When we think of board games, we often imagine traversing fantastical realms, delving into medieval dungeons, or strategizing epic battles. But what about exploring the quaint charm of a seaside town in Wales? Enter Tenby – debut board game by Cosy Cub Games and designed by Benjie Talbott coming to Kickstarter on April 28th!
Who's Benjie?
Meet Benjie Talbott, the creative force behind the highly anticipated board game, Tenby. Hailing from the quaint landscapes of mid Wales, Benjie's upbringing was imbued with the wonders of nature and the arts. From frolicking in the woods with his brother to discovering the vast realms of youth theater, Benjie's early experiences laid the foundation for his boundless creativity.
A virtuoso in music, Benjie's journey traversed through the realms of piano, violin, guitar, and vocals. His academic pursuit in composition and music led him to a prolific career spanning 15 years in the music industry, where he crafted numerous melodies for crime dramas.
However, amidst the rhythmic beats and harmonious tunes, Benjie found his true calling in an unexpected realm – board game design. For over a decade, he delved into the art of crafting immersive gaming experiences, exploring the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and sheer enjoyment. With each roll of the dice and placement of a token, Benjie found himself in a world where time seemed to stand still, a world where creativity knew no bounds.
Journey through Games
Growing up, Benjie's childhood was steeped in board game traditions passed down through generations. From spirited rounds of Uno with his grandparents to indulging in classics like Solitaire and Patience, the joy of gaming became a cherished part of his upbringing. Yet, it was the encounter with modern classics like Catan during a cultural exchange in Germany that ignited Benjie's passion for contemporary board games.
While Catan holds a special place in his heart, Benjie's evolving tastes led him to explore a myriad of gaming experiences. From the strategic depths of Go to the communal joy of Pictionary, Benjie's journey through games was as diverse as it was enriching. Despite his fondness for Catan, Benjie remained mindful of the game's shortcomings, reflecting on its colonialist undertones and the need for greater inclusivity in gaming narratives.
Crafting Tenby
Tenby is more than just a game. It's the culmination of Benjie's lifelong love for creativity, community building, and a cherished Welsh town. Tenby is Benjie’s first board game published by Cosy Cub Games, and he is excited to share his creation. The game is inspired by childhood holidays spent with his family. Tenby has simple mechanics, beautiful artwork, and a vibrant atmosphere that capture the essence of Tenby, its colorful houses, iconic landmarks, and seaside charm.
Initially designed as a simple matching game, Tenby evolved into a strategic experience with drafting mechanics played over ten rounds. Drawing inspiration from games like Electropolis and King Domino, Tenby challenges players to navigate a delicate balance between personal goals while potentially hindering opponents' objectives. Each card unveils a piece of Tenby's charm and history, inviting players to discover the magic of this beautiful Welch town.
Beyond the game itself, Tenby's journey highlights the supportive nature of the board game community. Benjie, a newcomer to the design scene, is grateful for the guidance and encouragement he's received. From enthusiasts willing to play test his creation to established designers like Frank West of City of Games. This spirit of inclusivity and mentorship underscores the power of community in fostering creativity and bringing unique experiences like Tenby to life.
As Tenby embarks on its journey to Kickstarter, it reminds us that inspiration can be found anywhere, even in a small Welsh town, and that the journey of creation is often enriched by the support of a welcoming community.
Kickstarter
The Kickstarter campaign is expected to launch in April 28, 2024. Benjie is launching Tenby on Kickstarter to raise funds for manufacturing the game. He is not seeking personal profit from the project, but rather wants to cover the costs and make the game available to as many players as possible. Stretch goals will be announced during the campaign and may include improved component quality, additional gameplay elements, and mini-expansions.
Benjie plans to keep backers updated throughout the campaign via Kickstarter platform and through his social media channels. He estimates that the backers can expect to receive their games sometime in the late fall. This will all depend on manufacturing and shipping processes.
Benjie's Recommendations
Book Recommendation: "Paddle Your Own Canoe" by Nick Offerman
Benjie recently explored the pages of "Paddle Your Own Canoe" by Nick Offerman, describing it as a delightful and honest account from a well-known figure. The book serves as a reminder that everyone's journey has roots, emphasizing the importance of holding multiple truths simultaneously. Benjie appreciates the wholesome nature of the narrative, providing insight into the real lives behind the personas we see on TV.
Song Recommendation: "Little Blue" by Jacob Collier with Brandy Carlisle
In the realm of music, Benjie recommends "Little Blue" by Jacob Collier featuring Brandy Carlisle. He commends Collier's unique use of complex harmony, crafting a song that seamlessly combines intricate musical elements with an easy-to-listen-to quality. Despite not being a dedicated Brandy Carlisle fan, Benjie finds this collaboration particularly enchanting.
Favorite Artist: Count Basie
In the realm of music, Count Basie takes center stage as Benjie's favorite artist. The timeless recordings of Count Basie, both as an artist and a person, form a significant part of Benjie's musical backdrop. The influence of Basie's work extends into the danceable rhythms enjoyed in Benjie's household.
Movie Recommendation: "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse"
"Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" takes the spotlight as Benjie's movie recommendation. Surprising himself with the enjoyment derived from this animated film, Benjie praises its departure from stereotypical characterizations. The movie's intersection of mainstream storytelling and Afrofuturism creates a refreshing and connected experience.
Board Game Recommendation: Go
For board games, Benjie describes Go as a timeless, enduring game with a never-ending learning curve. This particular game offers endless reciprocal lessons between life and gameplay, presenting itself as an ongoing source of inspiration and reflection.
Color Preference: The Ultimate Showdown of Colors
When it comes to colors, Benjie enjoys the classic showdown between red and blue, appreciating the simplicity of this color duality. Additionally, he highlights the aesthetic appeal of orange and purple, considering them a great color combination for board game playing. Nevertheless, he ultimately settled on blue. Whether it was because he happened to be wearing it that day remains uncertain. Tenby has a lot of blue, so I think it may be his favorite color
Collaboration Aspiration: Jamie Stegmaier
Asked about collaborating with any designer, Benjie expresses a desire to collaborate with Jamie Stegmaier. He admires Stegmaier's positive attitude towards the community, appreciating the collaborative spirit that extends beyond a one-person show. Benjie values the energy and ethos Stegmaier brings to the industry.
Design Resources: Play Games and Learn
Benjie's recommendation for aspiring board game designers is straightforward: play games. Drawing parallels to the advice he received for writing, he believes that experiencing games firsthand is the best teacher. By being aware of the gaming landscape and reflecting on personal preferences, designers can learn valuable lessons that shape their own creative endeavors.
Book on Design: "Luck, Logic, and White Lies"
In terms of design resources, Benjie is reading "Luck, Logic, and White Lies," a comprehensive exploration of mathematics in game design. While acknowledging its challenging content, he believes it holds essential information for designers seeking a deeper understanding of the mathematical foundations behind their games.
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