Obit: Klaus Teuber, Pioneering German Board Game Designer "The Father of Catan" Passes Away

Klaus Teuber, the German board game designer and creator of The Settlers of Catan, passed away on April 1, 2023 at the age of 70. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of popularizing and diversifying the selections available within the global board game industry.

April 1, 2023

April 11, 2023

A picture of Klaus Teuber, German board game designer

Klaus Teuber, the pioneering German board game designer and creator of iconic strategy title The Settlers of Catan, passed away on April 1, 2023 at the age of 70. Teuber leaves behind a lasting legacy of popularizing and diversifying the selections available within the global board game industry.

Early Life and Design Career

Klaus Teuber was born to a family of five in Germany in 1953. Growing up in a creative and entrepreneurial environment, he began his life-long journey of trying to invent new products and experiences. After studying economics at the University of Bamberg, Teuber began working as a dental technician in 1977 while also crafting an array of entertaining and innovative games in his free time—a craft he would eventually develop into a full-time business.

Worldwide Success and Innovations

In 1995, Teuber launched his most well-known creation, The Settlers of Catan, which he co-developed with his son Benjamin. The game proved to be an immense success, becoming one of the most popular board games of all time, enjoyed by millions around the world. His success continued to build over the years, and by 2013, his iconic game had been translated into more than 30 languages, received multiple awards, and spawned a range of spin-off games, expansions and expansions sets. Teuber also created numerous other memorable titles such as Leinen Los!, Barbarossa, and Entdecker, propelling the global presence of German-style board games.

Legacy

Klaus Teuber’s impact on the board gaming industry can be felt throughout the world, as he used his creativity and resourcefulness to make strategic gameplay accessible for both hardcore gamers and casual players alike. His influence can be seen in the board games of today, with many developers citing his work as an inspiration. His legacy will live on through the legacy of Catan users, who continue to play the game that he brought to the world.

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