Ends of the Tunnel: An Original Strategic Board Game Concept Combining Collective Movement, Anticipation, and Educational Learning

Abstract

Ends of the Tunnel is an original strategic and educational board game concept created by Doumbia Amara from Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Africa. This project presents a unique gameplay experience based on the collective movement of a gigantic anaconda trapped inside a volcanic mountain, where players must influence the creature’s path while pursuing their own strategic objectives. Unlike traditional board games where each player controls an independent character, Ends of the Tunnel introduces an innovative shared-control mechanic: all participants contribute to the movement of the same living organism while competing to guide it toward their own escape tunnel. This original system creates a dynamic balance between cooperation, competition, anticipation, and decision-making. Beyond entertainment, the game has strong educational and pedagogical value. It transforms strategic thinking into an interactive learning experience where players develop essential cognitive skills through play. By analyzing positions, predicting possible movements, and adapting their strategies, participants strengthen their abilities in logical reasoning, spatial awareness, problem-solving, concentration, planning, and decision-making. The game encourages learning through experimentation: every action produces consequences that players must observe, understand, and integrate into future decisions. The movement of the snake creates a practical representation of collective systems, helping players understand concepts such as interdependence, shared influence, cooperation, and the impact of individual choices on a larger system. Designed for families, schools, educational workshops, board game clubs, and strategy enthusiasts, Ends of the Tunnel represents a bridge between recreation and cognitive development. It offers educators and learners an original tool capable of supporting active learning while maintaining an engaging and immersive experience. This portfolio presents the game's identity, universe, mechanics, innovations, educational benefits, development status, and potential for publication. It does not replace the complete official rulebook, which contains the detailed gameplay procedures and technical mechanics reserved for future development partners. The project is currently being developed as a functional prototype with the objective of reaching professional publication and international distribution. Contact: studiojeuxamara@gmail.com Inventor: Doumbia AmaraCountry of Origin: Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Africa