artwork by Catan

Unlocking the Secrets of Tabletop Games Ontology

Feb 24, 2025 • Benny Cheung

Tags: Ontology, Tabletop Games, Board Games, Game Design

There’s a fascinating concept at play in the world of tabletop games, something akin to a secret language. If you can crack this code, you might start to understand why some games rise to legendary status while others fade into obscurity. This isn’t just about memorizing rules or mastering strategies; it’s about understanding the Ontology of Games.

You might be asking, what exactly is an Ontology? In the simplest terms, it’s a structured way of organizing knowledge. Think of it as a map of the game universe, not just listing key terms like “worker placement” or “deck building,” but also showing how these terms relate to one another (see Engelstein, Geoffrey, and Isaac Shalev Building Blocks of Tabletop Game Design: An Encyclopedia of Mechanisms for the full taxonomy of tabletop games) . It’s more than a glossary; it’s about understanding connections. And those connections, once you see them, allow you to do some pretty cool things.

Dune-Imperium-Board-Game

Figure. Dune: Imperium is a tabletop game that finds inspiration in elements and characters from the Dune at the center of the conflict is Arrakis. This will be one of our case study.

For instance, when an ontology includes the concept of resource management and links it to mechanics like dice rolling and trading, patterns emerge. You start to see how these elements create different player experiences. It’s like having a blueprint for understanding what makes a game tick.

This approach is not just theoretical. Companies like Palantir - built on ontology-driven business processes to organize and analyze vast amounts of data, making connections and predictions that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. With the rise of AI, ontologies have become even more crucial. They provide the structured information that AI systems need to learn and reason. If we want to train an AI to understand tabletop games, we need to give it a solid framework. That’s where ontologies come in.

We can listen to this article as a Podcast Discussion, which is generated by Google’s Experimental NotebookLM.

images/unlocking-secrets-of-tabletop-games-ontology/Podcast_Tabletop_Games_Ontology.mp3

Are you ready to explore ontology as a method for structuring knowledge in tabletop games? This article goes beyond simply knowing the rules, and instead focuses on understanding the relationships between game elements such as game types, mechanics, components, and players. By employing a simplified tabletop game ontology, both designers and players can systematically analyze and design games. By using two popular tabletop games — Catan and Dune: Imperium, we illustrate how ontologies can help in understanding their underlying the deeper structures and mechanics.

What is the Ontology of Games?

An ontology is a formal, explicit specification of a shared conceptualization.

In computing excluding the complexity from philosophical traditions, an ontology is a structured knowledge representation that defines concepts, relationships, and categories within a specific domain, in this case, tabletop games. Essentially, it acts as a shared vocabulary that enables intelligent information systems to understand and integrate data more effectively. Unlike traditional databases, ontologies allow for more dynamic and context-aware data management, facilitating interoperability between different applications. Ontologies have been widely used in solving data integration challenges and enhancing artificial intelligence applications, such as question-answering systems, scientific discovery, and automated reasoning, making them a crucial component in modern knowledge-driven technologies.

A comparison between relational databases and ontologies as knowledge bases reveals that, unlike RDBMSs, ontologies (knowledge bases) include the representation of the knowledge explicitly, by having rules included, by using automated reasoning (beyond plain queries) to infer implicit knowledge and detect inconsistencies of the knowledge base, and they usually operate under the Open World Assumption .

This same flexibility can be leveraged in tabletop game design, where intricate systems of rules, mechanics, and player interactions demand a structured yet adaptable framework. By utilizing a simplified tabletop game ontology, designers can systematically dissect and reimagine the core components of gameplay, fostering innovative designs that balance structure, strategy, and player engagement.

Exploring Tabletop Game Design Through a Simplified Ontology

We know an engaging tabletop game requires a thoughtful balance of structure, strategy, and player interaction. By leveraging a simplified tabletop game ontology, we can break down the essential elements that make a game both effective and enjoyable. This model emphasizes core components - Game Types, Mechanisms, Components, and Players - allowing us to focus on how these elements interact to create compelling gameplay experiences.

  1. Game Types - Basic classification of games (e.g., cooperative, competitive).
  2. Core Mechanics - Fundamental game mechanisms like turn structure, actions, and resolution.
  3. Game Components - Physical elements like cards, tokens, and boards.
  4. Players - Representation of participants and their interactions.

By mapping out how different elements—such as mechanics, components, and player interactions—interrelate, designers can gain valuable insights into what makes gameplay engaging and memorable. A simplified tabletop game ontology serves as a structured blueprint, allowing us to systematically analyze and design games by breaking down their core elements.

Tabletop_Game_Simplified_Ontology

Figure 1. By applying a simplified tabletop game ontology, we can gain a structured perspective on the domain, allowing us to effectively discuss and analyze popular games throughout this article. This approach highlights the power of using ontology to uncover underlying patterns, deepen our understanding, and compare different tabletop games more systematically.

Through this lens, we can begin to understand not just what makes a game function, but why certain designs resonate with players on a deeper level. The following diagram visually represents these relationships, offering a tangible model for how these concepts are interconnected within the design process.

The following sub-sections review all the essential concepts and relationships in the simplified tabletop game ontology, illustrated in Figure 1.

Defining the Game Framework

At the heart of every tabletop game is the Game entity, which outlines its goal and end condition. A well-defined goal gives players a clear objective, whether it’s accumulating points, conquering territories, or completing a quest. The end condition specifies when the game concludes—such as reaching a certain score or completing all game rounds—bringing structure and pacing to the experience.

Games can be categorized into types like BoardGames and CardGames, each bringing unique dynamics. A board game might focus on spatial strategy and movement across a game board, while a card game could emphasize probability, bluffing, or hand management.

Crafting Engaging Mechanisms

Mechanisms drive player interaction and strategic depth. The simplified ontology highlights essential mechanics:

  • Turn Structure: Establishes how and when players act. A structured turn order ensures fairness and rhythm in gameplay.
  • Action: Determines what players can do during their turns, from placing tokens to drawing cards. Strategic depth arises from offering meaningful choices.
  • Resolution: Resolves the outcomes of player actions, such as winning a challenge or completing a quest.
  • Uncertainty: Introduces elements of chance or hidden information, keeping gameplay dynamic and engaging.

For instance, incorporating a turn-based system where players take actions in a set order allows for strategic planning. Adding uncertainty - such as drawing random cards, can create suspense and surprise, enhancing the overall excitement.

Building Physical and Conceptual Components

Components are the tangible elements that bring the game to life. Boards, cards, and tokens serve as physical representations of the game’s mechanics and narrative. A well-designed board enhances immersion, while custom tokens or unique card designs can add thematic depth and tactile enjoyment.

Players interact with these components, shaping the game’s narrative and flow. The Player class emphasizes individual roles, with each player bringing their strategies and decisions to the table. By designing interactions that allow for collaboration, competition, or role-playing, designers can create rich social experiences.

Creating an Engaging Game Concept

Consider designing a competitive board game where players act as treasure hunters exploring a mysterious island. The goal is to collect the most valuable treasures before the game ends. Players take turns moving across the board (Turn Structure), performing actions like digging for treasure or sabotaging opponents (Action). Randomly drawn event cards introduce Uncertainty, presenting new challenges or rewards.

Resolution mechanisms determine whether an action succeeds—for example, rolling a dice to see if a trap is successfully disarmed (Resolution). The game ends when all treasure spaces have been explored (End Condition).

Case Studies: Unveiling Insights Through Ontology

Once constructed, the ontology helps define core concepts such as game structures, mechanics, and player roles. These foundational ideas are then linked to physical and conceptual game elements like dice, cards, boards, and player interaction spaces.

Let’s examining specific games through the lens of ontology reveals the intricate mechanics that contribute to their success: (1) Catan and (2) Dune: Imperium. This will help us to understand the utilities of having the ontology as a unified view.

Applying Tabletop Game Ontology: A Case Study of Catan

Using the simplified tabletop game ontology to analyze Catan (1995) reveals how its game design effectively integrates various mechanisms and components to create a dynamic, competitive, and strategic experience. By focusing on the essential elements—game framework, mechanics, components, and player interactions—designers can understand why Catan remains a beloved and influential board game in the tabletop gaming community.

BGG_Catan_Illustration

Figure. Collect and trade resources to build up the island of Catan in this modern classic. (credit: BoradGameGeek.com Catan (1995))

Visualize in OntoUML

To better understand how the simplified tabletop game ontology can be applied, let’s analyze the popular board game Catan (formerly known as The Settlers of Catan). This example will illustrate how different elements from the ontology come together to create a rich and engaging gameplay experience.

Tabletop_Game_Simplified_Ontology_Example_Catan

Figure. The simplified tabletop game ontology of Catan, visualized in OntoUML format.

Defining the Game Framework

Catan is categorized as a BoardGame within the ontology. The game’s primary goal is to be the first player to reach 10 victory points, which are earned through building settlements, cities, and development cards. The end condition is triggered when any player achieves this goal, signaling the end of the game.

The game accommodates 3 to 4 players, each taking on the role of a Player competing for dominance through strategy, resource management, and negotiation.

Core Mechanisms in Catan

Catan integrates several key mechanisms from the ontology that contribute to its depth and replayability:

  • Turn Structure: The game follows a sequential turn structure. Each player takes their turn in a fixed order, rolling dice, collecting resources, and performing actions like building roads, trading, or buying development cards.
  • Action: During their turn, players can perform actions such as trading resources with others, constructing roads and settlements, or purchasing development cards. These actions are strategic and force players to plan ahead based on their resources and potential future gains.
  • Resolution: The outcome of actions is often determined through resource availability. For example, dice rolls dictate which resources are generated, affecting each player’s strategy and resource management.
  • Uncertainty: Dice rolls introduce randomness into the game, simulating resource scarcity and unpredictability. Hidden development cards also contribute to uncertainty, as players cannot be sure what advantages their opponents might hold.

Components in Catan

The tangible elements of Catan align with the Component class in the ontology:

  • Board: A modular hexagonal board that represents the island of Catan, with each hexagon producing different resources (wood, brick, wheat, sheep, and ore).
  • Cards: Resource and development cards that players collect and use strategically.
  • Tokens: Settlement, city, and road tokens represent players’ progress on the board.

These physical components bring the game to life, creating a visually engaging and interactive environment that enhances the strategic gameplay.

Player Interaction and Strategy

In Catan, each player actively engages with others through trading and negotiation, making player interaction a central component of the game’s enjoyment. Players must balance competition with cooperation—trading can benefit both parties, but too much assistance may empower rivals.

Strategic thinking is essential, as players must decide where to build, which resources to prioritize, and when to block opponents using the robber mechanic. The combination of strategy, negotiation, and luck makes Catan a prime example of an engaging and balanced tabletop game.

Applying Tabletop Game Ontology: A Case Study of Dune: Imperium

Another ontology case study, Dune: Imperium (2020) reveals how its game design intricately weaves together strategic mechanics, thematic components, and dynamic player interaction. By focusing on these essential elements—game framework, mechanics, components, and player engagement—designers can understand why Dune: Imperium offers a deeply immersive and strategically rewarding board game experience.

BGG_Dune_Imperium_Illustration

Figure. Influence, intrigue, and combat in the universe of Dune (credit: BoradGameGeek.com Dune: Imperium (2020))

Visualize in OntoUML

Let’s analyze Dune: Imperium in our simplified ontology.

Tabletop_Game_Simplified_Ontology_Example_Dune

Figure. The simplified tabletop game ontology of Dune:Imperium, visualized in OntoUML format.

Defining the Game Framework

Dune: Imperium is categorized as a BoardGame within the ontology. The game’s primary goal is to accumulate the most victory points through influence, combat, and strategic resource management. Players gain points by controlling key areas, winning conflicts, building alliances, and accumulating resources. The end condition is triggered when a player reaches 10 victory points or when the conflict deck is exhausted, signaling the final round of the game.

The game accommodates 1 to 4 players, each taking on the role of a unique Player representing a faction leader from the Dune universe. Each leader possesses special abilities that influence their strategies and interactions.

Core Mechanisms in Dune: Imperium

Dune: Imperium integrates several key mechanisms from the ontology that contribute to its depth and replayability:

  • Turn Structure: The game uses a sequential turn order where players take actions in rounds. Each round consists of a player taking turns to send agents to locations, followed by a reveal phase and conflict resolution.
  • Action: Players perform actions by playing cards from their hand to deploy agents on various board spaces, securing resources, advancing influence, or preparing for combat. Strategic card play and resource management are critical for success.
  • Resolution: Conflict is resolved through a battle mechanic, where players compete for rewards by committing troops and resources. The outcome depends on the number of troops deployed and bonuses from cards, making combat a high-stakes aspect of gameplay.
  • Uncertainty: The deck-building element introduces uncertainty as players build and shuffle their decks, leading to unpredictable draws each round. Additionally, the outcome of conflicts can be influenced by hidden intrigue cards, adding layers of surprise and strategy.

Components in Dune: Imperium

The physical and conceptual components of Dune: Imperium align with the Component class in the ontology:

  • Board: Represents key locations on Arrakis, where players deploy agents to gain resources, influence factions, and prepare for conflicts.
  • Cards: Deck-building cards represent actions, characters, and events, providing players with new abilities and strategies.
  • Tokens: Troop and agent tokens represent military power and influence, essential for resolving conflicts and securing board spaces.

These components are thematically rich, immersing players in the political and strategic dynamics of the Dune universe.

Player Interaction and Strategy

Player interaction in Dune: Imperium is intense and multifaceted. Players compete for board spaces, influence faction tracks, and engage in direct conflict. The game encourages strategic blocking, negotiation, and careful planning.

Each player must balance deck-building with board control and resource management. The timing of conflicts and card reveals adds tension and depth, making every decision impactful. Alliances with factions such as the Spacing Guild or Bene Gesserit offer powerful bonuses, encouraging diverse strategies.

Using Ontology for Game Design

Game design can often feel like a maze. Mechanics are intertwined, and it’s easy to lose sight of your goals. This is where ontologies come in handy. They offer a framework that helps designers make intentional choices.

  • Make Intentional Choices: Ontologies clarify the connections between game mechanics. When you understand how each element influences player experience, you can design with purpose. Every mechanic becomes a tool that shapes the player’s journey, ensuring that your choices align with your goals.
  • Draw Inspiration: By studying existing game frameworks, designers can identify elements that resonate with their creative vision. You might find a mechanic in one game that sparks an idea for your own. Inspiration is often just a look back at what others have done.
  • Create Engaging Loops: Ontologies help in crafting engaging loops. Good game design balances short-term rewards with long-term strategies. By using this framework, designers can build systems that keep players hooked, always wanting more.
  • Identify Potential Pitfalls: They act as a warning system. Ontologies enable designers to spot potential pitfalls early on. You can identify flaws in balance or mechanics during the conceptual phase, saving you from costly mistakes later in development.

Using ontologies in game design isn’t just about structure; it’s about clarity, creativity, and ultimately crafting a better player experience.

Concluding Remarks

Ontologies are like maps, but instead of showing us where to go, they reveal how things are connected. In this article, we understand how to apply ontologies to help players and creators understand the intricate mechanics that make games not just fun, but memorable by breaking down elements into categories and relationships.

But this idea doesn’t stop at games. Imagine applying ontologies to business. You could map out the relationships between different roles, processes, and outcomes, making it easier to spot inefficiencies or opportunities. An ontology for music might reveal how genres overlap, helping listeners discover new artists based on their existing tastes. In storytelling, an ontology could help writers identify archetypes and plot structures, leading to richer narratives.

Even in personal relationships, an ontology could clarify connections and dynamics, helping us navigate social complexities. It’s a framework that encourages us to see the bigger picture, to understand how various elements interact in any given system.

The beauty of ontologies lies in their adaptability. As new games are created or as we learn more about human interaction, these frameworks evolve. They empower us not just to analyze, but to innovate. By embracing ontologies, we unlock a deeper understanding of our world, allowing us to create and connect in ways we might never have imagined.

References

Understanding Board Games

  • BGG - Board Game Geek
    • The BoardGameGeek.com website is a resource that contains a massive game database. It features images and rulebooks that can assist in further inquiry about the games. The website is mentioned as a good resource for learning more about the examples of game mechanisms that are included in the sources.
    • Case Study: Catan (1995)
    • Case Study: Dune: Imperium (2020)
  • Engelstein, Geoffrey, and Isaac Shalev. Building Blocks of Tabletop Game Design: An Encyclopedia of Mechanisms. Vol. 1. CRC Press / Taylor & Francis Group, 2020.
    • The key themes, concepts, and mechanisms discussed in the provided excerpts from Geoffrey Engelstein’s “Building Blocks of Tabletop Game Design.” The book aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the various elements that comprise tabletop game design, offering a detailed look at individual mechanisms and how they interact within a game. It emphasizes the wide array of possibilities and complexities within game design, and does not present itself as a magic bullet for creating successful games.
  • Domain of Science, The Fascinating Map of Board Games, video, 14 Nov 2024.
    • The video explores the fascinating world of board games, offering insight into their history, mechanics, and cultural significance. It provides an overview of how board games have evolved over time and highlights the various genres and themes that exist within the genre.

Understanding Ontology Development

Ontology Research for Tabletop Games

Ontology Business

  • Palantir, Palantir Ontology Documentations
    • The Palantir Ontology is an operational layer for the organization. The Ontology sits on top of the digital assets integrated into the Palantir platform (datasets and models) and connects them to their real-world counterparts, ranging from physical assets like plants, equipment, and products to concepts like customer orders or financial transactions. In many settings, the Ontology serves as a digital twin of the organization, containing both the semantic elements (objects, properties, links) and kinetic elements (actions, functions, dynamic security) needed to enable use cases of all types.
  • J. Neil Otte , John Beverley , and Alan Ruttenberg, Basic Formal Ontology: Case Studies, 11 Aug 2023.
    • Basic Formal Ontology (BFO) is a top-level ontology consisting of thirty-eight classes, designed to support information integration, retrieval, and analysis across all domains of scientific investigation, presently employed in over 350 ontology projects around the world. BFO is a genuine top-level ontology, containing no terms particular to material domains, such as physics, medicine, or psychology. In this paper, we demonstrate how a series of cases illustrating common types of change may be represented by universals, defined classes, and relations employing the BFO framework. We provide discussion of these cases to provide a template for other ontologists using BFO, as well as to facilitate comparison with the strategies proposed by ontologists using different top-level ontologies.

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