The tabletop renaissance has created audiences more diverse than ever, even for niche genres like historical board games and war games. Now a new mentoring program, led by a blue ribbon panel from Industry experts, hopes to diversify the roster of tabletop gaming designers as well.
Called the Zenobia PrizeOrganizers say the competition is open to anyone from an under-represented (non-white, non-male) group, “including women, colored people and LGBTQ + people”. Three winners will receive a cash prize and mentoring for their design from a long list of industry experts.
The selection panel includes well-known academics, journalists, and tabletop influencers, as well as some of the best designers in the field today. Fans of the genre will recognize panel members Jason Matthews, co-designer of the legendary Twilight Fight; Volko Ruhnke, creator of the COIN series of counterinsurgency wargames; and Cole Wehrle, creator of Oath: Chronicles of Empire and Exile
But the real draw here is the eight Finaliststhat were unveiled on Sunday. Their game suggestions include some really fascinating stories, all rendered using some of the most advanced modern board game systems on the market.
From the announcement on Sunday:
From darkness to light by Sherria Ayaundini
Late 19th – early 19th century
Social and cultural history board game
Manage your school during Indonesia’s struggle for independence, take girls from different islands to become politicians, fighters, patrons or teachers, promote the education of women and fight for the freedom of the nation.
Liberation – Haiti by Damon Stone
1789-1794
Board game on military and political history
Play as enslaved Africans and maroons (escaped slaves) fighting for abolition and equality against the French colonial government, the slave-owner militias, foreign armies and even the surrounding area of the island itself.
Molly house by Joseph Kelly
Early 18th century
Social and cultural history board game
Work together as gender hostile gays to meet secretly in the Londoner Molly houses, plan Molly House events and make people happy about the resistance of the societies to the reformation of morals, informants and the danger of arrest.
Orange should overcome! by Marcel Köhler
1940-1945
Military history board game
Use teamwork and make the characters’ personal decisions based on real-life members of the resistance to the German occupation of the Netherlands.
The season by Lauren Ino
1811-1820
Social and cultural history board game
As the head of a country noble family during the English reign, manage the activities and education of the young women in your household while maintaining their reputations, health, finances, marital status and skills.
Tyranny of blood by Akar Bharadvaj
1700-1947
Society history board game
Indian caste system in British colonialism: During the rise and fall of colonialism and the resulting social displacement, shape the nation-state for the benefit of your caste with its own actions and paths to victory.
Wiñay Kawsay by Alison Collins
1911-2012
Board game on the history of science and culture
Historians have argued over the function of Machu Picchu for decades, wavering between newly scrutinized evidence and charismatic historians building elaborate myths. Explore this enigmatic wonder and challenge your perception of history.
Winter rabbit by Will Thompson
Early 16th century
Board game on economic and cultural history
Explore a pre-Columbian economic system based on reciprocity and communal needs rather than supply and demand. Prepare your Cherokee village for winter while a Trickster Rabbit of Cherokee lore disrupts your work.
Each of these games sounds like something that would be mind blowing on the table, but only three will win a prize. These eight finalists were drawn from 46 proposals and the winners will be selected by October 15th.
These three are then taken from the price list of the Mentors. With a little luck, the game will be picked up by one of the others Top tier publisher Partnership with the program including Academy Games, GMT Games and Osprey Games. You can read more on the official website.
