Why I started to create a Board Game

Discover the inspiration behind my first board game! Learn how my passion for complex strategic games like Catan and my love for history and mythology sparked the idea for a unique tabletop experience.

BEHIND THE BOARD: GAME DEVELOPMENT INSIGHTS

jTill

11/26/20242 min read

Since I was a kid, I’ve been passionate about playing board games. Growing up with older family friends, I was introduced to complex strategic games early on, which sparked my love for thoughtful gameplay. My first board game was Catan, and I still treasure that original copy to this day.

Back then, I never imagined I’d one day set out to create my own tabletop game. The idea seemed overwhelming—something only professionals or “superhumans” could achieve. Yet, here I am, turning that once far-fetched dream into reality.

The Turning Point

The real push came from an unexpected source—a video game. When I played Elden Ring, I was captivated. Its massive lore, intricate RPG character development, and expansive open world left a deep impression on me. It was the perfect combination of storytelling, exploration, and player freedom.

As I neared the end of the game, a thought struck me: could a tabletop game offer a similar experience? Could it combine the deep lore, strategic choices, and boundless possibilities that made Elden Ring so special? Naturally, there are board games inspired by such themes, even an official Elden Ring game, but I realized something else—I was already immersed in learning about board game development.

Why Create a Game?

As I explored the world of tabletop games, I began to see gaps—elements I wished existed in certain games I played. I started experimenting by tweaking the rules of games I already owned. To my surprise, these small adjustments worked, creating a better experience for my group. That experimentation sparked a realization: maybe I could build something from scratch, a game that would capture the things I love and bridge the gaps I’ve noticed.

Being a history and mythology enthusiast, I knew those themes had to be at the heart of my game. I believe understanding our history and the myths that shaped humanity is essential—not just for learning, but for connecting with the past. Board games felt like the perfect medium to bring those stories to life in an engaging and creative way.

My Vision for Game Design

One of my primary goals as a game designer is simplicity without sacrificing depth. I’ve often encountered games with overly long and complicated rulebooks, and it can be discouraging. Don’t get me wrong—I love a complex, strategic challenge, but when I open a rulebook and see 20+ pages of text, I sometimes feel lost before the game even begins.

Thankfully, we now have excellent “how to play” videos online, but that doesn’t change my philosophy: games should be intuitive and accessible. Complexity should emerge from the gameplay itself, not from the rules.

Another thing I’ve noticed in some board games is the inclusion of unnecessary limitations or exceptions—rules that feel like afterthoughts to create artificial difficulty or prevent specific strategies. My approach is to design games where the mechanics feel seamless, natural, and thematic, ensuring every rule contributes to the overall experience.

A Journey Just Beginning

This journey of creating my first board game has been both challenging and exciting. It’s pushed me to learn, adapt, and expand my creativity in ways I never expected. I’m still early in the process, but my passion for history, mythology, and great gameplay keeps driving me forward.

Through this blog, I’ll share every step of the journey—from ideas and challenges to prototypes and successes. If you’ve ever thought about creating your own board game or simply love diving into the stories behind them, I hope you’ll join me for the adventure.