Settlers of Catan - bringing the board game back

In a world consumed by interactive digital devices, one might consider the traditional board game a thing of the past. For the most part, that statement might be correct - if it weren't for the international sensation: Settlers of Catan.

Settlers of Catan was released in 1995 by Mayfair Games and soon caught the hearts of a small but dedicated following that has grown astronomically in little over a decade. Invented in the early 90s by German designer Klaus Teuber, Settlers of Catan has developed into a mainstream hit and can be found with a Gamingator promotional code at a discount.

Sales of the board game are nearing 25 million copies, according to The Atlantic, and it is quickly becoming the most popular board game since Risk and Monopoly. However, Settlers of Catan's features may make the game a greater success. The game involves less cut-throat action, takes considerably less time and involves equal parts skill and luck.

"Settlers is three to five years away from being a household word," Bob Carty, a spokesman for Mayfair Games told The Atlantic. Sales of the board game grew 35 percent over the course of 2010 alone.

The board game involves three to four players who battle each other to create cities, settlements, roads and armies by luck, strategy and experience. Each designated item requires a specific number and variety of resources (wheat, wood, rock, brick and sheep) to build and expand across the board. Each item is worth a specific point value based on its difficulty to achieve.

More than a few variations of the popular board have developed. The franchise now includes Seafarers, Cities and Knights, The Rivals for Catan, Rivals for Catan: Age of Darkness, Settlers of America: Trails to Rails and more. If you are interested in returning to the land of traditional boardgames for a night filled with fun, Settlers of Catan may be the game for you.

Due to the game's popularity, a free international forum and place of play has developed where players can battle against others across the globe in an effort to gain the championship title. There are also yearly conferences and tournaments offered for competition and a chance to see the Catan masters at work building and creating empires.

It's popularity spans people of all ages, social demographics and experiences. More than a few self-professed Catan geeks can be found on college campuses, book stores, coffee shops and individual households. Perhaps checking out a FOA Schwarz promotional code for $25 off orders greater than $150 may entice you to try out the game the next time you're looking for a new boardgame.