Sunderfolk: Bridging the Gap Between Tabletop and Video Games
Tabletop board games and video games, while enjoyable in their own right, often present challenges when it comes to gathering a group of friends with different schedules and varying levels of experience. Sunderfolk, an upcoming game from Secret Door and published by Dreamhaven Studios, aims to address this issue by combining the accessibility of Jackbox-style games with the mechanics and depth of tabletop RPGs. Led by Chris Sigaty, a Blizzard veteran and tabletop enthusiast, Sunderfolk strives to make game nights with friends easier by eliminating setup, reducing learning curves, and utilizing smartphones as both controllers and replacements for physical game components.
Dreamhaven Studios, founded by Mike Morhaime and his wife Amy after leaving Blizzard in 2019, offers a unique approach to game publishing. The studio provides equity to every employee and allows a great deal of autonomy to the studios under its umbrella, including Secret Door. Sigaty, the executive producer of popular Blizzard titles such as Hearthstone and StarCraft II, has assembled a team of talented developers with both video game and tabletop experience to bring Sunderfolk to life.
Sigaty’s passion for tabletop games is evident, and he believes that game nights should be enjoyed by a wider audience. Sunderfolk serves as Secret Door’s attempt to combine the best elements of video games and tabletop gaming while streamlining the experience. The goal is to invite more players into the game-night fold and provide an enjoyable and accessible experience that everyone can participate in.
One of the challenges faced by tabletop enthusiasts is introducing the hobby to new players. Tabletop jargon and mechanics can be overwhelming for newcomers, and experienced players often struggle with the task of teaching and explaining rules. Sunderfolk seeks to address this challenge by automating much of the gameplay, allowing the game to run itself and guiding players through the experience. By doing so, it becomes easier for newcomers to join in the fun and for experienced players to share their love of tabletop gaming with others.
In Sunderfolk, players use their smartphones as controllers and replacements for physical game components such as cards and tokens. This allows for both couch co-op on a TV and remote play on monitors, making it convenient for players to participate regardless of their location. The game utilizes QR-code scanning and Discord for seamless communication, skills that many of us acquired during the pandemic. With its emphasis on accessibility and convenience, Sunderfolk aims to bring people together for game nights, whether in person or remotely.
During a two-hour preview session of Sunderfolk, I had the opportunity to experience the game firsthand. Up to four players can choose from six anthropomorphized animal heroes and embark on a journey to save the fantasy town of Arden. Missions take place on a hex-based grid, where players strategize, defeat enemies, and achieve various objectives. The game encourages cooperative play, with players discussing and planning their moves together. Each player uses their phone to select actions and guide their character on the screen, streamlining the gameplay process.
One unique aspect of Sunderfolk is the incorporation of Fate cards. Each action draws from a player’s Fate deck, which consists of positive, negative, and “other” cards. The cards can modify attacks, add or subtract from outcomes, or provide other effects. As players progress, they can customize their Fate deck, ensuring that even negative outcomes still offer some benefits. This introduces an element of strategy and customization to the game, providing players with interesting choices and decisions to make.
Sunderfolk also integrates storytelling elements into its gameplay. Players are prompted to name various elements of the missions, adding a touch of creativity and personalization. The game features voice acting from Anjali Bhimani, known for her roles in Overwatch and Apex Legends, adding depth and immersion to the narrative. After each mission, players return to town where they can level up, interact with NPCs, and make decisions that impact the course of the game. The developers estimate that a first playthrough of Sunderfolk will take approximately 25-35 hours, providing players with a substantial gameplay experience.
One of the key goals of Sunderfolk is to create a game that appeals to both tabletop and video game audiences. Sigaty believes that by striking a balance between the depth of tabletop games and the accessibility of video games, Sunderfolk can serve as a bridge between the two communities. The game offers gameplay depth for tabletop enthusiasts while also providing a fun and engaging experience for newcomers. With its family-friendly content and emphasis on inclusivity, Sunderfolk aims to bring people together and create memorable experiences.
The decision to solely utilize smartphones as controllers may seem unusual at first, but it offers unique advantages. By optimizing the game for phone battery life and allowing for local network connections, Sunderfolk allows for easy setup and gameplay. Only one person needs to own the game, while others can join via a simple QR code scan. This approach serves as its own form of marketing, as players who experience Sunderfolk may be inspired to purchase the game for themselves and introduce it to others, much like players often acquire and share board games.
Developing an original property for multiple platforms is undoubtedly a challenge for Secret Door, especially as a new studio. Sigaty acknowledges the difficulty but sees it as an opportunity to create something special. Sunderfolk’s focus on inclusivity and accessibility sets it apart, and the team hopes to attract both tabletop and video game enthusiasts. By offering a unique gameplay experience that appeals to a wide range of players, Sunderfolk aims to bring people together and foster enjoyable and memorable game nights.
In conclusion, Sunderfolk represents an ambitious endeavor to bridge the gap between tabletop and video games. Led by Chris Sigaty and developed by Secret Door, this turn-based tactical RPG combines the depth and mechanics of tabletop games with the accessibility and convenience of video games. Through its use of smartphones as controllers and replacements for physical game components, Sunderfolk aims to eliminate setup, reduce learning curves, and make game nights more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. With its emphasis on inclusivity, storytelling, and cooperative play, Sunderfolk has the potential to bring people together and create memorable gaming experiences. As a unique and innovative fusion of two popular forms of gaming, Sunderfolk has the potential to carve out its own niche in the gaming industry.
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