Nature

The Project

Nature is a modular strategy game from NorthStar Game Studio in the Evolution line. Blackform was involved closely enough during development that the insert work became part of a broader discussion about how the game should physically function, not just how it should be stored.

Because the game supports different module combinations, the insert needed to improve setup across changing configurations rather than simply create a tighter static box fit.

Insert Challenge

The first challenge was modularity. Components needed to stay cleanly separated by module so players could set up different configurations quickly without re-sorting the whole box every time.

Token volume made that harder. With 210 food tokens plus population components and player screens, the insert needed to prevent the box from becoming a loose parts container while still keeping key resources easy to reach.

There was also a component-design problem: the original size-token solution was taking up more space than it justified, both in the insert and during play.

Design Decisions

One important design decision was replacing the original size tokens with a cardboard dial. That change made the insert smaller and more efficient, and it also tested better during play, which is why it carried through to production.

From there, the layout was iterated around clear component separation by module. The highest-volume token families still received dedicated attention, but the larger goal was making different Nature configurations fast to assemble without turning the insert into a maze of tiny wells.

Production Considerations

This project went through a major late-stage manufacturing change. After pre-production copies used a different insert approach, public feedback pushed the publisher toward making Nature a 100% plastic-free game.

That forced a full redesign around molded pulp, which made the insert smaller and more space-efficient while preserving the modular setup logic. It was a difficult constraint, but it also improved the final system and gave the project an unusual production angle for the category.

Outcome

Blackform delivered a compact molded-pulp insert that supports faster modular setup, cleaner component separation, and a more production-aware box layout. Just as importantly, the size-dial change improved both the insert efficiency and the in-play experience.

“It’s been a pleasure working with Sergio from Blackform. His insert for Nature is top notch and he was always attentive to our needs.”

Dominic Crapuchettes, on Nature