Board game designer Klaus Teuber, creator of The Settlers of Catan, died on April 1 after “a brief and severe illness.” He was 70 years old. Teuber’s family confirmed the death of the game’s creator in a press release on his company’s website.
Widely regarded as one of the most influential modern board games, The Settlers of Catan – later renamed Katan – was first published in Germany in 1995. That same year it won the Spiel des Jahres, one of the most prestigious board game awards. Inspired by tales of Viking exploration, the non-violent experience gathers players together on a remote island, where they must use communication, negotiation and a little bluff to progress. An economic simulation at the heart, Katan and its iconic resources, such as wood and sheep, helped to bridge the board game hobby for countless players around the world. More than 40 million copies have been sold in more than 40 languages, said the publisher.
Teuber remained close to his creation throughout his life and performed personal design work on many of his creations Katan‘s more than 50 extensions. That includes Catan 3D, with elaborate tiles and tokens he sculpted by hand. his memoirs, My Journey to Catanwas published in 2021.
“We mourn the passing of Klaus Teuber,” Catan’s official website said. “The Teuber family respectfully requests the opportunity to privately say goodbye to their loved one and be given the space they need to grieve.”