Diatoms is Major Fun!

A diatom is a single-cell microalga, a type of plankton, found in Earth's waterways.

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The Concept

They make up over half the biomass in all oceans and produce a massive portion of the oxygen in our atmosphere. Diatoms have iridescent silica shells that produce colorful displays, thus earning them the moniker "jewels of the sea." Their shells form simple symmetrical geometric shapes.

In the 19th century, as microscopes opened our eyes to this magnificent unseen world, creative naturalists began arranging diatoms into artful mosaics on glass slides. This was an incredibly painstaking process, washing and placing each tiny delicate diatom into patterns.

In this game, each player is a dedicated naturalist, creating microscopic mosaics from diatoms you collect from a nearby pond. There are many factors to balance when deciding what tiny shapes to collect and where to place them on your board. Create the most pleasing arrangement to score well and win the day.

The Mechanics

Diatoms is a tile-laying game in two stages: public, then personal. Each offers a cozy and engaging puzzle.