Root Creator Cole Wehrle Departs Leder Games to Launch Independent Studio

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The board game Root displayed on a wooden surface with tokens and cards

Cole Wehrle, the visionary designer behind tabletop sensations Root and Arcs, is departing from Leder Games to establish his own independent studio.

In a recent announcement shared via Leder Games, Wehrle revealed that he and his long-term creative partner, illustrator Kyle Ferrin, are launching a new venture called Buried Giant Studios. While Leder Games will maintain ownership of the Root intellectual property, Wehrle has reached an agreement to acquire the rights to Arcs and Oath: Chronicles of Empire and Exile. Given Wehrle’s reputation for crafting some of the most innovative board games in recent years, this move marks a significant shift in the industry landscape.

The transition appears to be entirely cordial, with no signs of internal friction. Wehrle noted that while Leder Games has been a steadfast supporter of his work, his projects occasionally presented “a challenge for the creative direction of the company” and the original vision of founder Patrick Leder. After exploring several avenues, the team settled on a unique arrangement that Wehrle describes as “deeply fair-minded.” It highlights the innovative spirit of Leder Games, even when navigating complex structural changes.

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The Arcs board game components arranged on a table — (Image credit: Scott White)

If you haven’t experienced Arcs yet, it is a masterclass in modular game design. Offering immense depth in a surprisingly streamlined package, it provides players with incredible tactical flexibility. You can currently find it for $51.29 at Amazon, a healthy discount from its $60 MSRP.

Buried Giant Studios is expected to launch in the coming weeks, with a team that includes Cole’s brother Drew Wehrle, Ted Caya, and several other familiar collaborators. Their initial roadmap includes managing the fulfillment of the Oath: New Foundations expansion and developing new content for Arcs, alongside unannounced future titles.

Regarding the future of Root, Wehrle confirmed the franchise—which saw Leder Games expand significantly—will stay with its original publisher. He mentioned that Kyle Ferrin will continue to provide artistic support as needed, and he remains open to consulting on new factions, though he expressed full confidence in Leder’s talented internal design team to carry the torch.

The synergy between Wehrle’s intricate mechanics and Ferrin’s unmistakable art style has become a hallmark of modern tabletop gaming. While their departure is a major change for Leder Games, it ultimately benefits the community. Both creative powerhouses now have the freedom to explore distinct artistic paths, promising a future filled with even more diverse and engaging tabletop experiences.