In a thrilling conclusion to the Archimede Prize 2023, the board game “Rex Cracoviae” by the Cielo d’Oro collective from Saronno, Italy, emerged victorious. This win marks a remarkable achievement for the group, repeating their success from 2010 with “Aquileia.”
The Archimede Prize, a prestigious award in the board game industry, saw fierce competition this year with 238 prototypes submitted from various countries. The final decision came down to the last ballot, showcasing the high quality of entries and the difficulty in choosing a winner.
Dario De Toffoli, a key figure in the competition, praised “Rex Cracoviae” for its complex yet coherent architecture. He highlighted the game’s innovative features, including:
- Multiple ways to earn victory points
- Strategic activation of pawns in different board areas
- A unique repositioning mechanic for final scoring
The game’s design impressed industry professionals, with De Toffoli predicting international publication and noting significant interest from publishers.
The Cielo d’Oro collective, consisting of long-time friends from Saronno, expressed surprise at their win. They had submitted three different prototypes, considering “Rex Cracoviae” their most complex entry. This “complexity” ultimately set their game apart, capturing the jury’s attention and securing the top prize.
As the dust settles on this year’s competition, “Rex Cracoviae” stands as a testament to the power of innovative game design and the enduring appeal of board games across all age groups. The gaming community eagerly awaits the international release of this exciting new title.world.
