CATAN
Studio’s
forthcoming CATAN – New Energies ushers players into a
reality more reflective of our modern world with a compelling blend of strategy,
sustainability and societal progress. This latest update to the beloved game
challenges players to navigate a pivotal crossroads in the island of Catan's
history, set in the modern day.
Gone are the days of the island's pre-industrial past: This latest version of
Catan demands energy to fuel its growth. CATAN – New Energies seamlessly merges
the beloved gameplay of classic CATAN with a contemporary twist, presenting
players with a pertinent dilemma: spend resources to invest in clean,
sustainable energy sources or opt for cheaper, yet environmentally damaging,
fossil fuels. And along the way, the specter of pollution looms large —
threatening to disrupt resource production and causing disasters.
Since its release in 1995 as The Settlers of CATAN, over 40 million games
have been sold worldwide and it is available in over 40 languages — making CATAN
one of the best-selling board games of all
time, and a powerful
vehicle for themes and
challenges
reflective of some of the most pressing global issues we have ever faced.
"Gaming has an incredible power to reflect real-world challenges and inspire
thoughtful conversations," says Benjamin
Teuber, managing director at
CATAN GmbH and co-designer of the game. He and his father, Klaus
Teuber, completed the gameplay
design of New Energies before the famed founder died earlier this year.
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"As we designed this game, my dad said, 'A game is an experience — not a
lecture.' Therefore, we are not telling players how to act best; we're inviting
them to learn and draw their own conclusions through play," he said.
In New Energies, fossil-fuel power plants allow players to develop faster — and,
in workshops of the new game, Teuber told
NPR
that often led them to over-pollute. But that pollution would create
catastrophes that affect all players, not just the polluting player.
Image credit: CATAN
Studio
“[But then] we had heavy discussions afterwards,” Teuber said. “We all felt kind
of bad, and we learned a thing or two. And the next game, we played differently.
And that is, for me, very nice to hear that this has an effect.”
As players shift them to renewable plants throughout the course of the game,
rewards replace pollution and its related catastrophes — incentivizing
environmental consciousness.
As with all CATAN games, there are multiple paths to victory — and true to real
life, the "greenest" player will not always win. Yet, the eventual transition to
clean energy is crucial. Rising pollution levels demand collective mitigation.
If left unchecked, high pollution levels trigger an early end of the game, in
which case, the champion of sustainability emerges victorious.
Along with the more conscientious themes of gameplay, CATAN – New Energies has
been thoughtfully developed and produced to lower its impact. The English
edition will be printed and assembled in the US using sustainable wood and
paper sources and no plastic components.
Combining engaging gameplay mechanics with a powerful sustainability narrative,
CATAN – New Energies demonstrates the game company’s commitment to fostering
meaningful experiences that inspire important conversations. It's poised not
only to engage seasoned CATAN enthusiasts and newcomers but also to resonate
with a global community dedicated to shaping a sustainable future.
CATAN – New Energies arrives in stores this summer.
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Sustainable Brands Staff
Published Apr 17, 2024 2pm EDT / 11am PDT / 7pm BST / 8pm CEST