Games people play

"Board games are huge in Germany," said Young. "More Germans play board games than video games, and something named the game-of-the-year there sells millions. Catan is the most successful German game ever. So we're excited to introduce our version."

Because, he said, games have a lot to offer not only for pleasure but also for family development. "Games teach kids how to gracefully lose — and to gracefully win. Both are important. They make kids think. Games get kids away from TV and into a social environment where they interact with other people."

"Games build memories," added Molen. "They allow families and friends to have a wholesome, stimulating time."

While Young is fairly new to board games, Molen is a long-time fan. "My family was big into board games. We'd try to outdo each other; we were very competitive. Not everyone plays that way. And that's OK. What's good about our games is that they aren't just smart-people games. They are for everyone. My wife, who isn't a big game player, enjoys playing these."

Young and Molen are both married, and both have children; Young and his wife have three; the Molens have two.

"My 4-year-old even likes to play Ark of the Covenant, even though it's designed for older ages," said Molen.

"Games unite and uplift," added Young. They are just games — but they "create experiences that can bond families together."

---

E-MAIL: carma@desnews.com