Lithic, derived from the Greek lithikos, means "pertaining to or consisting of stone." Its derivative lithos also can mean "a stone piece on a game board."
From childhood, we learn about the advent of tool-making in the Stone Age as a marker of the process of becoming more intelligent, and of ultimately becoming human. Fashioning Stone Age tools became a metaphor for what makes us special, what makes us human.
Even more ancient, however is play. The capacity to play, to simulate instinctual actions in a social setting, purely for fun, can be seen in humans and animals all over the world and throughout time. The formalization of play through distinct games, however, is distinctly human, and no less fundamental to who we are than tool making, or cooking food, or anything else. The games we play tell us about our values, our societies, our desires, and ultimately, our kinship.
Who We Are
Lithic Studios is an independent board game publishing outfit based in Washington, DC. It is led by married partners Jeremy Grossman and Aya Farhat (and their three cats, Ellie, Edward, and Dr. Frankenstein). Both Aya and Jeremy have PhDs in Communication and run their own digital marketing and social media management agency, Social Intellect. Lithic is fully committed to supporting artists and other creatives, and our games and promotion never utilize generative AI assets, nor do we use AI for testing or modeling. We work directly with manufacturers in China to ensure quality and material control. Our catalogue is small but growing, and our goal is to become an outlet for indie designers whose games align with the overall mission and vibe of Lithic Studios.
_edited.jpg)
Lead Designer and Producer
Dr. Jeremy Grossman
Jeremy received his PhD from the University of Georgia in 2018. In addition to leading the performance marketing half of Social Intellect, he teaches oratory and public speaking at the University of Maryland and occasionally teaches marketing and branding at Johns Hopkins. Occasionally he guest lectures for courses on game design in the Design Cultures & Creativity honors program at the University of Maryland.
Producer and Playtester
Dr. Aya Farhat
Aya received her PhD from the University of Maryland in 2023. She serves as CEO and leads the organic arm of Social Intellect. Additionally, she is building her fitness brand Tend, which includes an at-home fitness app, events in the DMV, and fitness and wellness retreats both domestic and international. She occasionally teaches classes in social media at Johns Hopkins.
Community Liaison
Edward
Edward was found under a car — in point of fact, up inside the undercarriage of a car — in Georgia in 2017. He currently holds the distinction of being the only feline team member who has never randomly upended a game session. Handsome, but not a lot going on up there — a real himbo, if you will.
Security
Ellie
Ellie was found under the same car as, and is presumably related to, Edward. She denies this. Weighing in at 5lb 0oz, she is a self-appointed enforcer of rules, norms, and general decorum. A dedicated member of the team, she spends by far the most time in the office of anyone.
Playtest Supervisor
Dr. Frankenstein
Frankie was adopted in early 2023 and has been trying to escape ever since. Keep a close eye on your meeple count. Prone to random screaming. The best method of pacification is to place an empty game box lid somewhere proximate to the play area.