A black logo reading Exekias Games. A silhouetted seated figure in the style of ancient Greek black figure pottery leans forward to pick something up from the top of the E of Exekias Games

About Us

Exekias Games is a small independent games company created by Sam and Fin - two ancient history graduates who believe that curiosity, learning, and fun are inextricably linked. We create board games that immerse players in historical and mythological moments, creating an accurate and detailed setting while never compromising on the fun! We aim to give families and friend groups endless afternoons of competition and laughter, and to spark players’ curiosity about cultures and events. Join us in the past for chaos and good times! (Togas are optional)

Why 'Exekias'?

Exekias is one of the most famous ancient Greek vase painters. Our favourite vase painting is of the two legendary Greek heroes, Ajax and Achilles, playing a board game! You can see Ajax in our logo.

Sam and Fin

Sam and Fin met at the University of Bristol, where they both studied in the Department of Classics and Ancient History. 

After a group project on public engagement with history and the value of Classics, Sam and Fin set out to share their enthusiasm for history by combining it with one of their other interests: board games. Both coming from state schools, they understood the class divide in the teaching of Classics and ancient history. Their aim is to bridge that educational gap between state schools and private schools by making games that are subtly educational, fun, and accessible.

In 2024, Sam and Fin established Exekias Games to publish their first game, Escape From Pompeii. They placed 3rd in the University of Bristol New Enterprise Competition, won the support of the King's Trust, and launched a successful Kickstarter to fund the manufacture of the first batch of games.

To follow their journey and see where it takes them next, join the
Exekias Games mailing list:

Credits and Thanks

At Exekias Games, we value human artists and creativity. That’s why we will always credit the incredible people who have worked on our games and helped us along the way, and why we will never use generative AI for any part of our process.

Escape From Pompeii

Artwork and Graphic Design

Rob Ingle

Journey From Troy: Odysseus

Illustration

Lizzie Styles

Graphic Design

Rob Ingle

Escape From Pompeii trailer

Photographer

Tara Lucas

Music

Simon Porter

Sam Rapier
Fin Stanbridge ‍

Game design ‍

Sam Rapier
Fin Stanbridge ‍

Game Design ‍

Don McVey

Director of Photography

Malou Coindreau
Raphael D’Alterio
Florence Hammond Davies
Sean Hammond Davies
Nikhita Lesler
Tyler Myers-Williams

Actors

Special thanks

University of Bristol CLAH Department

University of Bristol New Enterprise Team

The King’s Trust

The #boardgameprotohype community

All the Kickstarter supporters who helped bring these projects to life!