I was shocked and appalled on Tuesday to read of the creation of a "new" LDS board game, "The Settlers of Zarahemla." In this unholy fusion of board gaming and Mormon culture, "The Settlers of Catan," quite possibly the greatest board game known to man, has been subjected to LDS reprogramming by those I refer to (with no affection whatsoever) as Mormon Bloodsuckers.

"The Settlers of Zarahemla" was released by Inspiration Games, but clearly no inspiration was given or required to come up with it. Jeremy Young, the game's so-called creator, admits that the game's Book of Mormon theme is "just kind of pasted on top" of Klaus Teuber's international hit, "The Settlers of Catan."

Young's game is simply the latest abomination in a series of rip-offs of popular logos and products by members of the church in an effort to make a buck by exploiting the LDS market. Under the pretense of giving LDS church members "an opportunity to share the gospel in a non-threatening way," these Mormon Bloodsuckers have come up with games, T-shirts, and bumper stickers featuring images and catch phrases from Mormon culture superimposed on popular logos.

If you want to make a product for an LDS audience, fine, but at least make it original!

After being introduced to "The Settlers of Catan" by a good friend who found it in Berlin on his mission, my friends and I have met around the board nearly every weekend for the last two years. The game is wholesome, fun and, quite frankly, addictive. Please, don't sully its good name and reputation by adulterating it with Mormon culture. Board gamers of the world unite! Join us in our boycott of this sad wannabe.

Mike Pratt: Richland, Washington

Johnny Trevino: Richland, Washington

Steve Bonner: Richland, Washington

Jon Fisher: Air Force Brat, the World

Craig Stiles: Provo

Jonnelle Provine: Carlsbad, California



Copyright Brigham Young University 14 Oct 2003