When we first envisioned Emberlings, we wanted to create something truly special — a game that would spark the imagination, offer strategic depth, and bring people together. To accomplish this, we partnered with ZU Studios and their founder and lead designer, Josh Bakken, a like-minded team who not only shared our vision but had also pioneered a fresh approach to game mechanics — one that we knew would bring a unique twist to Emberlings. This partnership became the foundation of an unforgettable adventure in game design.
In early discussions with ZU Studios‘ founder, Josh, we quickly saw that our goals aligned. His background in gaming was inspiring — he’d fallen in love with games from a young age, starting with chess, and later got into the nitty-gritty of professional game development through roles at EA and Hasbro.
For him, games weren’t just entertainment but a space for community and creativity. His early experiences with Magic: The Gathering in its infancy helped inspire a love for the art of game mechanics and game design: he admired the creativity it fostered in the community, the camaraderie, and the unique gameplay it inspired. However, as Magic grew Josh sensed a change. What once was a fairly casual and individual creative experience seemed to become much more competitive and formulaic. There were fewer smiles and less laughter which lessened the joy that initially drew him in.
This passion for keeping gaming lighthearted and playful informed the design of ZU Tiles. With ZU Studios, Josh wanted his games to be whimsical, accessible, and above all, fun. That’s how ZU Tiles was born — a tile game inspired by the lunar zodiac, where animals come alive in charming, and strategic ways.
When Emberlings was just a concept, we wanted it to be more than just another game. Inspired by one co-founder’s daughter and her love for dragons, we envisioned a world where players could hatch, nurture, and battle with their own baby dragons.
The adorable creatures and intriguing worldbuilding would capture the hearts of players, while the strategic tile-placement mechanics would keep even the most competitive gamers engaged. ZU Tiles’ approach to compatibility and elemental symbols gave Emberlings an additional layer of strategic depth, with each move bringing new opportunities to outwit your opponents.
ZU Tiles mechanics were perfect for Emberlings. Their compatibility system, drawn from the lunar zodiac, allowed us to explore new dynamics in tile-based strategy. Instead of traditional cards, ZU Tiles used precise, satisfying tiles that snapped into place — ideal for Emberlings‘ board setup. As players place tiles, they not only hatch their dragon eggs but also battle in the sky, build mystic squares, explore floating islands, and claim magical treasure. These layered mechanics gave us the structure to build a game that’s easy to pick up but tough to master.
We wanted Emberlings to transport players into a fantasy world as rich and captivating as the game mechanics themselves. For this, we collaborated with talented artists to create whimsical baby dragons and vibrant landscapes. Each dragon is unique, and the magical islands they explore are designed to immerse players in a land of treasures, rivalries, and surprises.
Building Emberlings has been a journey of creativity, strategy, and collaboration. From partnering with ZU Studios to crafting adorable dragon characters and intricate game mechanics, we’ve poured our passion into every detail.
With Emberlings, we’re offering a new, fun twist on strategy gaming — one where every move has the power to change the game.
As we prepare for launch, we want you to join the adventure! Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop with updates, exclusive sneak peeks, and early-bird offers on Kickstarter. We can’t wait for you to experience the magic of Emberlings. Will your dragon rise above the rest? The skies are waiting!
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