I believe in the importance of education and science communication and I’m always keen to hear about how scientists and conservationists are using tabletop games to get people engaged with their work. Dennis Nagel is a wildlife consultant, manager and author who is turning his passion for biodiversity into FasciNature, a conservation trading card game. I asked Dennis six(ish!) questions to find out more.
Tell us about yourself and FasciNature
Hi, I’m Dennis. My passion lies in my deep connection with animals and nature. I’ve opened my eyes and heart to the beauty of this world, and I want to share that positive energy and inspiration with others in the form of a game.
What inspired you to create FasciNature, and how do you think games can support education and conservation?
I work as a specialist in zoos and wildlife conservation, helping develop and manage institutions around the world. In the 90s, I played Magic: The Gathering, and that’s when the idea started: what if a trading card game could carry meaning? FasciNature was born from that thought. Realizing how amazing wildlife is can be incredibly fun, but many people don’t see it that way. Learning about lesser-known species and inspiring biodiversity facts can actually be uplifting and deeply engaging. So, I wanted to turn that spark of inspiration into something people would want to collect in the form of cards. A transformational experience. But I didn’t want to stop there. I wanted players to make a direct impact by playing, so I connected the game to a tree-planting initiative that helps save species from immediate extinction. That’s something even Pikachu can’t do.
Can you tell us a little about the design and development process behind FasciNature, and why you chose the trading card game format?
I wrote all the questions and answers myself and had them reviewed by a group of specialists who are also close friends. In the beginning, I designed all the graphics on my own. But as the idea grew, I brought in a professional graphic design agency to rework the entire visual identity. I wanted to exclude AI from the design process since not everyone is comfortable with it, and Asia Media Studio did an absolutely outstanding job. I chose the trading card game format because it felt truly unique for this kind of project. As a fully sustainable product with a strong ecological focus and educational value, FasciNature sets itself apart from other TCGs with many unique selling points.
I believe you’ve been showing FasciNature to gamers and conservationists. What has the reaction been like, and what are your plans for the future?
Yes, we’ve presented the game to a wide range of people, including at the European zoo conference (EAZA) and the feedback has been very positive. We’ve already received several B2B inquiries and ideas from conservation organizations involved in different projects and settings around the world. We aim to produce the game in multiple languages and continue releasing new editions, always in collaboration with new conservation partners.
Biodiversity and conservation is a global issue, and your team is similarly international. Can you tell us about your team and why you chose to work in the Philippines to create this project?
I’m originally from Germany, currently living in Thailand, and I built my team in the Philippines. The company itself is founded in Singapore. Because of my international consulting work, I travel frequently, and I’ve spent a lot of time in the Philippines. When I was looking to build the team for FasciNature, I found the best combination of hard skills and soft skills in the Philippines, and most importantly, people who could make a direct impact on the conservation side of the project.
The artwork on the cards is gorgeous. How did you ensure the species and habitats are accurately represented and aligned with your vision?
That’s a great question. It took a lot of collaboration and revisions with the design team. Many of the lesser-known species and subspecies have very specific features that are key to their identity. I shared a lot of reference photos and videos, and we went back and forth until we achieved the level of accuracy I felt was necessary.
Do you have a favorite card in FasciNature?
Yes, Mycorrhiza. The idea that the entire forest is interconnected and that trees can exchange information through the “wood wide web” absolutely fascinates me. That card has a special place in my heart.
What are your favorite games to play?
Magic: The Gathering.
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Thanks for Dennis for taking the time to speak with Meeple Mountain. Click here to find out more about the FasciNature Kickstarter campaign.
