Short Wave Game Night With 'Shrooms
Oct 21, 2024
Join board game designer Elizabeth Hargrave, famed for Wingspan, as she dives into her latest creation, Undergrove, where players embody Douglas fir trees partnering with fungi. They explore the fascinating symbiotic relationships in nature, spotlighting how fungi and trees work together. Discover the challenges of translating complex ecological concepts into engaging gameplay, and learn how this innovative game heightens environmental awareness and inspires players to connect with the natural world.
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Mushroom House
- Emily Kwong visited Elizabeth Hargrave's home, which was filled with the aroma of cooking mushrooms.
- Hargrave, an avid forager, showed Kwong a Hen of the Woods mushroom from her fridge.
Fungal Networks
- Most fungal organisms exist underground year-round, sending up mushrooms when conditions are right.
- These mushrooms connect to mycelium, a network of filaments called hyphae, which gather nutrients and trade with trees.
Playing Undergrove
- Kwong and others played Undergrove, partnering with mushrooms and trading carbon for nutrient tokens.
- Plant biologist Max, Kwong's partner, enjoyed the game's accurate portrayal of photosynthesis using macronutrients.