The Corporate Machine is a strategy game in which players must start their own companies in a chosen industry and try to take over the world. Originally inspired by the ruthless business practices of a certain large software company, The Corporate Machine demonstrates the importance of researching new technology, manufacturing, marketing, and distributing ones product.

Players have several types of units that they can move over the map to affect the game world in some way. Sales units put products into distribution, marketing units help improve the perception of your products or damage the perception of a competitor. The game is relatively straight-forward to play, targeting a broader audience than one might expect from a business based game. However, it does come with a heavy-duty computer artificial intelligence engine to ensure that it takes a lot of skill to master. Additionally, it comes with a free on-line multiplayer service called Stardock.net allowing users to easily play each other over the Internet. 

The game includes three industries to choose from automobiles, aircraft, and computers. The player builds factories, research centers, and marketing offices in an effort to out manufacture, out engineer and out market their opponents. The world itself is divided into many different regions with each desiring something different as their "ideal" product. Players must tailor their products to the needs of their customers while keeping them cost competitive.