The History of Stonemaier Games: From Viticulture to Smitten 2

Quick Answer

Stonemaier Games began with the critically acclaimed Viticulture in 2013 and has since released a diverse catalog including Scythe, Charterstone, and Expeditions. The company is known for its transparent design process and community engagement, with recent releases like smitten-2-6d4bfdb127e92ccb228ab5f4-898313">Smitten 2 continuing to evolve their approach.

Stonemaier Games has become a household name in the board gaming community, known for hits like Scythe and Viticulture. But how did the company start, and what key milestones have shaped its journey? This FAQ answers common questions about the history and evolution of Stonemaier Games, from its early days to the recent Smitten 2 expansion.

Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the hobby, understanding the company's background can deepen your appreciation for their games. Let's dive into the timeline, the design philosophy, and the pivotal releases that defined Stonemaier.

The Early Years: Viticulture and Beyond

Stonemaier Games was founded by Jamey Stegmaier in 2012, but its first major success came with Viticulture in 2013. Set in Tuscany, Viticulture challenged players to build a vineyard and produce wine. The game was a hit, earning critical acclaim and laying the foundation for the company's reputation for high-quality components and engaging mechanics.

Following Viticulture, Stonemaier released Euphoria: Build a Better Dystopia in 2013, a worker-placement game with a dystopian theme. These early titles established Stonemaier's penchant for immersive themes and innovative mechanics, setting the stage for their breakout hit, Scythe, in 2016.

• Viticulture (2013) was Stonemaier's first major release, focusing on vineyard management.
• Euphoria (2013) showcased the company's ability to tackle diverse themes.

The Scythe Phenomenon and Expansion

Scythe, released in 2016, catapulted Stonemaier to international fame. Set in an alternate-history 1920s Europe, the game combined area control, resource management, and engine building. It was praised for its beautiful artwork and strategic depth, becoming one of the highest-rated games on BoardGameGeek.

The success of Scythe led to a series of expansions and spin-offs, including the cooperative Expeditions (2023), which continues the story in Siberia. This period also saw the release of Charterstone (2017), a legacy game that introduced players to a unique campaign experience, and My Little Scythe (2017), a family-friendly adaptation of Scythe.

• Scythe (2016) is Stonemaier's most acclaimed game, setting a new standard for the industry.
• Charterstone (2017) marked Stonemaier's entry into the legacy genre.
• Expeditions (2023) serves as a sequel to Scythe, exploring new mechanics and themes.

Recent Developments: Smitten 2 and Beyond

In recent years, Stonemaier has continued to innovate with releases like Smitten (2023), a romantic puzzle game, and its expansion Smitten 2 (2025). These titles reflect the company's willingness to explore lighter, more accessible designs while maintaining their signature quality.

Looking ahead, Stonemaier shows no signs of slowing down. With a dedicated fanbase and a transparent approach to game design, the company is poised to remain a major player in the industry. Their commitment to listening to feedback and iterating on their designs ensures that each new release is eagerly anticipated.

• Smitten 2 (2025) continues the romantic puzzle series, offering new challenges for couples.
• Stonemaier's design philosophy emphasizes transparency and community involvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Stonemaier Games founded?

Stonemaier Games was founded by Jamey Stegmaier in 2012. The company's first major release, Viticulture, came in 2013. The company is relatively young but has made a significant impact in a short time.

What was Stonemaier's first successful game?

Viticulture, a worker-placement game about vineyard management, was Stonemaier's first critical and commercial success, released in 2013. Viticulture's success established Stonemaier's reputation for quality and innovation.

How has Stonemaier's game design evolved over time?

From the worker placement of Viticulture to the legacy mechanics of Charterstone and the cooperative elements of Expeditions, Stonemaier has shown versatility and a willingness to experiment with different genres and mechanics. This evolution keeps their catalog fresh and appeals to a wide range of players.

Key Stonemaier Games and Their Impact

• Viticulture: Bordeaux Expansion: Venture beyond old-world Italy to Bordeaux via this new 4-season board. The Bordeaux alternative board expansion to Viticulture offers players a starting boost, 4 full worker placement seasons, a wake-up chart full of benefits, a major new 'expert' action that permanently upgrades an action for you, revisions to existing actions, a trade market, face-up cards vine and wine order cards to choose from when drawing, and more. This expansion adds depth and variety to Viticulture, showing how Stonemaier evolves its classic games.
• Expeditions: The sequel to Scythe sends players on a new adventure into Siberia, where a massive meteorite crashed near the Tunguska River, awakening ancient corruption. An expedition led by Dr. Tarkovsky ventures into the taiga to learn about the meteorite and its impact on the land. Itching for adventure, heroes from the war privately fund their own expeditions to Siberia, hoping to find artifacts, overcome challenges, and more. Expeditions demonstrates Stonemaier's ability to expand on successful franchises with fresh mechanics.

Stonemaier Games has grown from a small startup to a leading publisher, thanks to a combination of innovative design, community engagement, and high-quality production. From the vineyards of Viticulture to the romantic puzzles of Smitten 2, the company's history is a testament to its creativity and dedication. Whether you're a veteran fan or a newcomer, exploring their back catalog offers a rewarding journey through modern board gaming.