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When I set out to create the card game Manitou, I initially didn’t think much about the audience for the game. Instead I focused on creating a game that would be fun to play, would have a strategic, “puzzle-like” aspect, and would be enjoyable to play again and again. A game for someone like me! I wasn’t intentionally designing a card game for kids. But once the game had taken shape I realized I had to be able to answer the three basic questions that all games must answer: how many players can play, how long does it take to play, and what is an appropriate age range for the players. The answers to the first two questions were easy. But the third?

The Research Phase

I knew there would be no upper bound on age. Based on what I know about the game mechanics and strategic elements of the game I started to zero in on a minimum age. I then looked at other games on the market to inform my decision. With this information I decided kids 12 and older would enjoy Manitou.

Knowledge of the game and my secondary research were certainly helpful. But in hindsight there is no substitute for primary research. Or, said another way, you have to get your game in the hands of some kids to really know the minimum age with certainty.

Introducing Austin

Let me introduce you to Austin. Austin is 10 and, with his family, came to visit me in northern Michigan. During his week-long visit he attended Camp Hayo-Went-Ha during the day and enjoyed summer evenings on Torch Lake. Austin knew that I had created a game and was curious to learn more. So, we cracked open a tin of Manitou and spent a few minutes reviewing the rules of the game. It became evident rather quickly that I would need to adjust the minimum recommended age for the game! Austin took to the game quickly and asked insightful questions about strategy and gameplay. Over the course of the week, Austin taught several others to play Manitou –  his mom and dad, his 7 year old sister, a new friend he made at camp. Austin ate up the game. I lost count of how many rounds he played. But I do remember our most epic battle. A game in which Austin snatched a win from me with a final score of 42 to 41.

Manitou – A Card Game for Kids Too!

I loved spending time with Austin and playing Manitou with him. And while I helped him to learn the rules, he helped me to learn that you don’t need to be 12 to play Manitou! Manitou is great for grown-ups. But it turns out Manitou is a great card game for kids too!