Our Story
Back in 2023, we welcomed our first son into the world - clay.
While we didn’t know it at the time, this new chapter for our family would also be the launching pad for what is now clay bird games.
Welcome to Clay Bird Games—a small, family-created company dedicated to creating hobby board games that bring people together. My name is Cooper and I've been a board game enthusiast my entire life. I founded Clay Bird Games with the mission to create and publish engaging hobby board games with real-world themes, innovative-yet-accessible mechanics, and strategic depth that welcomes both hardcore gamers and newcomers. We want tables filled with fun, creativity, tough decisions, and laughter—no matter who's playing.
Our first game, CRED, is in the final stages of development. We're aiming to bring it to the tabletop community via a crowdfunding launch in 2027. It's a tycoon-style experience that captures the thrill (and tough choices) of commercial real estate development—perfect for fans of tycoon experiences, smart strategy, and meaningful player interaction.
Whether you're a seasoned hobbyist, a tycoon-game lover, or someone who enjoys supporting indie designers and passionate entrepreneurs, we hope you'll join us. This is about more than games—it's about the connections they create.
Follow our journey, cheer on CRED's progress, and let's build something great together.
Thanks for stopping by!
Meet Our Team
Cooper Youngs
Founder & Designer of CRED
Bio: Originally from Denver, Colorado, I have lived in Las Vegas, Texas, and now reside back in Colorado with my wife, son, and another son on the way (and 2 dogs/cats)! I started my professional career working with the Vegas Golden Knights NHL franchise, and currently work as a stay at home dad while running Clay Bird Games. Some of my favorite hobbies include board gaming, hockey, and sim racing.
Favorite Games: Dead Reckoning, A Feast for Odin, My Father’s Work, Ark Nova, Lost Ruins of Arnak
Kevin Hertel
Creative Director & Graphic Designer
Bio: While life has taken me across the US from New York to San Francisco, I currently reside back in my hometown of Denver, Colorado with my fiancé and 3 cats. My professional graphic and product design journey includes experience from brands like Huge, Strava, and most recently, Nyfik. I have a passion for creating digital products that do good and love testing my creative process in new and exciting ways.
Favorite Games: Cosmic Encounter, Terrorscape, Onitama, Forbidden Desert, Magic: The Gathering, and D&D
Jonathan Stodola
Playtesting & Development Director
Bio: I was born in the Appalachian mountains and, after a stint in St. Louis, now live in Denver at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains! I’m a structural engineer by trade and board gamer by passion. Wil Wheaton’s TableTop series launched me into the deep end of board gaming and I’ve been here ever since! Outside of board games, I play Lorcana, cycle, play disc golf, and sing in our church choir.
Favorite Games: Ascendancy, Cosmic Encounter, Unmatched, War of the Ring, Inis
Lidiia Vatslaviv
Artist
Bio: I’m a self-taught illustrator from Ukraine, inspired by fantasy worlds, anime, magical themes, the architecture around me, and of course — my cat.
I love creating atmospheric environments and visual stories that invite people to explore. That’s why board games feel like small worlds to me, where art and play meet to create something magical.
Favorite games: Trickerion, Mysterium, S.T.A.L.K.E.R, Spirit Island, and Unlock.
My journey into modern board games began with Gloomhaven.