Laurie Buchanan was just 10 when he designed Wizerds, Warriors, & Werewolves. Now 15, he is seeing his creation reach players around the world, with the game published by Tycoon Games and available in the United States. It is due to launch in the UK and Europe soon.
For Christmas shoppers looking for a present that brings everyone to the table, this fantasy card-battling game promises a lot of adventure in a compact package.
Set in the magical realm of Entaria, players use Action Cards and their Champions’ special abilities to take on rivals, survive monsters and werewolves, and try to become the last Champion standing.
Laurie wanted to create a “take-that” fantasy game filled with action and mischief. His goal, as he explains in the rulebook, was to make playing feel like “epic wizard mayhem” in just 15 to 20 minutes. That short playing time could make it a handy choice for family gatherings, while the rules are recommended for players aged eight and above.
Laurie’s love of games began early. He had been playing with his family since he was four, and his childhood idea has since travelled well beyond the playtesting table. The game has appeared at Gen Con in the United States and UK Games Expo, and Laurie is set to demonstrate it to an international audience at SPIEL Essen in Germany, on the Tycoon Games booth, 5A110.
Dan, founder of Tycoon Games, says his first game brought back the “pure, unbridled joy of silly fun adventures around the table.”
Laurie is thrilled that the publisher is helping him share his game with players worldwide. For him, designing games is a way to channel his creativity, and he hopes his ideas will help people feel good and make happy memories together.
With room for two to eight players, an age recommendation of eight-plus and a playing time of around 20 minutes, Wizerds, Warriors, & Werewolves could make a spirited Christmas gift for families, friends and tabletop gaming fans. Its journey from a 10-year-old’s idea to an international release is an inspiring reminder that big creative adventures can begin at any age.
Game details: Wizerds, Warriors, & Werewolves, published by Tycoon Games. Two to eight players, ages eight and up, approximately 20 minutes. MSRP: $25. More information is available at TycoonGames.com.