Short Wave A Board Game Where Birds (And Science) Win
Feb 21, 2020
Discover how the board game Wingspan merges ornithology with playful strategy. Explore its unique mechanics featuring 170 bird cards that reflect natural behaviors. Design creator Elizabeth Hargrave shares her journey of blending scientific accuracy with fun gaming. Dive into themes of birdwatching and ecological principles, as the game simulates a nature preserve. Learn how Wingspan is sparking a trend of educational family game nights, making science engaging for all ages.
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Bird Enthusiast's Home
- Emily Kwong met Wingspan designer Elizabeth Hargrave at her Maryland home.
- The home reflects Hargrave's love for birds, with bird feeders, a birdbath, and gardens.
Inspiration for Wingspan
- Hargrave's game group discussed the lack of nature-themed board games.
- This inspired her to create Wingspan, a game about bird collection.
Bird-Centric Resources
- Hargrave designed Wingspan's resources to reflect a bird's perspective.
- Instead of wood or ore, players collect food like seeds, fruit, and invertebrates.
