Sanibel Becomes a Board Game

Sanibel Island is getting its very own board game and we got the inside scoop on the development, gameplay, and player experience just this week. 

The Sanibel Board Game, made by Avalon Hill (Hasbro) and available from independent retailers beginning mid-January, allows players to explore Sanibel’s sunny shores, collect seashells and create their perfect beach-day bag, all while soaking in the spirit of island life. To launch this exciting new product, the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce invited the game’s author, Elizabeth Hargrave and Avalon Hill (Hasbro) designers, to discuss their experience developing and playing the game. 

What we learned is that this isn’t just a game; it’s a meticulously researched and passionately produced “love letter” to the island.

Grounded in Authenticity and Passion

Avalon Hill was determined to get this project right, and they enlisted the best possible help: Elizabeth Hargrave, whom they recognize as the most sought-after board game designer in the world and a true trailblazer in the gaming space.

The developers repeatedly talked about the passion that drove the project, emphasizing their desire for authenticity. They grounded their research in the specific place of Sanibel, ensuring the science of the game is real. To achieve this level of detail, they consulted expert resources, including the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, to make sure every detail was accurate. Even the beautiful artwork was created by a maritime artist, Dahl Taylor, who had his own personal shell collection, making the project deeply personal.

Atmospheric, Meditative, and Globally Anticipated

The team described the gameplay as atmospheric and meditative—a perfect mirror of Sanibel itself. (You can preview the game play here)  It is designed to be easy to learn but hard to master, making it enjoyable for families and serious gamers alike. The universal aspect of the game, while grounded in Sanibel, allowed it to resonate globally.

The developers were overwhelmed by the response when they brought the game to the world’s biggest board game event, Spiel Essen, in Germany. They were surprised by how many international attendees knew and loved Sanibel. The game was even on the “most anticipated” list at both Essen and another major game event, signaling its massive global appeal.

Gameplay Mechanics and Community Heart

The game is designed for 2–4 players and takes about 45 minutes to play. The designers shared some of their favorite elements:

• Elizabeth Hargrave loves the unique turn order changes, a dynamic feature most board games do not utilize.
• Tess Hogan, Narrative Designer, Avalon Hill –  found the tile placement to be easy and satisfying.
• Samy Ventura, Creative Designer, Avalon Hill – noted that the fabric bags provided for collecting shells mimic real life, calling the game a perfect marriage of mechanics and art.
• Michael Scurti, Global Brand & Product Manager, Avalon Hill – emphasized the ease of entry—anyone can pick it up and play, including his 8-year-old daughter. He expressed hope that, through the beauty of Sanibel, a new audience will discover the passionate hobby of board gaming and get a chance to feel what it is like to be on our beaches as they play the game around the world.

The origin of the idea came to Elizabeth Hargrave while collecting shells with her father on a beach. He suggested the idea for a shelling game, and she immediately thought of Sanibel, recognizing it as the perfect setting for her idea.

Finally, in a show of commitment to the community, the team noted how inspired they were by the island’s resilience and strength following recent events, leading them to give a $10,000 donation to the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.

We are excited to share this incredible project and hope to have the Sanibel Board Game available for guests to purchase at the Sundial Marketplace early in 2026!