, the publishing division of Tripwire Interactive, has announced it will publish The Boss Gangster: Criminal Empire from independent Turkish developer BEF Games.
Previously known as The Boss Gangsters: Nightlife, the rebranded title is an open-world action-simulation and management game set in a stylized 1980s underworld. The game is available now on Windows PC via Steam Early Access for $18.99, with players able to wishlist to follow ongoing development and future updates.
Build a Criminal Empire in 1980s Night City
Set in the fictional Night City during the 1980s, The Boss Gangster: Criminal Empire casts players as an ambitious upstart determined to rise through the ranks of the criminal underworld. Blending open-world action with business management systems, the game challenges players to build a sprawling empire or risk losing everything to rival gangs.
At the heart of the experience is nightclub management. Players must stock inventory, hire entertainers for themed events, cater to VIP guests, and boost the club’s reputation to unlock increasingly lucrative opportunities. As the business grows, so too does the player’s influence across the city.
Lead the Family and Control the Streets
Beyond the nightlife scene, players recruit, train, and equip a loyal crew to safeguard operations and carry out hostile takeovers. Protecting territory from rival gangs is essential, as is providing “protection” services to local businesses in exchange for their loyalty.
Political maneuvering also plays a role. Players can bribe corrupt police officers and influence city officials, including the mayor, to maintain smooth operations. Failing to manage these relationships could bring unwanted law enforcement attention and jeopardize the empire.
An original in-game soundtrack featuring 16 custom tracks helps establish the game’s nightlife atmosphere and reinforces its 1980s aesthetic.
Ongoing Development Roadmap
As part of its Early Access roadmap, BEF Games plans to expand the experience with additional starting paths. Future updates will allow players to focus on ventures such as drug manufacturing, weapons supply, or hotel operations as alternative foundations for their criminal enterprises.
Tripwire Presents continues to expand its publishing portfolio, supporting independent studios in bringing their projects to market. With The Boss Gangster: Criminal Empire now live in Early Access, players can begin carving out their own rise to power while contributing feedback during development.
