ZEnobia is a third-century queen of Palmyra presenting herself as the heir to the Hellenistic kingdoms of the Seleucids and Ptolemies, who ruled a multilingual and multicultural quasi-empire, gathering around her renowned intellectuals and philosophers, and encouraging a high degree of religious tolerance.
But since 2021, it is also a j2s prize awarded by a renowned jury (we find in particular Volko Ruhnke, author of the COIN series, Candice Harris of BoardGameGeek, or Damon Stone, main author of Netrunner) directed now by Akar Bharadvaj (the first winner of the prize in 2021 as we will see below) and Christienne Hinz (author and history professor).
A mentoring program to encourage diversity in the creation of historical-themed games
This is a special distinction that is part of a mentoring program. The latter aims to support game authors from traditionally under-represented groups (as Elizabeth Hargrave points out in a tweet on the low number of women among the Spiel des Jahres finalists). In this context, participants design and submit game prototypes exploring historical themes.
This prize therefore aims to highlight the creations of women, people of color or even the LGBTQ community who explore areas of human history that have until now often been neglected or ignored, covering political, social, cultural and scientific affairs. , economic or military. Throughout the design process, competitors benefit from coaching and feedback from prize members, to help them make the best progress towards a published game.
“Whatever her fate, Zenobia demonstrated remarkable strength and daring, while proving to be a wise and enlightened ruler, and we are proud to name our prize after her.”
The first Zenobia 2021 prize made it possible, in the space of 11 months, to reduce some 150 applications for 46 proposals to eight finalists.
After a whole selection process, three winners emerged from the program: Tyranny of Blood by Akar Bharadvaj dealing with a “hierarchical system that has oppressed people throughout history” and modeling the rise and fall of British colonialism in India from 1750 to 1947; Winter Rabbit by Will Thompson in second place who tells the story of the Cherokee people, and finally Eternal Life by Alison Collins in third place, where you play as historians trying to unravel the ancient mysteries of Machu Picchu.
The 2024 jury in full debate
“This year, the Zenobia judges had a very difficult time narrowing down the number of semi-finalists (37) to nine finalists (as announced in September), and even more difficult to choose the winner!” writes Akar Bharadvaj.
The finalists for the 2024 Zenobia Prize
The nine finalists are: Aguirre, House of Wisdom, Melaka – The Forgotten Empire, Obraje, An Outstreched Hand, The Porters, The Pursuit of Aguinaldo, Sabotage The Raj et Silence.
And there are winners! With in first place: The Portersa game exploring the struggle of black Canadian railroad workers in the early 20th century to overcome racism and organize unions. The judges praised the intelligence of designthe “unique and captivating” theme, as well as the game's “original balance of organizing a labor movement while having a tiring full-time job.” The trio of authors, Lucas Cockburn, Neco Cockburn and Alex Goss, win $1,000 and a travel grant worth the equivalent to a gaming convention of their choice.
This year's other finalists are Melaka : the Forgotten Empire d'Effendy Norzaman et Silence by Luis Salas, who will both receive a prize of $500. Melakaand 4x with action selection and so-called rondel mechanics, tells the story of the Melaka Sultanate in the Malay Peninsula, where nobles loyal to the Sultan attempt to build a great empire. In Silenceyou play the role of members of a Mexican community trying to find missing loved ones following cartel violence.
Bharadvaj said: “If the first Zenobia competition is anything to go by, many of these games are expected to be released in the next few years.” Titles published as part of the inaugural Zenobia Prize include Dutch Resistance : Orange Shall Overcome by Marcel Köhler, Rising Waters Scout Blum et Betrayed by Lolo Gonzalez, but other opuses will arrive soon including Molly House de Jo Kelly and Cole Wehrle (chez Wehrlegig), Publish or Perish : Eternal Life by Alison Collins (at WizKids) and Kartini : From Darkness To Light de Sherria Ayuandini (chez Ion Game Design).
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