Interview with Danny Devine, co-author of Expansiópolis

We interviewed Danny Devine , co-author of our two games ' Caravan to the West ' and ' Expansionpolis ', on the occasion of the launch of the latter.

  1. What do you like most about Expansiópolis and why would you recommend it?
    I love the brain-burning puzzle the game presents. I think it's incredibly rewarding to be able to place a card that helps you score in different ways. I would recommend the game to all players who enjoy racking their brains trying to figure out the optimal way to place the cards. I think the game excels in that regard.
  2. Is it more difficult to design a game with only 18 cards?
    Designing a fun and functional game with 18 cards is quite a challenge. But in a way, limitations are good because they force me and the other authors to think differently and find clever solutions.

    I don't think Expansiópolis would be a better game using 54 cards. The limitations are what have made Expansiópolis such a portable and quick-to-play game, which are two of the most important requirements for sales.
  3. How do you start designing a game? Theme or mechanics?
    It all depends. With Expansiópolis, we started with the mechanics. We already had the successful precedent of Caravana al Oeste, and our goal was to use the same mechanics but make it cooperative. The initial idea for the theme was building Egyptian pyramids, but our North American publisher changed it to building cities, and I think they made the right choice.
  4. Tell us your top 3 games today.
    Lord of Vegas , Marvel Legendary and Stockpile .
  5. What does it mean to you to see your game published in Spanish by Salt and Pepper Games?
    It's so exciting! The idea of ​​other people who don't speak your language playing your game is fantastic. Not to mention, the game's name sounds so much more amazing and elegant in Spanish.
  6. Are you working on new designs?
    We're very busy working on more games in the style of Caravan to the West and Expansiópolis . Our goal is to create a range of games that share the same concepts but have different objectives. And of course, they'll all be in a small format.