:::
Bossa, a simple yet stylish game for two: Episode 10
Written by Hiroshi Maeda, Bossa team leader
:::
:::
Hello everyone! Today, we would like to introduce Bossa's flagship THE ART edition series in more detail than on the Kickstarter project main page.
:::
Bossa's very first planned specification, was “THE ART edition”.
We love game design and are very passionate about creating board games. On the other hand, we are also a graphic arts and product design studio that has been active for decades before we started designing games. So the way we make games is a bit different from the typical way, usually the design of the game system and the components start at the same time, and the work is always done in parallel.
The components we had in mind at the very beginning of Bossa's design are almost THE ART edition's specifications. The tiles have a beautiful cross-section and a pleasant texture and weight. We believed that this should enhance the simple yet intelligent game system.
:::
Initial design sketch, tiles were planned in 8 layers. (2021)
:::
The title, a combination of alphabet and kanji, was chosen from approximately 100 candidates by team members. (2021)
:::
However, as the first edition of Bossa, we made the decision to release the STANDARD edition, with its reasonable price and casual specifications. This is because we have come to the conclusion that our priority should be to make it possible for more people to enjoy Bossa in a casual way.
Bossa STANDARD was first unveiled at the Tokyo Game Market in the fall of 2021. Thanks to the positive feedback from the game fan visitors, the first production lot was almost sold out in two days.
:::
THE ART edition, once abandoned, is back on Kickstarter!
THE ART edition was once removed from the product plan, but we still did not want to give up. We decided to seek support on Kickstarter in 2022, in the hope that there might be a small number of people in the world who could share the beauty and quality of Bossa's components.
Thankfully, we received far more backers than we had expected, THE ART editions "mizu" and "hana", as well as the CLASSIC editions became a reality.
:::
THE ART "mizu": 9-layer cross section inspired by clear water (2022)
:::
THE ART "hana": 9-layer cross section inspired by flower gardens (2022)
:::
And the new edition "yuki" in 2023
THE ART edition series features 9-layer paper tiles with beautiful cross sections inspired by the natural aspects of the earth we live on. The new edition for 2023, "yuki", is based on the design concept of a snowy landscape.
:::
New edition THE ART “yuki”: 9-layer cross section inspired by a snowy landscape
:::
The material of the 9-layer structure is dyed paper. Unlike printed paper, dyed paper is colored not only on the surface, but the entire paper to the cross section. We are combining nine sheets of dyed paper of different colors to design a "landscape" on the cross section. Naturally, the process of design work involves repeated trial and error, trying out different combinations from hundreds of paper samples before deciding on a single combination.
:::
Design Process Video (→ YouTube)
:::
Expressive "yuki" dot tiles
The surface of the "yuki" dot tiles is a semi-reflective paper of a light blue color with a slight silver tinge, which is difficult to describe in words. Semi-reflective means that they are not too reflective, so they do not interfere with game play, and like snow, they have the beauty of showing different expressions from different angles. This is a unique feature that differs from the solid-color surfaces of "mizu" and "hana. In fact, each photo shows a different color, so you may wonder, "Which one is the real color?” But all of them are true colors.
THE ART "yuki" dot tiles
:::
“yuki” dot tiles close-up
:::
“yuki” dot tiles close-up from another angle
:::
Comfortable weight and feel
“Yuki” tiles measure 1.4" (35 mm) x 1.4" (35 mm) x 0.18" (4.5 mm). This is larger than STANDARD tiles and thicker than CLASSIC/CLASSIC-neo ones.
Each tile weighs 0.2 oz (4.5 g), more than twice the 0.07 oz (2.0 g) of the CLASSIC/CLASSIC-neo tile. It has a pleasant weight feeling when held in the hand.
:::
“yuki” dot tile: Comfortable weight when held in the hand
:::
Black and white dots are foil stamped and slightly debossed. The surface is gloss coated as a protective layer. The back side is a Japanese textured paper (same as "hana") with a light varnish finish. It is very elegant to the touch. And the cross-sectional texture is also uniquely pleasant to the touch.
:::
Dot tile backs: "yuki" (right) with Japanese-style embossed patterned paper, and CLASSIC (left) with plain texture.
:::
The unique texture of the cross section of "yuki" is also pleasant to the touch.
:::
"yuki" action marker with calm tones
THE ART edition series action markers are designed to be easily distinguished from dot tiles. They are made of a material with a different feel and thinner thickness than the dot tiles. Icons are silver-color foil stamped.
The base color is coordinated with the hue of the dot tiles in each edition. The "yuki" action markers are slightly less saturated than "mizu" and "hana" to create a calmer tone.
:::
Action markers: THE ART "mizu" (left), "hana" (center), and "yuki" (right)
:::
Handmade by a single skilled artisan
Each tile and marker of THE ART edition series is handcrafted. Its quality requires a very high level of skill, delicate handwork, and artistic sensibility (this is important!), and only one paper craft artisan is able to produce THE ART edition. It is Mr. Masayuki Tadokoro, with whom our studio has worked for decades.
He is just amazing, and we will have another update post about his work later.
:::
Using a magnifying glass to inspect the finished product of THE ART "hana"
:::
Beautiful components in a beautiful box
As I introduced in our last episode post, the "Yuki" box has a snowy, sparkling surface material, a Japanese octagonal shape, elegant and functional strings and tassels, and the components are beautifully housed in the body box. A pocket on the back of the lid neatly stores instructions and a serial number certificate.
Beautiful even to the part of being invisible – "Yuki" is THE ART quality not only in its components but also in its box.
:::
THE ART "yuki" packaging (Prototype, undergoing modification for Modifier chips)
:::
It begins with opening the box, with beauty. And it continues until you close the box. Enriching your game time and play experience with its beauty. That is what Bossa THE ART edition brings to you.
Thank you for reading. And thank you again for your support of our project.
We hope that Bossa will become a valuable part of your collection and that you will enjoy playing the game for many years to come.
Hiroshi MAEDA, Team Leader
:::
If you would like the 2022 editions of "mizu" and "hana”
THE ART edition "mizu" and "hana" are available through the Bossa late pledge campaign (Indiegogo) as "add-ons" to THE ART "yuki", CLASSIC-neo and STANDARD. Other than that, the 2022 editions are currently only available through our official online store in Japan. (https://banapuni.official.ec)
2022 editions "mizu" (left) and "hana" (center), 2023 edition "yuki" (right)
:::
Bossa 2023 new editions
Now accepting late pledges!
The Kickstarter campaign ended on February 23 with success!
Currently accepting late pledges on Indiegogo for worldwide shipping.
→ Bossa 2023 on Indiegogo
:::
