Witness History Creating the board game Catan
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Dec 26, 2025 
Benjamin Teuber, son of the late Klaus Teuber, shares captivating insights into the creation of Catan, the game that revolutionized board gaming. He recalls his father's humble beginnings hand-painting prototypes while balancing a dental career. The family’s playful game-testing rituals helped refine an intricate design into a beloved classic. Despite initial rejection from publishers, Klaus's persistence led to explosive success at the 1995 Nuremberg Toy Fair. Now, Benjamin and his brother guide the Catan legacy, honoring their father's vision and global impact.
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Basement Prototyping And Family Playtest
- Klaus Teuber developed Catan in his Frankfurt basement while working long hours at a dental laboratory to support his family.
- His children played prototypes on Sundays and helped handcraft pieces, creating a family-driven development process.
Why Catan Matched A New Gaming Era
- Catan combined short playtime, strategy and interactivity, fitting the rising Eurogame trend in the 1990s.
- That blend let it appeal to families and hobby gamers, changing modern board gaming's audience.
Early Rejections And Stubborn Persistence
- Publishers initially rejected Catan as too novel, dismissing hex tiles and the island theme and suggesting dinosaurs instead.
- Klaus refused to change the concept and kept refining the prototype until a small publisher took a chance.
