Ask any board game designer about their process for creating a new game and no two answers will be the same. For instance, some begin by building the game mechanics and apply a theme later, while others begin with a theme or concept and craft the mechanics beneath it. Designer Torben Ratzlaff, embraces the latter, beginning with a feeling, believing that idea can be transformed into a board game, and developing gameplay mechanics that support and enhance his vision.

Last month I had the chance to chat with Torben about game design and his experience as a tabletop board game creator. Torben is a Hamburg, Germany-based designer, artist, and developer and the creator of Shapes and Dreams, an imprint to publish tabletop board games that are meant to bring people together for enjoyable, out-of-the-box-thinking gaming experiences. One of Torben’s first tabletop games, Beacon Patrol, was released earlier this year.

You can listen to the audio recording of our interview below or read on for an edited transcript of the interview.

Solitary Quest