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Note: All current game art is temporary placeholder. The final designs will have beautiful custom illustrations.

Dive into Adventure ~ Restore the Great Barrier Reef!

Welcome to Sacred—Barrier Reef, a thrilling cooperative strategy game where you and your team take on the role of marine conservationists fighting to save one of Earth’s most precious ecosystems!

In this immersive game, players work together to restore the reef before time runs out. You'll harness the power of real-world ecological dynamics—like the symbiotic bond between clownfish and sea anemones or the crucial role sea turtles play in maintaining seagrass beds. But beware! Rising CO2, pollution, disease, and invasive species threaten the delicate balance of life beneath the waves.

 

With pressure mounting and threats multiplying, every decision matters. Will you remove toxic waste, heal endangered species, or race to stop an outbreak? Adapt your strategy, manage resources wisely, and use teamwork to bring the reef back to life!

 

Can you and your crew restore balance before it's too late? The ocean is counting on you!

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We've crafted the game with three difficulty levels, each offering a real challenge—victory is never guaranteed! The hardest level will truly test your team’s strategic skills. In terms of complexity, Sacred—Barrier Reef sits alongside favorites like Pandemic, Forbidden Desert, and Settlers of Catan—engaging and tactical, but not as rules-heavy as Terraforming Mars. Whether you're a casual player or a seasoned strategist, there’s a level that will keep you on your toes!

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  1. Engaging Education
    We’ve designed the game to deliver meaningful lessons about environmental conservation—without compromising on fun. It’s immersive and strategic, ensuring players enjoy the challenge without feeling like they’re sitting through a lecture. By focusing on the science behind ecosystems rather than controversy, the game remains accessible to everyone.
     

  2. A Growing Series of Ecosystem Adventures
    Sacred—Barrier Reef is just the beginning! We envision a series of games, each set in a unique habitat—like the Amazon Rainforest, Yellowstone, the Himalayas, or the African Savannah. While the core mechanics remain consistent (players taking on roles to restore an ecosystem before time runs out), each game will introduce new species interactions, environmental challenges, and location-specific mechanics. Fans of one game can easily dive into another!
     

  3. Giving Back to the Real-World Ecosystems
    We want our game to make a real impact. That’s why we plan to donate $1 from every sale to a charity dedicated to protecting the featured ecosystem. By playing, players aren't just saving the reef on the board—they’re helping preserve it in real life too.

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Tool and Crisis Cards

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Spend actions to manage CO2 and other challenges before time runs out.

RULES AND GAMEPLAY VIDEOS

VIDEOS
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Ask about trying a virtual demo at playingcards.io

OUR BACKGROUND

PAIGE DONOVAN

Innovation, creativity, and a deep passion for teaching drive me, anchored by an unwavering work ethic. My life’s work has always been about making an impact—building a healthier, safer world through both my career and philanthropic efforts. Our board game is more than just entertainment; it’s an invitation to inspire generations young and old to cherish and protect our planet in a fun, immersive way. As a teacher, I dream of igniting that same spark of curiosity and determination in my students, proving that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible.

THAD DONOVAN

For 25 years, I have led a thriving marketing company, refining my expertise within an ever-evolving industry. Beyond my professional pursuits, I am a lifelong board game and role-playing enthusiast—gaming has always been central to my family’s most cherished moments. My passion for storytelling and immersive play led me to co-own Gaming Honors, a successful company dedicated to crafting innovative role-playing game accessories. We proudly showcase our creations at GenCon, forging connections with fellow gamers who share our love for adventure and imagination.

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