Toby Sarnelle
Toby Sarnelle is an American game designer active in 2025, known from video games and the tabletop title Tend.
- 1 Games
Biography
BoardGameGeek lists Toby Sarnelle as an American designer with several video game credits (e.g. Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion, Elemental: Fallen Enchantress). His first listed tabletop credit is Tend (2025). No birthdate or birthplace is provided in the source data.
Career
Sarnelle's background in the sources is primarily in video games—credits include Two Dots (mobile) and Garden Variety (mobile). In 2025 he appears in tabletop publishing with Tend (IV Games). The provided data records activity in 2025; further career details or education are not present in the BGG excerpt.
Most Famous Games
The only tabletop title listed in the source is Tend (2025). The BGG bio also references several video game projects such as Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion and Elemental: Fallen Enchantress, which frame his broader design experience.
Design Style
Reported mechanics (Action/Event, Chaining, Grid Coverage, Paper-and-Pencil, Simultaneous Action Selection) suggest tactical, spatial gameplay with chaining combos and simultaneous decisions. Categories include Farming and Animals alongside Science Fiction, indicating a blend of organic theme and sci‑fi elements. Regular co-designers include Max Anderson, Zac Dixon and Austin Harrison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Toby Sarnelle from?
The source data does not state a birthplace; he is described as American in the BGG bio.
What is their most famous game?
According to the data, Tend (2025) is his primary listed tabletop game.
What mechanic is their signature?
The listed mechanics include Action/Event, Chaining, Grid Coverage and Simultaneous Action Selection.
How long have they been active?
The data shows activity in 2025.
Verdict
Players who enjoy simultaneous-action, grid-based planning with thematic farming and sci‑fi touches should check Tend.
