Christian van Gils

I’ve always believed that board games should be more than just cardboard and plastic; they should be "artifacts" that pull you into a different reality. KIRO is the culmination of that vision—a project born from a deep dive into the mysteries of the Edo period and the ruthless tactical logic of the Shogun’s defenders.

The Journey of Frogdog Games

Frogdog Games was founded on a simple principle: Design through Discovery. As an independent developer, I don’t follow the traditional paths of big publishers. I spent two years reconstructing the KIRO protocol, moving from crude paper prototypes on my kitchen table to the refined, weighted stones you see today. Every icon, every element, and every second in the hourglass has been meticulously tested to ensure that the "reconstruction" feels as dangerous and rewarding as the legends that inspired it.

The Gatekeeper of Kiro

For years, I have been haunted by a digital ghost: the kiro-fort.jparchive. What started as a fascination with Japanese strategy games quickly spiraled into an obsession with a lost protocol. While I have always loved creating games, the process of 'finding' Kiro was different. It wasn't about inventing rules; it was about excavating them from fragmented data, ancient sketches, and dark lore that felt too intentional to be fiction.

Bridging Two Worlds

"For me, KIRO is more than a board game, it is a gateway. I have dedicated myself to maintaining the bridge between the physical masterpiece and its digital shadow."

• The Physical Protocol
  The tangible result of my obsession. A precision-engineered challenge where the ancient laws of the Fort are finally brought into the physical world. It is the end of the search, and the beginning of your trial.

• The Research Archive
  (kiro-fort.jp)The 'Dark Room' of this project. This is where the haunting history and the fragmented data I recovered are kept under lock and key. It is the rabbit hole for those who need to know the truth behind the stones.
  
  

Thank You for Joining the Infiltration

"I may be a solo developer, but in the depths of the Fort, I am never alone. This project exists because of the 'Infiltrators'—the backers and mystery-seekers who believed that some stories are worth digging up. Whether you are here for the pure logical challenge or to lose yourself in the historical abyss, I am honored to have you at the table.

As a solo game developer, I, Christian van Gils, create engaging and innovative games that push the boundaries of the gaming industry.

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