The theme is the "story" of the game.  Theme helps players remember mechanics and helps engage the players in the game experience.

When designing a game, sometimes the designer has a clear theme in mind which helps guide design decisions.  This was not the case for Bullfrogs.  I designed this game entirely without a theme.  

After I got it to a good spot design-wise and was happy with the mechanics, I quickly started trying to figure out what the theme should be.  After each playtest, I asked testers what they “felt” like when they were playing it.  Testers used words like "pop" and "jump" and "attack" when referring to cards and cubes moving around on a table.   I listened closely and started brainstorming.

My requirements: Family friendly, something fairly unique, nothing that screams "kid's game", and something that meshes well with the mechanics of the game.

So, I started tracked all the ideas that I had come up with and testers had provided.  I also solicited the opinions of the design community over at BGG here.  

I got some great suggestions.  From hipsters changing fashions to pirate traffic jams.  In the end, my wife's idea of frogs fighting over lily pads on a pond was the obvious choice.  I think it's a fun theme and I hope players find it entertaining as well.

Try out the Print and Play version of Bullfrogs under the "Games" tab, and imagine one of the other themes on the tracking list linked above.  What would you have picked?

Till next time.

Keith

Once I knew I wanted to jump into boardgame publishing, the first tough hurdle to get over, surprisingly, was deciding on a name!  I tossed around different names for over a year until I finally decided on one.  Here's the story and what it means to me.

I have a son.  He's 2.  On the 4th of July this year, we went to the fireworks show with my wife and mother in northern Wisconsin.  We let my son stay up late to see it, but were nervous he might be scared of the loud booms.  We set up our blanket on the grass and found just the right spot to watch the display.  As the first colorful explosions light up the sky, my son looked up in awe and says "Oooh.  Thunderworks!".  I heard that and thought it would be a cool name for a game company.  So, it came to pass.

To me, fireworks mean something that's beautiful, fun, surprising and awe-inspiring.  Fireworks are also enjoyed with groups of people as a community as well as in groups of friends and family.  Games are enjoyed the same way, and I'd love it if people found my productions beautiful, fun, surprising and awesome. :)  I also love that my company is named after something my son came up with.   

So, keep an eye out for Thunderworks Games info coming soon.  I have a snazzy new logo coming from the talented Luis Francisco, who is also working on a new version of Coup for the Brazil market.  It's looking pretty awesome as well. 

Till next time.

Keith