Reiner Knizia — Systems for Publishing 700+ Games, Crafting Profound Gameplay from Simple Rules, Innovations in Scoring and Auction Systems, and The Joy of Tabletop Gaming (#52)
Join us in this episode as we chat with the legendary Reiner Knizia, the mastermind behind over 700 games. With a Ph.D. in mathematics, Reiner transitioned from banking to establish one of the most recognized and enjoyed brands in the gaming world. From his early titles like Gold Digger and Desperados, his influence spans collaborations with global licenses such as The Lord of the Rings, LEGO, and Star Wars. With over 13 million sales worldwide, standout titles include his acclaimed auction and tile-laying trilogies. It was an absolute pleasure to explore his game design philosophy!
Reiner Knizia on Game Design Philosophy (34:09.33 – 36:08.14):Tigris and Euphrates
“I’ve studied mathematics. I have a scientific mind. And, of course, science tries to bring order into things by generating, discovering, or introducing general principles, and that’s what I like to try with my rules.”
In this segment, Reiner Knizia delves deep into his philosophy on game design. He underscores the significance of embedding general principles within game rules. For Knizia, the magic of a game doesn’t necessarily lie in its complexity but in its ability to offer profound gameplay experiences through simple rules.
Discussion on Scoring Systems (37:15.65 – 37:59.10):
“The scoring drives the gameplay.”
Scoring systems, as Reiner Knizia points out, can be a game-changer, both literally and figuratively. He highlights the innovative approach he took with “Tigris and Euphrates,” where there is an emphasis on the weakest color, a move that drastically alters player objectives. This approach, he believes, drives gameplay, making it more engaging and strategic.
Auction Systems in Games (41:43.30 – 44:47.74):
“You need to have something depleting so that people run out of resources. But then, if they overbid once from ignorance, they shouldn’t be out of the game. So you need to find something that people, if they are unreasonable and want to win everything, hurt themselves and are limited by the system.”
Auction-based games come with their own set of challenges, and Knizia doesn’t shy away from discussing them. He emphasizes the need for a balanced system where all players remain engaged. One of the key challenges he identifies is preventing a single player from dominating through excessive bidding. He offers a solution, suggesting,
Trends in the Gaming Industry (47:50.71 – 49:53.25):
“Everybody knows it’s impossible to foresee trends… The only people who don’t believe it’s impossible are the marketing people who always tell you what it is.”
Predicting trends is a tricky business, and Knizia candidly admits its unpredictability. While he acknowledges the importance of innovation, he cautions against blindly chasing trends. Instead, he believes in the authenticity of design and staying true to one’s vision. He humorously notes,
Closing Thoughts (53:38.45 – 54:22.58):
“As long as people sit around one table and play a game together. The world will be a better place.”
As the discussion winds down, Reiner Knizia offers some heartfelt advice. He encourages everyone to continue playing games, emphasizing their power to foster connections and bring joy. He firmly believes that games have the potential to make the world a better place.
