A board game created at a kitchen table during lockdown has made its way onto iPhones, as CubeRoots Ivy launches as a mobile game. The digital version was developed by Simon Gummer, a 36-year-old television producer from Horley, Surrey, who taught himself to code to bring the game to a wider audience. The original concept came from his university friend Eddy Martin, with Gummer deciding to turn their tabletop favourite into an app after spending plenty of time playing it at the pub. Speaking to BBC Radio Surrey, Gummer compared the gameplay to dominoes, describing it as easy to learn but surprisingly strategic. He also hopes it will appeal to mobile gamers who enjoy the familiar temptation of squeezing in just one more level.
From kitchen table to smartphone
The journey from physical game to mobile release wasn't exactly a straightforward one. Gummer developed the app in his spare time, working on it during evenings and weekends while learning the technical skills needed to make it happen. He admitted that the process involved plenty of trial and error, revealing that he restarted the project around three times along the way. Despite the challenges, the launch marks a significant milestone for the first-time app developer. Gummer described seeing the game released as a surreal experience, particularly after discussing the idea for so long before finally bringing it to life. He also acknowledged some nerves about how players would respond to the finished product.
A new challenge for board game fans
CubeRoots Ivy demonstrates how tabletop games can find new audiences through digital platforms. While the original game brought friends together around a physical board, the iPhone version offers another way for players to experience its strategic puzzles. The comparison to dominoes suggests an accessible starting point, although Gummer believes there's enough strategic depth to keep players coming back. That combination of straightforward rules and room for tactical decisions is a familiar ingredient in many successful tabletop games. For independent creators, mobile adaptations can also provide an opportunity to introduce an existing game to people who might never encounter its physical version. However, launching the app is only the beginning. Gummer said he expects to continue improving it as players begin trying it out and providing feedback. Describing the ongoing development process, he noted that the game is never truly finished, highlighting the work that can continue long after a digital release. From a lockdown kitchen table to the App Store, CubeRoots Ivy has taken an unusual route to reaching players. Now, its next chapter depends on how mobile gamers take to this homegrown strategy game.
