Flameborn
Hybrid board game with app integration, tactical resource management, and minigames.
Project Overview
In just 10 weeks, we designed, developed, illustrated, and playtested Flameborn – a hybrid board game that merges the depth of analog play with engaging digital minigames. Our goal was to explore how AI can assist in creating a complex, tactical board game from scratch – a highly relevant topic during 2024, when AI tools experienced a massive surge in creative industries. All visual assets, including characters, environments, and item illustrations, were generated using a range of different AI image models, pushing the boundaries of what small teams can achieve under tight deadlines.
The game features a rich set of components: a detailed rulebook, a tactical gameboard, character sheets for ten unique heroes, ten hand-painted 3D miniatures, various markers (for characters, health, blessings, skills, attributes), specialized dice, and a large variety of cards covering quests, secret missions, events, and marketplace items. Together, these elements deliver a deep, strategic gameplay experience.
Award
At the end of the semester, there was an award show (see https://intr.hagenberg.media/) where projects from students of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th semester competed in various categories. My team won the Best Interactive Project award.
Rulebook
The rulebook covers all essential rules and mechanics, including setup, turn flow, and advanced gameplay elements. It's structured for quick reference and smooth onboarding—ideal for both new and experienced players.
Gameboard
The gameboard is the central playing field where all game actions unfold. It is accompanied by various markers and tokens, essential for tracking player progress and game states.
Cards
Cards shape quests, events, marketplace items, and secret missions, providing depth and strategic options to the gameplay. The game includes 134 Quest Cards (divided into easy, medium, and hard), 25 Secret Mission Cards, 75 Event Cards, and 20 Marketplace Cards. All cards are placed at the start of the game on designated, marked areas of the gameboard, ensuring consistent structure and fast setup.
Character Sheets
The game includes five double-sided character sheets showcasing 10 unique heroes. Each character has distinct abilities and playstyles designed to offer strategic depth and variety, allowing players to customize their gameplay experience and adapt to different challenges.
App with Minigames
The app integrates seamlessly with the board game and features a variety of minigames tied to different locations on the gameboard. These interactive challenges add depth and immersion, enhancing the overall gameplay experience and keeping players engaged throughout the session. The app component is optional, so the game remains fully playable without it.