About the Game
The Botanist is an analog deck-building game designed to foreground social interaction, connection, and collective joy through fast-paced, seasonal competition. Drawing on recent game studies scholarship that frames partying as a structured, playful experience rooted in social rituals, this game embraces improvisation, shared excitement, and ephemeral moments of co-creation. Each match simulates a micro-ritual of gathering, tension, and celebration—mirroring the mechanics of party play, but embedded in a card-based structure. With a simple ruleset and quick gameplay, The Botanist emphasizes analog mechanics that catalyze physical engagement, mutual awareness, and communal energy, making it accessible and resonant across age groups. Inspired by the call to recognize and study forms of play beyond traditional digital games, this project positions analog game design as a vital platform for exploring the emotional and social dimensions of play, where laughter, strategy, and spontaneous chaos bloom like seasonal plants in a shared space.
The Botanist is an analog deck-building game designed to foreground social interaction, connection, and collective joy through fast-paced, seasonal competition. Drawing on recent game studies scholarship that frames partying as a structured, playful experience rooted in social rituals, this game embraces improvisation, shared excitement, and ephemeral moments of co-creation. Each match simulates a micro-ritual of gathering, tension, and celebration—mirroring the mechanics of party play, but embedded in a card-based structure. With a simple ruleset and quick gameplay, The Botanist emphasizes analog mechanics that catalyze physical engagement, mutual awareness, and communal energy, making it accessible and resonant across age groups. Inspired by the call to recognize and study forms of play beyond traditional digital games, this project positions analog game design as a vital platform for exploring the emotional and social dimensions of play, where laughter, strategy, and spontaneous chaos bloom like seasonal plants in a shared space.
Current Projects
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The Botanist
Get ready for the annual showdown in the Community Garden! Four green-thumbed buddies are on a mission to grow the ultimate seasonal plant. Each player races to gather the four key planting ingredients. Once a match is made, the mad dash for a Harvest Card begins. Fail to snag one, and you're out! The ultimate champion is the last one leaf-standing! Remember, only specific plants bloom in each season, so make sure your four-of-a-kind matches the season's flower to conquer the game! The object of the Game Players take turns trying to collect the four matching planting ingredients. Once someone does, everyone tries to grab a Harvest Card. Without a card, you are eliminated. The last player standing wins! Players: 2-4 Playtime: 5-10 minutes Age: 8+ |