The Glorious Guilds of Buttonville: A Designer Diary

By Erik Anderson Sundén

The journey behind the creation of The Glorious Guilds of Buttonville is a tale of collaboration and creativity. Designers Christian Kudahl and Erik Andersson Sundén embarked on their joint venture less than four years ago, driven by a mutual passion for innovative game design. Their initial conversations sparked a desire to create a game that would captivate players from the very first moment.

Key Features

  • Simple Core Mechanics: The game features an easy-to-understand system where players draw cards and play as many as they wish from a set, triggering various abilities.
  • Modular Design: Each game session allows players to select different stacks of cards, ensuring a unique experience every time and encouraging exploration of new combinations.
  • Diverse Gameplay: Depending on the card selections, the game can cater to families or challenge seasoned gamers, balancing casual play with strategic depth.
  • Rapid Development: The design process was energized by brainstorming sessions that quickly generated over 50 cards in just one day, showcasing the dynamic collaboration between the designers.
  • Publisher Interest: Following initial playtests, the game attracted the attention of Thorsten Gimmler from Ravensburger, who recognized its potential despite its early stage of development.
  • Structured Card Sets: The game’s design evolved to include grouped sets of cards with similar effects, adding strategic layers to gameplay and enhancing player experience.
  • Successful Playtesting: Continuous playtesting helped refine the game, focusing on clarity and accessibility while incorporating a few complex elements for variety.
  • Exciting Launch: The game premiered at SPIEL Essen 2025, where the designers celebrated the positive reception and engaged with enthusiastic players and fellow designers alike.

As the designers navigated the development process, they emphasized the importance of creating a game that is both fun and engaging. Erik and Christian’s partnership flourished as they built upon each other’s strengths, with Erik generating a wealth of ideas and Christian refining them into polished concepts. Their commitment to simplicity allowed the game to shine, making it accessible while still offering depth for strategic gameplay.

After months of hard work and dedication, the game was ready for its debut. The excitement at SPIEL Essen 2025 reflected the duo’s passion and the anticipation surrounding the game. They eagerly await its introduction to the American market at Gen Con, where they hope it will resonate with players just as it did during its development.

The story of The Glorious Guilds of Buttonville is not just about game mechanics; it is a testament to the power of collaboration and the joy of bringing a creative vision to life. As Erik and Christian continue their journey in the world of board games, they look forward to sharing their creation with players around the globe.

Via BoardGameGeek Blog