For many enthusiasts, deciphering the rules of complex board games can often feel like navigating an alien world. Enter *City of Six Moons*, a groundbreaking game that not only challenges players' strategic skills but also their ability to comprehend a rulebook entirely composed of intricate symbols and icons. Created by Amabel Holland, this unique game transforms the translation of its rules into an experience all by itself, enticing players into the depths of an alien civilization’s development.

Holland’s journey into innovative game design began with a serendipitous find at a thrift shop: a German board game that sparked her passion for translation and design. Known for her thought-provoking games such as *Doubt is our product*, which explores the disinformation of the tobacco industry, Holland is no stranger to blending thematic depth with playability. In *City of Six Moons*, players must engage with complex paradigms that challenge their perceptions of real-world systems, all while grappling with the unique alien language that forms the backbone of the game's rules.

What makes *City of Six Moons* even more intriguing is Holland's refusal to provide clarity on rules interpretations. According to the game’s page, "We will never answer any rules questions." This enigmatic approach invites players to actively participate in the unfolding mystery, making the translation process itself a vital part of gameplay. As Holland puts it on social media platform Bluesky, once translated, the game becomes "functional" and "replayable," but she admits that the result may yield a "perhaps lesser" version of the original concept.

In a revealing interview with Polygon, Holland shared her thoughts on the inherent loss that translations carry. The act of translating often transforms deep, nuanced meanings into mere approximations, offering a bittersweet flavor to the experience. "Even the best translations miss something essential," she reflected. Her analogy of expressing love to her partner highlights the complexities of language and emotion—capturing the essence is challenging but revealing the same longing for deeper understanding.

Despite her cautions about the artistic loss involved in translation, countless individuals have poured months of effort into deciphering *City of Six Moons*. One dedicated player, Dan Thurot, reported spending four months navigating its complexities, demonstrating the profound commitment that niche culture games can evoke. Holland expressed her gratitude for the enthusiastic response, noting a wave of positive feedback. Yet there remains a question of whether many players are engaging with the game in its translated form, fearing they might spoil the mystery for others.

While the reception of this avant-garde game splits enthusiasts—some find the esoteric concept a bit too engrossing—those who thrive on unconventional tabletop experiences view *City of Six Moons* as a work of art. A user on Bluesky poignantly summed it up: "Is *City of Six Moons* really a game? Who cares?" For the fervent players captivated by its challenges, the real question may well be whether they can unlock its secrets and embrace the journey of play or translation.

As gaming culture continues to evolve, *City of Six Moons* stands out as a testament to innovation, inviting players to journey beyond mere gameplay and into the realm of interpretation, ambiguity, and exploration. Will you be among those daring enough to tackle the challenge and immerse yourself in its mysterious depths?