Settlers was the first German-style board game to achieve popularity outside Europe, and has been called the "killer app" of designer board games. Over 11 million games in the Catan series have been sold, and the game has been translated into twenty-five languages from the original German.
The game has rapidly become popular in part because its mechanics are relatively simple, while its dynamics are quite complex. The game is well suited for family play, since no one gets eliminated, and players who are behind can strive towards goals that are within their reach.
The standard game and its many expansions are available from Mayfair Games in the United States and United Kingdom