Tabletop Games & AI
The Game Intelligence is a Cambridge-based game publisher and research company dedicated to the scientific study of ancient board games, as well as the development of new, original board and card games based on entirely unique ideas. One of our main projects is the development of AI that can understand ancient board games in greater detail (DeepTGi). We are proudly supported by Innovate UK and were finalists in the StartUp Awards 2025. Our most significant scientific research has focused on the Game of 20 (The Shahr-i Sokhta Board Game), which not only reconstructed the game and introduced scholarly rulesets for the first time in half a century, but also reshaped the history of board games. The Game of 20 also runs workshops and tournaments. Recent studies suggest that the ancestors of backgammon and chess originated from this variant, marking it as our most important contribution to the history of board games.
East of England Finalists
PlayTGi is an online shop offering the highest-quality, one-of-a-kind games. Our ancient games remain faithful to the original artifacts, with authenticity backed by our scientific research, so you can feel confident that every product you purchase will bring lasting satisfaction.
We only offer ancient games that are part of our scientific studies, while our modern games are completely innovative.
THE GAME OF 20
Our recent studies of the game of 20 have reshaped the history of board games. For about half a century, this game (Shahr-i Sokhta Board Game) was unknown to researchers. The game was successfully analysed scientifically, and ancient rules were introduced that might represent how the game was played at that time. The game is almost 5,000 years old, making it the oldest complete board game ever discovered in the world.
Featured in
PlayTGi
Researchers | Learners | Exhibitor
“DeepTGi uncovers hidden stories within ancient artifacts, turning mysteries into knowledge. A single, insignificant object can transform our understanding of humanity’s gaming past.”
For the first time in the study of ancient board games, our DeepTGi application offers an all-in-one solution using a machine learning model to uniquely identify, analyse, and simulate ancient rules. The model is trained on rare and unique data, enabling it to accurately identify even small fragments. It also interprets complex iconography on game pieces, allowing for deeper analysis of the objects. DeepTGi is designed to be your research companion. The application is simple to use, with a singular focus on analysing ancient board games. While it does not focus solely on simulating rules and movements, it provides a comprehensive understanding of ancient gameplay. The results are clear, reliable, and to the point.
- Classification
- Iconography
- Fraction Identification
- Predict Date Range
- Simulate Plausible Rules
- Further Analysis
- Image Click Detection
DeepTGi
Wellness
Corporate Event | Workshop | Tournament
The popular Game of 20 is available for purchase or subscription for your school, offering a fun and educational way to explore history, strategy, and chance.
It’s also ideal for events such as corporate fun days, health and wellness initiatives, and employee engagement activities.
The Game of 20 is not just a game, it’s an experience that mirrors life itself: you need chance, you need to be thoughtful, you need to take risks, and you’ll encounter unexpected moments and rewards along the way.
The Game Intelligence proudly holds the world’s first scholarly reconstruction of the Shahr-i Sokhta board game, available for loan to researchers, museums, exhibitions, and documentarians.
Career Opportunities
We are currently not hiring for any positions.
TGi's main focus is to introduce AI to study and recognise ancient board games in general and introduce new and unique tabletop games unlike any other in the market.
Address:
The Game intelligence ltd
The Bradfield Centre
184 Cambridge Science Park
Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0GA
Phone: 01223803271
support by Innovate UK