Catan creator, board game pioneer Klaus Teuber dead at 70

Board game designer Klaus Teuber, creator of Catan’s Settlers, died on April 1 after “a brief and severe illness.” He was 70 years old. Teuber’s family confirmed the game creator’s death in a news release on his company’s website.

It is widely regarded as the best modern board game. Catan’s Settlers — later rebranded as Catan — was first published in Germany in 1995. That same year it won the Spiel des Jahres, among board gaming’s most prestigious awards. The non-violent adventure is inspired by stories of Viking exploration. It brings together players on an isolated island where communication, negotiation and some bluffing are required to make it work. It is an economic simulation. CatanThe game’s legendary resources of wood and sheep were instrumental in establishing a path into the popular board-gaming hobby for millions. It has been published in 40 different languages and sold more than 40 million copies.

Image: Catan Studio/Asmodee

Teuber, who was involved in many design projects throughout his life, remained closely connected to his creation. Catan’s more than 50 expansions. This includes Catan 3DWith intricate tiles and tokens he hand-sculpted, His memoir, My Trip to CatanPublished in 2021.

“We mourn the passing of Klaus Teuber,” the official Catan website said. “The Teuber family respectfully requests the chance to bid farewell to their loved one in private and to be allowed the space they need to grieve.”