TRAVCHAIALI – The Journey Through the Food Chain: Strategic, Educational, and Ecological Board Game

Abstract

TRAVCHAIALI – The Journey Through the Food Chain is an original strategic, educational, ecological, and adventure board game created by Doumbia Amara in Côte d’Ivoire, Africa. The game transforms fundamental principles of ecology and the food chain into an interactive learning experience. Players take on the role of hunters who must travel through different natural environments, including forests, savannas, aquatic environments, soil, dry wood areas, and agricultural fields, while understanding and managing relationships between natural resources, plants, animals, herbivores, and predators. The central educational principle of TRAVCHAIALI is based on the idea that every element of an ecosystem has a function and that changes affecting one element can influence the entire ecological system. Through gameplay, players discover concepts such as food chains, biodiversity, species interdependence, ecological balance, natural cycles, resource management, adaptation, and the consequences of human and ecological interactions. Rather than presenting ecological concepts only through theoretical explanations, TRAVCHAIALI encourages learning through active participation, observation, experimentation, decision-making, and strategic problem-solving. Players must analyze situations, anticipate consequences, manage resources, adapt to changing conditions, and understand how interactions between organisms affect their progression. In this way, the game transforms scientific knowledge into a concrete and memorable experience. The game is particularly suitable for educational and awareness contexts. It may support learning activities related to Life and Earth Sciences, ecology, biodiversity, environmental education, food chains, ecosystems, and sustainable awareness. It can also be used in schools, educational workshops, scientific clubs, environmental programs, family learning activities, and other settings where learning through play can complement traditional educational methods. TRAVCHAIALI also develops broader cognitive and social skills, including strategic thinking, logical reasoning, observation, anticipation, decision-making, resource management, adaptability, respect for rules, patience, and interaction with other players. The game is designed for 2 to 6 players and is recommended for ages 10 and above, with the possibility of adaptation for older learners depending on the educational context. The average playing time is approximately 45 minutes. The project is currently developed around a structured game concept, an official technical rulebook, a circular board called the TRAVCHAIALI Progression Disc, playable hunter figures, food resources, animal interactions, and a progression system based on ecological relationships. The project is intended to continue toward physical prototyping, testing, educational validation, graphic development, and professional publication. TRAVCHAIALI represents a creative approach to learning through play by bringing together: Ecology + Food Chain + Strategy + Adventure + Scientific Learning + Environmental Awareness The project also aims to contribute to the development and international recognition of innovative board game creations originating from Africa, particularly creations that combine entertainment, scientific knowledge, education, and environmental awareness. This Zenodo record documents the concept, educational approach, game universe, mechanics, components, innovations, and development perspectives of TRAVCHAIALI. It is intended for researchers, educators, teachers, game designers, publishers, investors, manufacturers, environmental organizations, educational institutions, and other professionals interested in educational games, ecological learning, serious games, and innovative board game design. Contact:studiojeuxamara@gmail.com Creator:Doumbia Amara Project Origin:Côte d’Ivoire – Africa