It used to be you would buy a board game like “Sorry” or “Monopoly” and just play it. But in the last twenty years, game companies have begun releasing expansions to their games, giving themselves new sources of profit and players new ways to enjoy their favorite games. We spoke with the creators of “Pandemic,” “7 Wonders,” and “Settlers of Catan” about why they expand their games and how they create the expansions.

Certain tabletop games have a history of additional products: “Axis & Allies” and other miniature war games have various scenarios for different countries or historic wars. There were a few exceptions, but board games have traditionally been one and done purchases. The idea of an expanding board game became prominent about 15 years ago with “Settlers of Catan.” The game of resource collecting on an island became hugely popular and Europe and spread to other countries like America. And a few years after its release came “SeaFarers,” and then another few years came “Cities and Knights.” Five years ago Mayfair released” Traders and Barbarians.” And just recently released was Explorers and Pirates.

“I never really actively sought out or intended to design expansions. All expansion ideas presented themselves as a result of game play. It’s almost as if the expansion ideas knocked at my door,” said Klaus Teuber, the designer of “Settlers of Catan.”

Read the full article at MTV Geek.