A multimedia graphic designer in Sydney has levelled-up on his idea to create a Cape Breton based board game. Darren Power is picking up the pace after seven years of planning, thanks to what seemed to be an innocuous Facebook post that sparked a social media frenzy.
It's basically a map of Cape Breton in the likeness of the board game Risk. Continents and countries are replaced by Island communities such as Sydney, Whycocomagh and L'Ardoise to give it a homegrown feel.
His friend Brendan Gillis posted a picture of the map (which is big enough to cover the top of your kitchen table) on Facebook earlier this week. goCapeBreton.com found the post and shared it the following day. The post went viral and was viewed over 20,000 times. The rest, as they say, is history.
Power says the response is humbling and encouraging.
Power says the response is humbling and encouraging.
"It was more than I expected," says Power. "I thought there would be a little bit of interest from my friends, or from people who like Risk. I was really surprised to see that people were asking where they can buy it, not just Cape Bretoners, people from all across the country."
Power says the prototype is untitled and strategies are also a work in progress, but his board game experience is unfolding into an adventure that is unlike the warmongering nature of Risk -- where one nation "conquers" another.
"The new concept is about growth instead of destroying another nation. It's about cultures working together rather than against each other like players do for Risk. The cultures for the (Cape Breton) game include First Nations, French, the Celts and we just added the Barbarians. The players use all of the cultures together. You're not just using one culture. You're using all your citizens and resources to grow your communities and expand to push the other players out of your turf."
Power says the recent surge of interest is an awakening and a "kick in the butt," but he has more reasons than one to increase the momentum. Many enthusiasts say board games are making a comeback, as designers focus on sophisticated tactics and mechanics. Power says gamers are captivated more than ever because of the improvements, and hopefully this will spawn an entrepreneurial opportunity.
What's the next move for Power? He says finalizing rules, concepts and scenarios are underway. Play-testing will begin as soon as possible.
What do you think? Would you be interested in a Cape Breton board game?
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