"Bootlegger: Moonshine Empire" is an interactive historical novel set in the 1920s during Prohibition in New York City. Players step into the role of a budding bootlegger, starting from humble beginnings in rural Pennsylvania and aiming to establish a thriving illegal whiskey operation. With a text-based format of 210,000 words, the game offers hundreds of choices, allowing players to navigate through the challenges of organized crime, rivalries, and the law.

The gameplay emphasizes decision-making, as players can choose to forge alliances, manage workers, and engage in high-stakes car chases to deliver moonshine. Additionally, players can influence local politics, potentially becoming the mayor or a Broadway star. The game allows for diverse character representation and offers multiple pathways to success or failure, highlighting the risks and rewards of building a criminal empire amidst the chaos of Prohibition.