Clever Fun for Curious Minds
Our tabletop games explore topics that are a great fit for both the classroom and family game night. They aim to entertain and enlighten anyone between the ages of 10 and 102.
Mission
Our mission is simple: to inspire an Owlish curiosity in everyone we meet.
So that we can all make more connections. Ignite our passions. And help bring about the ideas and actions that change our world for the better.
What’s that you say? A bit ambitious for a game company? Curious…
Dan Besemann - Founder
Dan earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and taught for 17 years at Hamline University (Saint Paul, MN). He developed curricula that completely integrate the laboratory, lecture, homework, and exams. In a rare moment of clarity, he saw the link between curriculum and game design, and was hooked. He founded Athenium Games in 2019 to bring the benefits of game-based learning to a larger audience.
Dan has co-authored 10 peer-reviewed papers, most on the subject of nonlinear optics—the art of blasting things with high-powered lasers and making new colors of light. Gamers may be most interested in this paper regarding the economics of participation in a MMORPG.
When not designing, Dan teaches strategy gaming and chess at area schools and libraries. He does crossword puzzles in ink, and usually regrets it.