Designer departs to launch new studio, bringing two cherished board game franchises along for the journey.

The mastermind behind the acclaimed board games Root and Arcs is branching out to launch his own studio.

Cole Wehrle recently announced, alongside his long-time collaborator Kyle Ferrin, that they will be establishing a new venture called Buried Giant Studios. While the Root intellectual property will remain with its current publisher, Wehrle has secured the rights to Arcs and another of his creations, Oaths. Given Wehrle’s track record of delivering some of the most beloved titles in recent board gaming history, this is a noteworthy development.

Importantly, this transition appears to be amicable, with Wehrle expressing gratitude for the support he has received from his former publisher. He noted that while his projects have posed challenges to the creative direction of the company, they have also led to a fair and innovative resolution. Wehrle emphasized that the team at Leder Games has always been committed to fostering creativity, even during this shift.

If you haven’t experienced Arcs yet, it’s definitely worth checking out. Reviews highlight its compact design that offers a wealth of gameplay options, and it’s currently available at a reduced price.

Wehrle and Ferrin are gearing up to build Buried Giant Studios alongside Cole’s brother Drew, Ted Caya, and other trusted collaborators. They will also be taking ownership of Oaths and Arcs.

The first tasks for Buried Giant will include fulfilling the expansion Oath: New Foundations and developing an add-on for Arcs, with additional projects on the horizon.

As for Root, Wehrle confirmed that the series, which has significantly contributed to the growth of Leder Games, will stay with the publisher. He also mentioned that if new illustrations are needed, Ferrin will be available to assist, and he is open to exploring new factions that may emerge from the talented design team at Leder.

While this change may seem like a big loss for Leder Games, it ultimately opens up new creative avenues for both parties. This separation allows them to pursue their respective visions without constraints, which is a win for gamers eager for fresh content. More exciting developments are on the way, and that’s something to look forward to.