Race for the Galaxy Launches on Mobile: Strategy Card Game Goes Digital
From Tabletop to Touchscreen: A Passion Project Comes to Life
Theresa Duringer, founder of Temple Gates Games, is bringing one of her favorite strategy card games to mobile devices. The digital adaptation of Race for the Galaxy—the acclaimed galactic conquest card game—launches on May 3 for iOS and Android platforms.
Why This Game Matters
Originally designed by Tom Lehmann and published by Rio Grande Games in 2008, Race for the Galaxy has sold over a million physical copies, cementing its status as a modern classic. The game challenges players to:
- Expand their space-faring civilization
- Strategize with technological advancements
- Colonize planets through card play
“This is no casual obsession,” Duringer admits. “My team makes costumes out of board games. We bake cupcakes based on them.”
Key Features of the Mobile Adaptation
Advanced AI Opponents
Temple Gates integrated an AI neural network developed by Keldon Jones, originally created as a research project. “I’ve played hundreds of hours and still lose to the AI,” Duringer notes. “It speaks to the game’s replayability.”
Strategic Depth Preserved
The mobile version retains the core mechanics:
- Phase selection system: Players secretly choose from 7 phases that affect all players
- Multiple victory paths: Military conquest, economic engines, or victory point generation
- 90+ cards: Including settlements, developments, and five starting worlds
Race for the Galaxy mobile interface | Image Credit: Temple Gates Games
Development Insights
A team of four—Duringer, Jeff Gates, Patrick Benjamin, and B Rosaschi—completed the project in under a year, leveraging:
- Existing AI technology from Keldon Jones
- Experience from their previous VR adaptation of Ascension
The $7 base game includes:
- Networked multiplayer (2-4 players)
- Single-player against AI
- One free promotional card pack
Two expansions ($4 each) launch simultaneously:
- The Gathering Storm
- Rebel vs Imperium
The Temple Gates development team | Image Credit: Temple Gates Games
Why Mobile Gamers Should Care
This adaptation brings:
- Authentic tabletop experience to mobile devices
- Sophisticated AI opponents for solo play
- Cross-platform multiplayer functionality
A limited beta test begins April 12. Sign up here to participate.
Theresa Duringer, founder of Temple Gates Games | Image Credit: Temple Gates Games
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