The designer behind board game mega-hits Root and Arcs is leaving the publisher to create his own studio.
Revealed via Leder Games earlier this week, Cole Wehrle says that he and long-time collaborator Kyle Ferrin (who’s illustrated many of Wehrle’s tabletop projects in his signature style) “will be forming an entirely new company called Buried Giant Studios.” Although Leder is retaining control of the Root IP, it has agreed to sell Wehrle the rights to Arcs and another game he designed, Oaths. Because Wehrle is responsible for beloved titles that are often included amongst the best board games of recent years, it’s a significant move.
Taking off
If you’ve yet to try Wehrle and Ferrin’s most recent game, Arcs, it’s well worth a look – our review says it “provides players with a whole lot of game in a small package, and offers flexibility in ways to play.” You can currently pick it up for $51.29 at Amazon rather than $60.
Wehrle and Ferrin are therefore aiming to establish Buried Giant Studios with Cole’s brother Drew, Ted Caya, and other longstanding collaborators over the coming weeks. Leder is also selling them ownership of Oaths and Arcs.
Buried Giant’s first order of business is to handle fulfillment of expansion Oath: New Foundations alongside producing an add-on to Arcs, but new projects have been promised too.
So, what about Root? Wehrle notes that the series which allowed Leder to triple its staff size and move offices twice “will remain at Leder Games. In addition, if additional illustration is needed, Kyle will be able to support the game. I’m happy to take a look at whatever new factions the team might cook up, though the world of Root has no shortage of talented designers and interesting ideas.”
Because of how potent the Wehrle-Ferrin combo has become (it’s an instantly recognizable art-style paired with consistently innovative design), this initially comes across as a huge loss for Leder… but a win for gamers. It sounds as though both parties wished to go in different directions creatively, so both are now free to pursue those interests without being hampered or stepping on toes. That’s a net positive for us, because now we can look forward to more cool stuff. I don’t know about you, but I’ll never say no to that.
For more tabletop goodies, be sure to check out the best 2-player board games or the best card games.
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