The latest Gutenberg-themed product to come to Overmatter’s attention looks like a shoo-in for Printweek’s Christmas Gift Guide – yes, it’s Gutenberg the board game! 

The game is designed for up to four people. It’s described as “a mid-weight strategy game taking place in the 15th century”, where every player can be a printing pioneer. 

“By carrying out orders, they will build their wealth and fame. By improving their printing workshops and gaining the support of patrons, they will develop their production capacity. The game will be won by a printer who boasts the greatest recognition and wealth,” a result that will probably resonate with lots of actual print bosses.

Kudos to designers Katarzyna Cioch and Wojciech Wi´sniewski, and artist Rafał Szłapa for putting together the richly detailed game elements including 3D wooden letter blocks and gears that form part of the game play. Character cards include venerable printer-publisher Aldus Manutius. 

It also features coloured ink tokens that the great man would no doubt have been blown away by, back in the days of blackletter. 

The game costs €51 from Portal Games’ European webstore. See it played by board game experts Monique and Naveen here: bit.ly/GutenbergGame.