The creator of the Catan board recreation has died

New York
CNN
 — 

Klaus Teuber, creator of the blockbuster board recreation Catan, has handed away.

“It’s with profound disappointment that we at Catan Studio acknowledge the passing of Klaus Teuber, legendary recreation designer and creator of the beloved board recreation Catan,” the sport writer’s mentioned in an announcement posted to Fb and different social media platforms Tuesday. “Our hearts exit to Klaus’ household throughout this extremely troublesome time.”

Teuber, born 1952, was “a sort and selfless human being, an inspirational chief,” the assertion reads, including that his “contributions to the board gaming business are immeasurable.”

The German designer first began creating video games within the Eighties, in keeping with the Catan web site. Catan, initially referred to as Settlers of Catan, got here out in 1995.

Within the multi-player recreation, rivals should settle the island of Catan utilizing assets like grain and lumber to construct their societies. Over time, Catan has turn into a large hit, paving the best way for extra intricate video games to be offered at big-box retailers.

A 2011 Atlantic article described “a small however passionate following” after the sport’s launch within the Nineties. However by 2011, Catan had turn into a family title.

“With gross sales nearing 25 million copies worldwide, Settlers of Catan is changing into the most well-liked board recreation since Threat and Monopoly,” in keeping with the Atlantic. In 2010, the journal reported, gross sales jumped 35%.

Since then, the sport has turn into part of mainstream gaming tradition, even increasing past its analog format. In 2019, Catan turned obtainable to play on the Nintendo Change.

And in early 2020, the corporate mentioned gross sales shot up as individuals sheltered at dwelling within the early days of the pandemic. “The corporate says gross sales skyrocketed by 144% for the primary 5 months of this yr,” NPR reported in 2020.

At this time, Catan is on the market in over 40 languages, in keeping with the sport’s website. Over 40 million video games have been offered.

In its assertion on Teuber’s passing, Catan Studios invited mourners to “honor Klaus’ reminiscence by being variety to at least one one other, pursuing your artistic passions fearlessly, and having fun with a recreation together with your family members.”

In feedback, individuals shared fond recollections of taking part in the sport.

“I’ll always remember the primary time I performed The Settler’s of Catan,” one individual wrote in a Fb remark beneath the announcement of Teuber’s dying. “I used to be so enthusiastic about how enjoyable this new recreation was that after I received dwelling from my buddy’s at 2 within the morning, I woke my spouse as much as inform her about it (she was not glad).” One other reported taking part in the sport with cousins after the passing of a grandparent.

“Thanks Klaus for the enjoyment you’ve gotten dropped at my life by way of the sensible recreation of Catan,” one other wrote. “Could the members of your staff proceed the superb work in your reminiscence.”