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Catan in new dimensions: HNU students develop board game with a vision for the future

01.12.2023, Study:

As part of the Game Production and Management (B.A.) degree program at Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences, students have reimagined the classic board game “The Settlers of Catan.” The project, entitled “Catan – New Dimensions,” combines the familiar game mechanics with a highly topical issue: resource scarcity.

The story takes humanity far beyond the boundaries of Earth. After leaving their home planet, players settle on a new planetary constellation. However, the 18 planets offer only limited resources. To survive, players must build space stations, outposts, and warp gates, act skillfully, and respond strategically to events. New game elements such as event cards and the environmentalist card open up additional tactical possibilities. Victory goes to the player who first reaches the required number of victory points.

 

The project was developed in the Game Design course in the winter semester 2020/21 under the supervision of Prof. Michael Hebel.

 

With “Catan – New Dimensions,” the students have not only reinterpreted a well-known game, but also created awareness of the challenges of our future – in a playful, creative, and innovative way.