The Creation of the Settlers of Catan
Games from Germany have come to represent a set of high-quality, social games. German-style games is a standard phrase for a class of game with an emphasis on player interaction, visual-appealing components, and the role of strategy. The Settlers of Catan was by no means the first German game to reach America, but its unprecedented popularity has helped bring German-style games to the forefront of both the casual and serious gaming communities.Settlers of Catan is the brainchild of Klaus Teuber.Ҡ It was released in 1995 after Teuber had already created and published three games. Settlers is intended to bring people together--whether family or friends--and its origins reflect this purpose.Ҡ Although the premise and basic concepts for the game were developed by Teuber alone, it was a family affair from the beginning. All of Teubers games underwent many test sessions with his wife and kids. The Settlers of Catan is no exception. If the family wasnt engaged enough in the game, Teuber would return to his workshop for adjustments. He refined the game over several years and didnt declare it finished until his family truly loved the game and spent every session happily and intensely involved in game play. Teuber knew with Settlers that he had something exceptional. In an interview with Wired Magazine, he was quoted as saying I felt like I was discovering something and not creating it[i].
But the success of Settlers did not stop with the first game.Ҡ Teuber, who continues to share a great deal of game development with his family, has come out with an entire Catan Series. The series includes everything from prequels to expansion packs, historical scenarios to space exploration, Rockman to telecommunications, and much more. The Settlers of Catan is a living example of what one game with humble family origins can do.