Stories & Games

Deep dives into fictional games, their mechanics, origins, and the culture of tabletop gaming in Australia.

Game Design

Outback Legends: A Journey Through Dreamtime

Explore the mechanics and storytelling behind our cooperative game set in mythical Australian landscapes.

Origin Story

Born from conversations with indigenous storytellers, honoring the dreamtime narratives and connection to land.

How to Play

Players work together as ancient spirits, navigating dreamtime paths by solving nature-based puzzles. Each turn reveals new challenges that require combining elemental powers. Victory comes from restoring balance to all sacred sites before the cycle ends.

Mechanics

Reef Architects: Building Underwater Worlds

Discover how coral placement and marine ecosystems create strategic depth in this environmental game.

Origin Story

Conceived while diving the Great Barrier Reef, capturing the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.

How to Play

Players are reef architects placing coral tiles to create thriving ecosystems. Each coral type attracts specific marine life, creating symbiotic chains. Score points by achieving biodiversity goals while adapting to ocean conditions.

Culture

Gaming Under the Stars

How outdoor board gaming became a cherished Australian tradition, from beach picnics to camping trips.

Origin Story

Inspired by countless nights playing games around campfires and on coastal shores.

Game Design

Desert Nomads: Trading in the Red Center

Survival, strategy, and social dynamics in the harsh beauty of Australia's interior.

Origin Story

Created during a road trip across the Nullarbor Plain, inspired by the vastness and resilience of desert travelers.

How to Play

Trade goods with other nomads while managing precious water and supplies. Navigate sandstorms, establish camps, and form temporary alliances. The player with the most successful trading routes when resources deplete wins.

Community

The Rise of Indie Tabletop in Australia

Exploring the thriving community of independent game designers across the continent.

Origin Story

Documenting the creative explosion in Australian indie game design.

Game Design

Eucalyptus Grove: Seasons of Growth

A peaceful strategy game celebrating biodiversity and the resilience of Australian forests.

Origin Story

Inspired by bushwalks through ancient forests, celebrating biodiversity and regeneration after fire.

How to Play

Plant diverse eucalyptus species, attract native wildlife, and manage seasonal events. Each tree has unique properties that benefit different animals. Create the most biodiverse grove by balancing growth, fire recovery, and wildlife habitats.