A Simple Life

About this board game

A Simple Life is a 1–2 player roll-and-write game for approximately 20 minutes, in which you settle in the province and work toward your goals over 10 days.

Inspired by relaxing pixel art farming video games such as Stardew Valley and Harvest Moon, the game invites you to develop a rural life through a range of activities. Plant crops, make friends, mine the mountains, populate your pond, and donate to the museum as you decide how to use each round.

Each of the game’s 10 rounds begins with a roll of five dice. Use the dice on locations on your sheet, then perform the action associated with each selected location. Once you run out of dice, the round ends and the next day begins.

• Roll five dice each round and assign them to locations.
• Take actions involving crops, friendship, mining, your pond, and the museum.
• Work toward your goal across 10 rounds before counting your score.

At the end of the game, check whether you completed your goal. If you did, count your score and see how successfully you shaped your simple life within the limited time.

A Simple Life received extensive recognition in the 13th Roll & Write Game Design Contest. It earned first place for Best Overall Game, Best Solitaire Game, Best Thematic Game, Best Video Gameplay, and Best Game Sheet, along with second place for Best Innovative Mechanic and third place for Best Cover.

Designed for one or two players, this compact roll-and-write combines dice allocation, location actions, and a 10-day progression in a farming-inspired setting.