Evenglow Designer Diary: Never Tell Me The Odds
by Jason Katzwinkel
Creating a board game is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, often requiring a blend of creativity, persistence, and a pinch of luck. This narrative traces the evolution of a game that began as a simple concept and transformed into a published title called Evenglow.
Key Features of Evenglow
- Game Type: A roll-and-write game that evolved into a strategic card and tile game.
- Theme: Magical gardening, where players cultivate their potion gardens.
- Gameplay Mechanics: Players use dice rolls to assign resources strategically, enhancing decision-making.
- Components: The game features a blend of cards and tiles instead of the initial roll-and-write format.
- Target Audience: Suitable for casual gamers and families, appealing to a broad audience.
- Packaging: Originally envisioned in a mint tin, the final product is presented in a retail-friendly box.
The journey began in 2022 when Katzwinkel created a quick roll-and-write game called “Mirror Match.” Players rolled two six-sided dice and wrote down numbers in a mirrored fashion, aiming to create contiguous sets. While it garnered some interest, it lacked the depth needed for a lasting impression. After refining the concept, he rebranded the game as “Potion Patch,” infusing it with a magical gardening theme and enhancing the mechanics with additional dice and decision-making elements.
Despite feeling that Potion Patch was not yet ready for publishers, Katzwinkel held onto the idea. Fast forward to late 2024, he found himself preparing for his first board game convention, PAX Unplugged, with prototypes in tow. In a spur-of-the-moment decision, he included Potion Patch in his bag, hoping to gather feedback from fellow attendees.
At the convention, Katzwinkel experienced an unexpected twist when a scheduled meeting with a publisher was canceled. Amidst his disappointment, he encountered Pat Marino, the Director of Hobby Games for The Op, who was unaware of the meeting’s cancellation. This serendipitous encounter led to a valuable conversation about game design and pitching. When Marino inquired about other projects, Katzwinkel hesitated but ultimately decided to present Potion Patch, despite its rough state.
Marino’s feedback was honest yet encouraging, suggesting a shift away from the roll-and-write format and proposing a retail-ready version. Katzwinkel returned home and dedicated months to refining the game, transforming it into a product that met the publisher’s vision.
As the development continued, Katzwinkel showcased Potion Patch at The Unpub Festival, where he had the chance to reconnect with Marino. Their discussions led to further refinements, and soon after, Katzwinkel received a request for a print-and-play version of the game. Within weeks, he had a contract, and Potion Patch was officially set to be released as Evenglow.
The evolution of Evenglow serves as a testament to the importance of seizing opportunities and believing in one’s work. Katzwinkel’s journey was marked by numerous near-misses and moments of doubt, yet each step ultimately contributed to the game’s success. The story encourages aspiring game designers to embrace their creativity, persist through challenges, and seize the moment when opportunities arise. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the odds can be defied with a little faith and a willingness to take a chance.
Via BoardGameGeek Blog
