Most new games arrive on the scene with little fanfare—perhaps a short description, a few images, and that’s it. But every now and then, a designer pulls back the curtain and shares their journey through what’s known as a Designer Diary. This type of behind-the-scenes account lets us peek into the messy, experimental, and often surprising process of game creation.
So what is Leaping Lions really about?
At the surface, it’s playful: lions leaping, racing, and competing for dominance. But dig deeper, and you’ll see that the lions aren’t just a theme—they’re tied directly to how the game feels. Every leap, every move echoes the designer’s vision of agility and risk-taking. In this way, the theme and mechanics evolved together right from the start.
Three pillars of the design journey
-
A single mechanic sparks the idea
The whole project began with one concept: the “jump.” What started small soon became a system of timing, positioning, and asymmetry. A tiny movement grew into the foundation for an entire game.
-
Balancing skill with unpredictability
Good games ride the line between strategy and chance. Too much control, and the experience feels predictable. Too much randomness, and frustration replaces fun. For Leaping Lions, cards and resource management served as tools for influencing probability, striking a balance where players feel clever but never fully certain.
-
From scraps to prototype
The first version was far from glamorous—pen, paper, and eager players willing to test. Through iteration, rules were cut, mechanics refined, and the pace of play sharpened. What remained was pure and essential: speed, tension, and the delight of the perfect leap.
The role of theme and components
The final version wasn’t just rules—it was atmosphere. The board design suggested forward momentum, the lion figures conveyed individuality and strength, and every component served both function and story. The visual and tactile design pulled players directly into the drama of wild animals in contest.
Lessons from the lions
- Start small—one mechanic can grow into a full game.
- Testing shapes the design; keep what works, trim the rest.
- Let mechanics and theme grow alongside each other.
- Components aren’t just pieces—they’re storytelling tools.
Why it matters
Leaping Lions is more than another wildlife-themed title. It’s a case study in persistence, experimentation, and creative balance. The designer’s diary doesn’t just describe how one game got made, but also offers a window into the craft of board game design itself—the compromises, eureka moments, and countless hours of trial and error it takes to bring an idea to life.
A question for you
Do you love when mechanics naturally give rise to a theme, as in Leaping Lions? Or do you find stronger themes more compelling when they steer the gameplay from the very beginning? Which do you think makes for a more memorable experience at your table?