At the end of 2023, three friends launched an online appeal to raise money for ‘Ezra and Nehemiah’, one of only a handful of Christian strategy board games to exist. Their target was £11,000 – but they raised nearly £259,000.
‘Ezra and Nehemiah’ is the latest in a series of board games created by Shem Phillips at Garphill Games. When the Kickstarter appeal first launched in October, he expected around 2,000 people to give to the game – but 4,000 pledged their support. ‘It was a great result,’ Phillips commented to en. ‘It means we can print more copies, which brings the unit cost down slightly. But we are mostly excited that more people will get to enjoy the game.’
The idea to create a board game around the story of Ezra and Nehemiah first came to Phillips, a committed Christian, in 2013, but it wasn’t until 2020 that he and co-creator Sam Macdonald began working on it.
Commenting on why he chose the story of Ezra and Nehemiah, Phillips said: ‘Board games usually focus on some sort of human achievement – building cities, fighting, farming, etc. This works, because players want to feel like they have accomplished something by the end. But this is often the opposite to the Biblical narrative… the Bible points more to man’s need for God, rather than highlighting something good they’ve achieved. So, ‘Ezra and Nehemiah’, while still showing our many flaws, also has the people doing something, and accomplishing something for God. That’s why it works well for a board game.’
'It blows my mind that God can work through a few pieces of cardboard, wood, and plastic to minister to those who are hurting.’
'Ezra and Nehemiah' is the the fourth in an anthology of board games that each explore a different historical period, such as the Roman Empire and Scythia. The aim of the game is to be the player with the most Victory Points (VP) at the game’s end. Points are earned by building the temple, rebuilding the city walls and gates, and by teaching the Torah to the returning exiles.
A game with an impact
The Board Games industry has ‘made a roaring comeback’ in recent years. According to The Times, the market last year was worth $18.93 billion, and is predicted to reach nearly $40 billion in the next five years. There are at least 50 board game cafes now scattered across the UK.
‘The game will be what it will be, and I know that God will work through it as He pleases.' Shem commented, 'One hope I do have, is that it might help non-believers see the Bible in a more historical light.'
‘As a company, we always want to be an example of Christ. Remaining humble, and treating others as more significant than ourselves, as the apostle Paul puts it. On a deeper level, I know that everything I put my hands to should be done to glorify God. While most of our games don't touch on the topic of faith, I have heard so many stories of people finding hope and comfort through our board games while walking through difficult times. It blows my mind that God can work through a few pieces of cardboard, wood, and plastic to minister to those who are hurting.’
