The Adaptation of Don’t Starve into a Board Game
The iconic survival game Don’t Starve is getting the tabletop treatment with a board game adaptation in the works. Glass Cannon Unplugged, known for translating popular series like Frostpunk and Diablo into board games, is partnering with Klei Entertainment, the original video game developer, to bring Don’t Starve: The Board Game to life. The game is expected to launch through a Kickstarter campaign in late 2024, according to a recent announcement.
Design and Development Details
Don’t Starve: The Board Game is being crafted by the team behind Frostpunk: The Board Game. Lead developer Rafał Pieczyński, known for his work on the Frostpunk adaptation, is spearheading the design for the Don’t Starve board game. Collaborating on the project are Jakub Wiśniewski, designer of the board game version of This War Of Mine, and Natanel Vo-Apfel, known for Into The Outside: Prelude, providing narrative direction. For more information and updates on Don’t Starve: The Board Game, interested fans can visit the Kickstarter page.
The Legacy of Don’t Starve
The original Don’t Starve revolves around a scientist named Wilson who finds himself in a bleak world known as the Constant. Combining fast-paced roguelike elements with survival gameplay mechanics like crafting and building, the game features a quirky yet dark atmosphere and a visually striking 2D art style reminiscent of a Tim Burton movie. Launched in 2013, Don’t Starve has become a favorite among survival game enthusiasts, with Klei Entertainment still releasing DLCs and updates over a decade later.
Gameplay and Features
Each session of Don’t Starve: The Board Game is expected to last between 60 to 90 minutes and accommodate 1-4 players. The game’s visual design will stay true to the whimsical art style beloved by fans of the series. Players will embody characters from the video game as they collaborate to outwit the environment and combat the various monsters present in the Constant. Highlighting key elements from the source material, the board game will emphasize player choice, dynamic combat, and exploration in both day and night settings, as stated in the release.
Future Plans and Expansions
According to the press release, the upcoming board game is just the beginning. The team intends to introduce additional content through expansions, add-ons, and future retail releases. So for those eager to test their survival skills against menacing creatures, there will be plenty of opportunities to do so.