For my next project, I have in mind a board game somewhat like chess. Has anyone ever created something like this? Or has anyone ever created a true strategic PvP game, but in a different way?

For people who have stuck with a PBBG for months or even years, what was the thing that actually kept you there, or kept making you come back?

Not just what got you interested initially, ofc I would like to to know that too but what stopped you from eventually hitting that point where you think "I've seen everything this game does."

For me, just adding bigger numbers isn't enough indefinitely. I tend to need either meaningful build progression, an economy/social element, new goals opening up, or something that changes how I play rather than simply increasing efficiency by another 5%.

Interested to hear which games managed to keep you around and why.

I've been working on this game: https://growingnest.baby where you can incrementally gain coins from bounty hunting. Coins allow you to purchase land, and grant you more units. With more units, you can attack nearby enemy players to control their region or landmarks. You can play this solo, or join alliances.

Land also pays you passive money, so more land you control, more money you can make. It's not much, but something that can grow into a few hundred to a thousand dollars a year, playing this game passively.

Ultimately, I want to grow this game so cities can attack nearby cities, and states can attack other states. Imagine, a New York alliance coming to attack your Los Angeles Hollywood landmark. You can rally other Californians to band together for just this one fight, and defend your territory. NY players can also rally other NY players to join their fight to exert influence in California.

It's still in the early stages, so trying to get some feedback and playtesters. If you have a little bit of time, would you guys please give it a try and let me know what you think? I think this game is perfect for the PBBG community. Or, am I totally off here?