The New Classics

The New Classics

July 17, 2020

The New Classics
by: Matt Ryan


When first starting my job at Bezier Games, the titles I considered classic were the typical games most families had on their shelves. We had Monopoly, Uno, and games that you found at the local Toys R Us. It only took a few days for me to come to the realization that what I had always deemed as “classics” didn’t truly fit the definition of the word. Judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind; that is what it means to be classic. It sets a high bar, and one that is not easily achieved. So what does it take to make one? What kind of special efforts can you take to ensure that you are living up to such a high standard?


At Bezier Games, we strive to make sure our games withstand the test of time, and also stand out within the industry. This is not an easy task, but we put a lot of time and effort toward each title we release to create something truly special, sometimes even multiple years! We take great pride in this business model and that is exactly why Bezier Games uses the slogan, “The New Classics;” creating these unique games to bring people together is the very core of what we do. 

One Night Ultimate Werewolf World Championship, Gen Con 2019

Where does it all start? Between submissions from designers and the many ideas created in house, we have an overwhelming catalog of games we could potentially bring to life. When choosing these we look for great mechanics and creative themes. From there we do heavy in house playtesting to make sure that the chosen title has something that we see solid potential in. You can only create something truly great if you believe in it.


From there, the development process begins. Development can be a grueling process; balancing a game, getting the theme correct, playtesting locally, reworking, then starting it all over again. You have to listen to honest feedback from large groups of people and figure out how to implement that feedback into the next iteration; this happens many times just like the editing process for a book. This can last for a couple months or even several years, but this fine tuning is the most crucial part of creating a classic. 

Keith Kubarek, App Developer, playtesting Whistle Mountain, 2020

The playtesting aspect of development  is the number one thing you must do to create a classic game, it takes hundreds of playthroughs to get things just right. Does it have replayability? Is the theme engaging enough? Are the mechanics fun and exciting? Is anything broken or unbalanced? Sometimes the feedback isn’t positive, but it’s important to be able to listen and understand why the playtesters may feel that way. Playtesting also acts like a brainstorming session to add or remove things from the game. As you watch the game evolve and grow into a published title, it really takes a village to turn it into a classic.

Matt Ryan, Tradeshow Manager, Playtesting Maglev Metro, 2020

 

While we are in the development stages, we also have many other things going on in the background as well. We are also seeking the right artist for the project, the graphic design team is working on symbology, the marketing team is deciding on release dates and launch plans. All of these cogs in the wheel can have a huge impact on making it something special.

 

Maglev Metro prototype, 2020

 

We are passionate about the connections that boardgames create between people; making New Classics is what we are committed to for that very reason. Personally, I have some of my fondest memories of spending time with my family playing games, and it was always what we considered the classics (Trivial Pursuit, Cribbage, Euchre). Bezier Games’ mission  is to create that for others, people creating those special memories and enjoying each other's company. It is very easy to get lost in the busy day to day, but breaking out a boardgame allows us to be present and focus on just spending time together. With so many great titles out there, and more coming out everyday, it can be a challenge to choose. We urge you to visit our website and see what we offer; there is everything from games to play with your family (New York Slice, Cabo), strategy games for hobbyists (Suburbia, Castles of Mad King Ludwig), or fun games to break out at a party (Werewords, Ultimate Werewolf). 

Visiting Tantrum House & playing Maglev Metro, 2020

Creating games that will hold up to that standard isn’t always easy and we don’t always achieve it, but we do commit to striving for it with each title we release now and in the future. What do you consider a classic? Have any of our games created special moments for you? Please share them with us on social media, our team absolutely loves hearing stories from our fans; we even make time to read them in our weekly company meetings! Thank you all for supporting us and our goal to create “The New Classics.