Roxley Games

Roxley Games Company Profile: Innovators Behind the Legendary Santorini Board Game

Roxley Games has built its reputation on delivering high-quality, highly thematic, and visually stunning board games that resonate with players of all experience levels. As a boutique board game publisher, Roxley isn’t interested in flooding the market—they’re focused on crafting memorable experiences that blend top-tier design, exceptional component quality, and replayability. Their games are inventive, beautiful, and bursting with personality.

At the heart of Roxley Games’ success story is the Santorini board game, a modern reimagining of a beloved abstract strategy game. With the release of Santorini 2E, Roxley has cemented its legacy by evolving its most iconic title with refined rules, updated components, and even more divine possibilities. Roxley Games is aiming to attract both casual gamers and hardcore strategists with Santorini, showcasing its versatility and depth. Many reviews and player experiences were shared in April, highlighting the game's popularity during that time. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a seasoned strategist, Roxley Games has likely made its mark on your collection or gaming table—and their trajectory shows no signs of slowing down.

Introduction and History

Santorini is an accessible strategy game that has captured the hearts of gamers of all ages. Rooted in a rich history, the game was designed to provide gameplay depth and content that even hardcore gamers can explore. As an abstract game, Santorini can be played by 2-4 players, making it an excellent option for families, casual gamers, and even elementary school classrooms. Its simple yet challenging gameplay has made it a favorite among those who enjoy strategy and puzzle-solving. Whether you’re constructing towers or outmaneuvering opponents, Santorini offers a timeless and engaging experience.

Origins of Roxley Games

Roxley Games was founded with a simple mission: to create games that are both innovative in mechanics and breathtaking in presentation. Based in Calgary, Alberta, Roxley started as a passion project and quickly grew into one of the most exciting publishers in the tabletop industry.

From their first titles like Super Motherload and Steampunk Rally to the genre-defining Brass: Birmingham (now one of the highest-rated games on BoardGameGeek), Roxley has consistently punched above its weight. The company’s approach focuses on designing experiences that are both accessible to new players and rewarding for veterans—striking a rare balance that has won over fans across the globe. Players did not expect to enjoy the game as much as they did. Each move in Santorini is important for winning, emphasizing the strategic depth of the game.

But among all of Roxley’s creations, the Santorini board game stands as a shining symbol of their design philosophy.

Game Design Philosophy

The design philosophy behind Santorini centers on delivering a unique and innovative gaming experience. The creators aimed to craft an abstract game that offers variable player powers, gameplay depth, and high replayability. The mechanics, such as moving builders to neighboring spaces, stepping up to the same level, or building a level adjacent to the builder, are designed to be easy to learn but difficult to master. The game’s beautiful and polished design makes it a pleasure to play, and its addictive gameplay has earned it a special place in the hearts of gamers. Each turn consists of strategic decisions that keep players engaged and coming back for more.

Santorini: An Abstract Game Masterpiece Reborn

Originally designed by Gordon Hamilton, Santorini began as a handmade abstract game in the early 2000s. It quickly gained a cult following for its simple yet deep gameplay and three-dimensional architecture. But it was Roxley’s 2016 Kickstarter relaunch of the game that transformed it into a global phenomenon.

Santorini, as published by Roxley Games, is a gorgeous, fast-paced abstract strategy game that challenges players to build and climb towers on the Greek island of Santorini, while attempting to outmaneuver their opponents and reach the top level first. Players move their builder pawns to adjacent spaces, and a player wins if their builder reaches the third level.

What made Roxley’s version unique wasn’t just the gameplay—it was the stunning 3D board, charming miniature builders, and the addition of variable player powers inspired by Greek gods. This infusion of mythology added an entirely new layer of asymmetry and replayability, turning a tight two-player abstract into a dynamic arena of divine influence. Players move their builder pawns into a neighboring space and then construct buildings adjacent to their moved builder. Constructing on different building levels is crucial, and when a builder steps up to the third level, a dome is placed to remove that space from play. The two main actions in each turn involve moving and constructing, and the goal is to win by having a builder reach the third level, emphasizing the strategic aspects required for winning.

Since its release, the Santorini board game has become a mainstay in households and board game cafes worldwide, often praised in reviews for being both visually delightful and intellectually challenging.

Santorini 2E: A Divine Return

In response to years of community feedback and growing demand, Roxley Games unveiled Santorini 2E—the highly anticipated second edition of their hit game. Santorini 2E preserves everything players loved about the original: the elegant ruleset, the 3D stacking mechanics, and the fast-paced, chess-like gameplay. But it also includes refinements that make it even more accessible, balanced, and content-rich.

This updated version features:

• Streamlined rulebooks for faster onboarding

• A revised pantheon of gods and goddesses with rebalanced abilities

• Enhanced components and new sculpted minis

• Expanded player count and solo rules to reach broader audiences

One of the key gameplay mechanics involves placing a building level adjacent to the player's mover, adding a layer of spatial strategy and decision-making. Reviews have praised the game's strategic depth and replayability.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering the island for the first time, Santorini 2E offers a fresh way to experience the beloved game with polished design and deep replayability.

For collectors and new gamers alike, this version of the Santorini board game is a standout product in Roxley’s catalog—and a strong recommendation for those seeking a modern classic with mythological flair.

Why Players Love Santorini

What sets Santorini and Santorini 2E apart from other abstract games is the way Roxley marries minimalist mechanics with maximalist aesthetics. In under 20 minutes, players can engage in a brain-burning battle of wits while marveling at the rising skyline of blue-domed buildings. It’s a tactile joy, one that is incredibly teachable but endlessly challenging, making it simple enough for an elementary school classroom.

The addition of divine powers ensures that no two games feel the same. Players can choose from a wide selection of gods, each providing a unique twist to the base rules—creating hundreds of matchups and strategic possibilities. The strategic gameplay can be compared to the end game of a chess match, where each move is crucial and resources are limited. The number of game rules and steps involved in gameplay adds to the depth and complexity, making every game unique.

The game also accommodates players of all skill levels. Beginners can play without powers, while seasoned players can dive into complex god matchups and house tournaments. This scalability has made Santorini one of the most recommended strategy games for both families and competitive gamers. People of all ages can enjoy the game, and many have played Santorini several times due to its engaging gameplay. Placing a dome on the third level removes that space from play, adding a layer of strategic decision-making. The different positions on the game board where players can move their builders and build structures further enhance the tactical elements of the game.

Target Audience

Santorini is a game that appeals to players of all ages and skill levels. Suitable for players aged 8 and above, it is an excellent option for families and casual gamers. However, the game’s depth and complexity also make it an attractive choice for hardcore gamers seeking a challenge. The simple rules and easy-to-learn gameplay make it an ideal introduction to strategy games for new players, while the high level of replayability and variable player powers ensure that experienced gamers will enjoy it time and time again. Whether you’re new to the world of board games or a seasoned strategist, Santorini has something to offer.

Beyond Santorini: Roxley’s Growing Catalog

While the Santorini board game is a major milestone in the company’s history, Roxley Games has continued to impress with other notable titles:

• Brass: Birmingham – A reimagining of the Martin Wallace economic strategy game, now considered one of the greatest board games of all time.

• Radlands – A post-apocalyptic two-player duel game filled with stunning neon art and clever combos.

• Dice Throne (via partnership) – A combat-driven dice game with asymmetrical characters and gorgeous production.

Roxley's games, like Ticket to Ride Jr., are popular among families, emphasizing their strategic elements and accessibility.

Across all its products, Roxley’s dedication to premium materials, excellent graphic design, and mechanical clarity shines through. The game's production quality includes features that protect it from damage, such as being unaffected by water.

Each game they release demonstrates a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what tabletop games can look and feel like, ensuring that players have an awful lot of fun while enjoying strategic depth and tactile immersion.

Awards and Recognition

Santorini has received widespread critical acclaim and is recognized as one of the best games of its kind. The game has won numerous awards and has been nominated for several others, including the prestigious Spiel des Jahres award. Its innovative design and addictive gameplay have made it a favorite among gamers and critics alike. Santorini is widely regarded as one of the best abstract games available, and its accolades are a testament to its quality and appeal.

Community, Kickstarters, and the Roxley Philosophy

One of Roxley’s defining characteristics is its transparency and community engagement, particularly through crowdfunding platforms. Most of their flagship titles, including the original Santorini and its successors, were funded via Kickstarter, where Roxley built trust through frequent updates, detailed campaign pages, and high-quality previews.

Players who back Roxley projects know they’re getting more than just a game—they’re becoming part of a dedicated community that values craftsmanship and innovation. Roxley continues to offer outstanding customer support, regular product updates, and full access to rulebooks, reviews, and community-driven content through their website and social platforms. Establishing the notability of the topic in relation to Wikipedia's guidelines is crucial, as it underscores the significance of Roxley's approach within the broader context of company and organization articles.

Their emphasis on continuous improvement and player feedback is one reason why Santorini 2E exists at all. Roxley listened, refined, and relaunched the game in a way that honors its roots while welcoming new players into its mythological world.

Roxley Games’ Mission

Roxley Games, a publishing firm located in Calgary, Alberta, is dedicated to creating and publishing innovative and engaging games that provide a unique gaming experience. The company is committed to producing high-quality games that are both fun and challenging, designed to be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels. Roxley Games is passionate about building a community of gamers who share their love for gaming and their commitment to excellence. Their mission is reflected in every game they produce, ensuring that each title offers a memorable and rewarding experience.

Company Values

At Roxley Games, the company values are centered around innovation, quality, and community. They are committed to creating games that are innovative, engaging, and fun, and they strive to produce high-quality games that meet the highest standards of design and production. Roxley Games values its community of gamers and is dedicated to building a loyal following of players who share their passion for gaming. These values are evident in their games, which are designed to be enjoyable, challenging, and rewarding. Roxley’s commitment to excellence has made them a respected and trusted name in the gaming industry. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting out, Roxley Games has something to offer, ensuring hours of entertainment and enjoyment.

The Future of Roxley Games

As Roxley looks toward the future, its focus remains steadfast: publish only the best games, and do it with integrity, elegance, and artistic brilliance. While the gaming world continues to evolve, Roxley has positioned itself as a leader in quality and design sensibility, with games like Santorini serving as benchmarks for what’s possible when form meets function.

With continued support from the gaming community and a relentless drive to innovate, Roxley is poised to deliver even more groundbreaking titles that push the boundaries of what tabletop games can be. Many families discovered the game in March, leading to an increase in interest and popularity.

Whether you’re constructing towers on a mythical island, running a Victorian industry in the age of steam, or surviving wastelands in head-to-head duels, Roxley Games ensures your table is filled with creativity, competition, and unforgettable moments.

Final Thoughts: Why Roxley and Santorini Matter

In a world crowded with board game publishers, Roxley Games stands out as a boutique brand that delivers elevated experiences with timeless replayability. Their ability to take a minimalist design like Santorini and transform it into a modern masterpiece is a testament to their design vision and player-first approach.

With Santorini 2E, Roxley Games has proven that they not only understand what players love—but are willing to evolve with them. Many players have played Santorini several times due to its engaging gameplay. It’s this dedication that keeps their titles at the top of wishlists, on shelves, and on game night tables around the world.

Whether you’re new to the hobby or a seasoned gamer, Roxley’s catalog—anchored by the iconic Santorini board game—is worth exploring, collecting, and celebrating.