Brandy McPherson
Xbox Revives the Zoo Tycoon Franchise with a New Board Game
The Return of Zoo Tycoon
After a long hiatus, the beloved Zoo Tycoon series is making a comeback. Microsoft, the publisher behind the franchise, has announced the release of a licensed board game titled “Zoo Tycoon: The Board Game.” The last installment of the video game series was released back in 2013, making this new adaptation a highly anticipated event for fans.
The board game version of Zoo Tycoon, created by German designers Marc Dür and Samuel Luterbacher, allows 1-4 players to build and manage their dream zoo. Set across seven rounds of play, players start with an empty park and limited funds. It’s up to them to strategically develop their zoo by adding new attractions, such as food booths, zoo shops, and various species to attract visitors.
A Balance Between Popularity and Conservation
Zoo Tycoon: The Board Game is not just about creating the biggest and most extravagant zoo; it also introduces a core theme of balancing popularity and conservation. In the game, players must find the right equilibrium between attracting visitors and prioritizing the well-being and conservation of the zoo’s inhabitants. This strategic element adds depth to gameplay and keeps players engaged throughout.
The game’s official description states, “In Zoo Tycoon: The Board Game, 1-4 players compete to build the most recognized zoo. In this strategic and thematic board game, each player has the freedom to develop their own zoo with 35 species, food booths, zoo shops, and many more attractions. However, the goal is to find the right balance between Popularity and Conservation.”
A Grateful Gesture from Xbox Game Studios
According to Xbox Game Studios executive producer Robert Jerauld, Zoo Tycoon: The Board Game is a heartfelt tribute to the passionate fans of the franchise. While the video game series may not be currently in active development, Jerauld emphasized the importance of appreciating and acknowledging the dedicated community that has kept the magic of Zoo Tycoon alive.
Jerauld’s statement to Xbox Wire read as follows: “It’s crucial to recognize that even if certain franchises aren’t currently undergoing active development, they can still be actively appreciated by their fans. Zoo Tycoon serves as a prime illustration of this. It presents a valuable chance for Microsoft to extend gratitude to the dedicated and ardent Zoo Tycoon fans who have worked tirelessly to sustain the game’s enchantment. We acknowledge your dedication and deeply appreciate you.”
A Promising Start
Zoo Tycoon: The Board Game has evidently generated a significant amount of excitement among Xbox enthusiasts. The game’s Deluxe version was initially marketed through a Kickstarter campaign, which quickly surpassed its funding goal by raising more than seven times the original target. This overwhelming support demonstrates the enduring popularity of the Zoo Tycoon franchise and signals its potential for continued success in new forms.
Moreover, Jerauld hinted at the possibility of future board game adaptations of Xbox IPs. If Zoo Tycoon: The Board Game proves to be a success, it may pave the way for more innovative spin-offs from other well-loved Xbox franchises.
Try It for Yourself
If you’re eager to dive into the world of Zoo Tycoon: The Board Game, the Deluxe version is available for purchase on Treecer. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the video game series or simply enjoy strategic, thematic board games, this adaptation offers a unique and engaging experience for players of all backgrounds.
Future Possibilities
As the excitement builds around Zoo Tycoon: The Board Game, fans and gamers alike are left wondering which Xbox IP could be the next to receive a board game adaptation. With the success of this venture potentially paving the way for more, the possibilities are endless. Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know which Xbox franchise you’d like to see on your tabletop!
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