The Master and Maker of The Settlers of Catan Game
For most of his life Klaus Teuber followed in his fatherň€™s footsteps as he worked in and managed the familyň€™s dental business.Ň He used game play and development to relieve the stress of his job. He never intended them as a career, only a fun hobby to clear his mind. His first published game was entitled Barbossa, published in 1988. It was followed by two other games before Teuber created Settlers. All were well-received but none had the instantaneous and long-lasting popularity of Catan. In 1999, four years after the release of The Settlers of Catan game, Klaus was able to devote himself to game design and marketing on a full-time basis. Since then he has been a partner in two game companies including one he shares with his son, Guido, to manage The Settlers of Catan and its resulting series.The inspiration for his games usually comes from a story. When he finds a story that he likes, he wants to be able to really experience and live it out through a game.Ň Teuber feels that sitting down to a game should erase differences and bring people together. He designs his games with a delicate balance between strategy and chance. This means that the playing field is relatively even.Ň A newbie has as good a chance as an experienced player if he plans carefully and luck is with him.Ň This is part of the magic that makes The Settlers of Catan game appealing to both serious gamers and casual players.
In an interview with Pulp Gamer , Teuber spoke about his methods for developing games and the progression from game tinkerer to worldwide success.Ň His secret is very simple and one that applies to every area of lifeň€”love what you do, and your passion and a little patience will see you through.