by Anton Torres, Marketing Manager, Pegasus North America
Civolution
is Stefan Feld’s epic and magnificent opus to the category of civilization games. This is one of my favorite categories, but Civolution stands alone.
Good Vibration Civilization
The rulebook reveals that players are cosmic beings studying at the Technical Academy of Creation who have gathered for their final exam. In front of each player sits a console, the physical interface and tools used to interact with the terrestrial simulation that has spawned at the center of the table.
One side of the console tracks 18 natural resources, food, money and available structures. To the right, 15 modules upgradable from levels 1 to 3 serve as a menu of primary actions.
To activate a module, use two dice with values matching those printed on the module. Each player begins the game with six equally distributed values, but players will re-roll their dice pool multiple times over the course of play. It should not be surprising to learn that there are several ways to alter dice values, including using ideas, focus and planning markers.
The continent, a randomly arranged collection of tiles that bears no relation to those found on planet earth, offers seven different terrain types and is peppered with 24 face-down sites – locations to be discovered while one’s tribes migrate across the land.
One design choice I find delightful is how Civolution breaks free from earth’s historical past. You will not find references to events and pivotal historical figures. Instead, the facets of our world have been baked into 150 unique research cards stacked alongside the board. Once collected, research cards can be installed into a console, frequently with immediate benefits plus new actions and abilities. Research cards span five categories: inventions, mutations, insights, buildings and achievements. Within these decks you will find familiar topics such as theocracy, the wheel, agriculture and the marketplace. In the mutations deck, you
might come across compound eyes, pincer, night vision or gills. The beings that flourish under your inspiring guidance may not even be humanoid! This liberating approach injects both narrative and related mechanisms to every game. During a recent play, my burgeoning tribe evolved humps (like those of a camel) and sweat glands. This freed the tribe members in desert territories from needing to be fed, while providing a number of benefits whenever the weather was hot. This was a remarkable experience, and not one I’ve ever had playing a civilization game. Since this is a final exam for a group of students, players will not be graded on how well they wage war against other tribes. Instead, Civolution is a low-conflict game that presents a vast creative platform to explore with a gigantic sandbox of ideas that reflect the world around us. Every game will lead players down new and exciting paths, continually surprising players even after countless plays.
We cannot wait for Civolution to arrive on your table!
Q3 2024
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
Nicole Brady
SAHM Reviews Director – Media & Events
VICE-PRESIDENT
Monica Rasso
Meeples at Sea Director – Media & Events
TREASURER
Garima Sharma
Skybound Entertainment Director – Publisher
SECRETARY
Rhonda Becker
The Gamers Den Director – Retailer
DIRECTORS
John Coviello
Little Shop of Magic Director – Retail
Matt Fantastic
Forever Stoked Creative Director – Creative
Aldo Ghiozzi
Save vs. Death Ray Director – Wholesale
Radek Gronus
FABRYKA KART
Director - Production/Manufacturing
Beau Heath
Arcane Tinman Director – Wholesale
Will Niebling
Emeritus Director
Eric Price
Mejia Board Game Factory Director – Production/Manufacturers
Anton Torres
Pegasus Spiele North America Director – Publisher
Drew Wehrle
Wehrlegig Games
Director – Creator
GAMA STAFF
John Stacy EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR john.stacy@gama.org
Chris Materni DEPUTY DIRECTOR chris.materni@gama.org
Adam Ziegler
TECHNOLOGY AND CREATIVE MANAGER adam.ziegler@gama.org
Cree Luzskia EVENT MANAGER cree.luzskia@gama.org
Bryan Borgman MEMBER SERVICES MANAGER bryan.borgman@gama.org
Paul McGraw EVENTS MANAGER paul.mcgraw@gama.org
Gregoire
Boisbelaud
EVENTS COORDINATOR greg.boisbelaud@gama.org
Julie Yeager
EXHIBITOR MANAGER julie.yeager@gama.org
Grace Willson MEMBER SERVICES COORDINATOR grace.willson@gama.org
GAME MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION 258 East Campus View Blvd Columbus, OH 43235
Around the Table © 2024 The Game Manufacturers Association
Phone: 614-255-4500 • Fax: 614-255-4499 • www.gama.org • media@gama.org PUBLISHED BY
Fahy-Williams Publishing 171 Reed Street, Geneva, NY 14456 P 800-344-0559 • F 315-789-4263
To advertise, contact Amy Colburn at 315-789-6431 or email amy@fwpi.com.
Breathe slowly and remember your training…focus…just cut the BLUE (a bead of sweat rolls down your face) …wait…I can’t tell—is that wire blue or red?!
Bomb Busters is an exciting cooperative deduction game for a stalwart team of bomb disposal experts ready to face 66 escalating explosive challenges.
Endlessly replayable, Bomb Busters is filled with delightful, pulse-pounding moments as players collaborate to safely navigate each mission’s unique challenges and foil the plans of the nefarious villains that seem one step ahead at every turn.
Tick tock tick tock…can you defuse the bomb before it’s too late?!
Illustrated by Dom 2D
Designed by Hisashi Hayashi
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the Q3 2024 issue of Around the Table. It’s always great to see another issue of this magazine come together to learn what members are up to, what new products are coming out, and look at the latest industry trends.
GAMA’s team will be attending several industry events over the next few months, and if you would like to connect, please send an email to membership@gama.org and we direct you to the correct team member.
• Alliance Open House (September 5-7, 2024)
• Spiel Essen (October 2-6, 2024)
• BBG Con (November 13-17, 2024)
• Designers Con (November 15-17, 2024)
• PAX Unplugged (December 6-8, 2024)
• Nuremberg Toy Fair (January 28 to February 1, 2025)
A special note about Essen, once again we will have a booth in Hall 4, where we will be promoting the organization and
programs. In addition, we will be hosting our 6th ESSENtials Retailer Summit education day on Wednesday 10/2 and an Industry Reception on Saturday 10/5. Check out our GAMA Members Facebook group or the weekly Members Update email for more details.
Last, we are putting the final touches on our annual Holiday Retailer Buying Guide, The Winter Wishlist. This year more than 70 publishers have submitted info on their latest “Hot for The Holiday” games for us to share with Retail Members. You can find the Wishlist on our website in early September or look for links on our social media channels or newsletter.
If you are not a part of the FB group or receiving our email newsletter, drop us a line and we will get you signed up. Have a great Fall and see you at one of these industry events!
Be well and happy gaming!
John Stacy Executive Director Game Manufacturers Association
GAMA Members,
Aswe gather together, both online and off, it has become more common to hear industry professionals exclaim, “I need to join GAMA.” This refreshing change can be attributed to an assortment of initiatives. We are still celebrating the successes of this year’s trade show while also riding the wave of excitement surrounding Origins Game Fair. Those are two very visible aspects of the organization, but a lot is happening in the wings and behind-thescenes, too. There are networking and educational opportunities, market expansion beta projects and amazing initiatives like our Horizons Fellowship program, to name only a few. Our executive director is also abreast of legislative matters to advocate for our members and the industry as a whole.
The increased interest is also very foundational. Since the membership restructuring back in 2021, more companies and individuals have found a place for themselves as professionals in this space. The organization now represents the entire ecosystem of the hobby game industry. From design concept to the product
in the hands of consumers, the entire membership plays a part.
And you know what? That’s fantastic because with new members we gain a collective of new resources. Committees are always in need of volunteers with bright ideas and fresh energy. That’s how programs like Horizon Fellowship, Designer Day and Media First Look came about. That’s also how we will gear up to meet goals such as international expansion and lobbying.
The Board of Directors is listening to member concerns and crafting forward thinking ideas for the future. The operations team is implementing best practices in order to meet the growing needs of the organization and a very hefty wish list. Whether you’ve been in the industry a while or are new to the organization, I challenge you to consider joining a committee that aligns with your strengths. You may have the next great idea that will change someone’s “I need to join GAMA” comment into “I am proud to be a member of GAMA.”
Nicole Brady President GAMA Board of Directors
Fateforge: Chronicles of Kaan from Mighty Boards is a new cooperative action-adventure campaign for one to four players. It’s quick to set up, playable in sessions of less than an hour and packs away easily.
sales@mighty-boards.com
Craft a winning strategy with Intarsia from Pegasus Spiele. Players compete to redesign the floor of the Café de Paris by proving their mastery of intarsia—a delicate and elaborate form of woodworking.
pegasusna.com
Battlefield in a Box presents Forgotten City from GF9 Games, the award-winning HEXTECH introduces Gothic Sector: Legion. It allows you to bring your tabletops to life, no matter where your epic battles take place. gf9.com
With Flip 7 from The Op Games, flip over cards one by one without flipping the same number twice. Plus, there are special cards to give you extra points, offer a second chance or freeze players. sales@usaopoly.com
This anniversary set from Arcane Tinmen is in honor of Dragon Shield's 25th anniversary. Feast your eyes on the special edition playmat and unforgettable, silver and jet black Matte Dual sleeves.
gtsdistribution.com
Dinosaurs Invade the Kingdoms in Jurassic Feud!
By Stefani Angelopoulos, Director of Communications, Vesuvius Media
Ready, aim, launch the … dinosaurs?! ROOOOOOOOOAR!
“Just when you thought the battle in the kingdoms couldn’t get more chaotic, dinosaurs enter the battlefield!” laughed Konstantinos Manos, CEO of Vesuvius Media. “Who wouldn’t want to launch rubber boulders from dino-catapults to smash your opponent’s fortress?!”
That’s right, following a successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, Vesuvius Media is back with Jurassic Feud, a thrilling spin-off of the awardwinning, boulder-launching, castlesmashing, dexterity game Catapult Feud.
Designed by Kristian Fosh, Jurassic Feud brings a prehistoric twist to the beloved mechanics of its predecessor. Players use bricks to build fortresses, place their warriors on top and take turns using dino-catapults to launch rubber boulders in an attempt to demolish each other’s stronghold. Victory is achieved when all warriors of one side are knocked over, leaving the winner with at least one warrior miniature standing upright.
Although Jurassic Feud is a standalone game, it is compatible with
all Catapult Feud expansions. This allows players to mix and match, creating massive castles or engaging in three- and four-player mega battles. The seamless integration offers endless possibilities for epic game nights!
“Catapult Kingdoms, now Catapult Feud, funded on Kickstarter four years ago, and it’s been quite a ride!” said Manos. “Since then, Catapult Feud has won numerous awards and accolades, has been published in 26 languages and sold
more than 150,000 games and expansions worldwide. We cannot wait for people to start playing Jurassic Feud!”
The success of the Kickstarter campaign for Jurassic Feud is a testament to the game’s anticipated popularity. Retailers interested in stocking Jurassic Feud can access Kickstarter exclusives and pricing by contacting Vesuvius Media directly.
Jurassic Feud is poised to become a staple in the world of family tabletop gaming. With its unique concept, engaging gameplay and enthusiastic community support, it promises to deliver countless hours of fun and excitement. Whether you’re a veteran of Catapult Feud or a newcomer to the battlefield, Jurassic Feud offers a fresh and thrilling experience that will have you launching boulders and smashing your way to victory!
Kindle the Spark
by Tom Mattson, President, Orange Nebula
Spirit Fire is a non-linear, open-world game system that exists in a compelling middle-ground between board games, LCGs and MMO video games. Your collection is centered around your character box, which contains the various decks that comprise your character, the personal quests you are pursuing, the collection of cards you own but your character hasn’t learned yet, the burdens you carry and much more (including all the basic components necessary for play). With this character box, you will explore mysterious fantasy realms (one
of which comes with the character box, others are sold separately). Realms come in a large deck-boxes stuffed with cards that create an openworld environment (maps, encounters, quests) for your character to discover and adventure across. As you explore the realm and complete quests, the realm will evolve and open itself, revealing new opportunities for your character to unlock cards and customize yourself in various ways.
All of this is built around the defining principle of the game: rather than following a story, you are the story. Each realm is essentially a living environment that you can interact with however you’d like. The quests you choose to pursue in each realm are totally up to you. You can even ignore the realm’s quests entirely, and focus instead on the personal quests your character is undertaking, found in the twopack quest lines that are sold separately and that can be performed across any realms. Figuring out which of the open-world realms provide the best opportunities to complete your personal quests is part of the thrill of discovery of the game. What you do is truly up to you, and the release of many additional realms and personal quest packs are planned to ensure the opportunities for exploration and character growth continue to expand and evolve over time.
Powering all this exploration and questing is card play. Your deck is comprised of all the disciplines you’ve learned (as well as the burdens you carry), and with it you will move around the map, confront encounters and face the skill tests necessary to complete many quests. Skill tests are presented by a hefty spiral-bound
tome and take the form of mini-games that challenge your card play like an opponent might in a TCG. Different quests bend and change the skill-test mini games in thematically challenging ways. Figuring out how to overcome those challenges with your character’s build is a puzzle that can often be approached in multiple ways, resulting in different types of experience that you can use to unlock cards and grow your character. What you do often isn’t as important as how you do it, and Spirit Fire rewards pushing yourself and leaning in to each experience.
With more than $1 million raised on Kickstarter (and a steady stream of subsequent pre-orders) we have been thrilled by the reception of Spirit Fire’s concepts, which we believe is just the beginning of this franchise’s potential. We hope you likewise can see value in its premise and that that value later translates to success in your store. If you’re one of the many retailers who have already connected with us, thank you, we’re immensely grateful. If you’d like to get in on that gratitude train, we’re genuinely looking forward to speaking with you. Thank you for all you do.
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Divine Mysteries The Ultimate Remastered Guide to Gods
and Their Followers
Dickey, Marketing and Media Specialist, Paizo
Pathfinder’s divine landscape has been changed forever by the War of Immortals, a global conflict kickstarted by the death of Gorum, God of War. With the loss of one of the core 20 deities of Golarion, a new deity –Arazni – rising to take his place and shifts above-the-table and behind the scenes to move away from open gaming license content, Pathfinder Second Edition has had quite the godly glow-up; Pathfinder Lost Omens: Divine Mysteries is a 320-page guide to all of those changes.
Divine Mysteries remasters and expands upon the content covered in Pathfinder Lost Omens: Gods & Magic, the previous guide to divine forces in Pathfinder Second Edition. Within the pages of this tome, each of the 20 core deities gets a double-sized article, encompassing their domains, history, worshippers, interpersonal relationships
and rituals, as well as edicts and anathemas to guide character creation. Beyond the core 20, there are dozens more deities who are covered in Divine Mysteries, including a host of wholly new deities, as well as lore and rules for worshipping pantheons, or groups of gods, such as the Radiant Prism— Desna, Sarenrae and Shelyn, Pathfinder’s polyamorous sapphic triad of goddesses.
Along with literally hundreds of pages of divine information for GMs and worldbuilders, Pathfinder Lost Omens: Divine Mysteries is a great book for players and character creation. Clerics and champions will delight in the new class archetypes, feats, spells and divine abilities, as well as tons of new deities being given edicts, anathemas, sanctification and spells. For players who can’t find inspiration amidst the domains and beliefs of the core 20 deities, there are
pages on pages of lesser deities, godly groupings and other entities to worship.
Even for characters less focused on the divine, there are new options and archetypes to catch your eye. One such option, the palatine detective archetype for investigators gives an edge to looking into the mysteries of the divine and the Order of the Palatine Eye. At higher levels, choosing this archetype will even grant your investigator access to either divine or occult spells – depending on the choices you’ve mad as you level up.
Pathfinder Lost Omens: Divine Mysteries provides a map to Golarion’s new divine landscape for players and GMs alike, implementing the changes to Pathfinder Second Edition and updating the deities within to be in line with the newly remastered core rulebooks: Pathfinder Player Core, GM Core, Monster Core, and Player Core 2. This guide to gods and divinity releases November 2024.
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Old School Dice A One-Stop Shop
by Randall Switlick, CEO, Old School Dice & Accessories
Old School Dice and Accessories is your one-stop shop for everything you need in the dice world. We have dice sets in many materials, single dice, dice trays, dice bags, dice towers and more!
But it’s not just about what we have, but how we do it. We put a very high effort into our customer service and deliver an experience like nobody else. We focus our energy on bringing the best experience to you as the owner, buyer or manager of your company. We are focused on the FLGS, and not going to your customers directly. Here are just some of the benefits of working with us.
The best customer service
We place customer service on the highest pedestal there is. If we get something wrong, we’re going to make it right and quickly. When you sign up to work with us, you’re going to be assigned your own account rep. Their whole goal is to help you make money and to handle any needs that may arise. We want to take care of you like a person, not just a transaction. Plus, our standard for shipping is to get 99 percent of orders shipped within 24 business hours.
Huge product catalog
We have developed a huge catalog to fit all of your dice needs! Just imagine not having to get your dice products from five different venders. With more than 800 products, we have something in every category, at every price point, all available to you. We keep this robust catalog growing and release new products every month. You can see all of our products at oldschooldice.com.
Great discounts and promotions
You’ll find that we are not a discount dice company. We only develop the highest quality products. We do have our products priced appropriately to the industry and our wholesale discount rate is top-level. We also offer monthly promotions to get more savings, free products, and other ways to get more return for your investment.
FLGS focused
Nearly every part of our business is built to best enable the brick-and-mortar store to best sell our products. From packaging to product offerings, we want to make it super easy to display and sell our items. We will never undercut you and sell to your customers at a lower price from our website. We also go to great lengths to
develop top notch packaging and product displays, with the goal of making our products easy to sell and show off.
All sizes matter
We want to work with everyone and we are equipped to do so. We’re happy working with multi-store customers and corporate businesses, but we’re also interested in working with newly opened and mom-and-pop stores. If you’re a large customer, we have tiered programs to increase your savings. If you’re a smaller customer, you’ll enjoy that we have no minimum order size or frequency. Plus, we have an industry low $100 threshold to earn free shipping!
We would love the opportunity to work with you, and show you why we are one of the fastest growing dice producers around. We invite you to visit our website, find us on Google or Facebook and send us a message! If you want work with the best, look no further.
Flip 7
by Eric Olsen, Game Designer, The Op Games
Back in high school, my friend Rod introduced a twist to traditional poker, inspiring what would eventually become Flip 7! Instead of aiming for straights or flushes, players aimed for points, flipping cards to reveal their fate. Rod’s innovative
From Concept to Retail
my mind for 35 years until it sparked the creation of Flip 7.
Development spanned over a year, refining the game through numerous iterations fueled by invaluable player feedback. The challenge was crafting a game that balanced excitement without relying on betting. Drawing inspiration from games like Farkle, I
gains or risk it all for a bigger payoff, with pairs resulting in a complete loss of points for the round.
To enhance player engagement, I divided the deck into three tiers based on card values, ensuring every flip carried significance. This culminated in a breakthrough – assigning varying point values to each card, introducing a delicate balance of risk and reward that even young
introduced special cards like Freeze depth and unpredictability innovations, coupled with USAopoly’s refinements upon licensing the game in 2023, further elevated Flip 7’s USAopoly’s tweaks, such as dealing cards one at a time to each player, intensified the suspense, transforming every flip into a moment of anticipation.
Whether players opt for caution or daring maneuvers, each decision shapes their journey toward victory.
In summary, Flip 7 evolved from a simple high school game into a captivating blend of strategy and chance, fueled by decades of inspiration and refinement. Its journey from concept to creation epitomizes the essence of innovation and the thrill of game design.
February 23-27, 2025
GAMA Announces New Health Insurance Benefit for Members
GAMA is pleased to partner with LIG Solutions to offer affordable and comprehensive health insurance and pharmacy solutions designed exclusively for individuals, families, and business owners along with their employees. Coverage is available across the entire country as an exclusive member benefit with GAMA.
LIG ASSOCIATION HEALTH PROGRAM MARKETPLACE
Since 2009, LIG Solutions has offered comprehensive, turn-key insurance solutions for associations, societies, membership organizations, and other affinity groups to deliver quality and affordable health care coverage. Today they work with more than 130 associations and trade organizations to support their members health care needs. They are licensed in all 50 states and will work individually with each member company to personalize the plan that works best for them and their teams needs.
This program offers various health coverage options, an exclusive pharmacy and prescription program, and additional insurance solutions built around your unique health, lifestyle, financial, and even business needs!
PROGRAM KICKOFF WEBINAR - SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 @ 2PM EASTERN
Join us for a kickoff webinar on September 17, 2024 at 2pm eastern to learn more about the program as well as have your questions answered. Details on how to access the webinar will be emailed to the contact person for each member company, as well as posted on the private GAMA Members Facebook Group and in our weekly Member Update Newsletter. See you on the 17th! The webinar will be recorded for those unable to attend in person!
New spirit animal dragons have been discovered and their likeness has been captured on Brushed Art Sleeves from Peachstate Hobby Distribution. Learn more about their unique traits.
phdgames.com
Plan and build the city of your dreams in Foundations of Metropolis from Arcane Wonders! This elegant and intuitive city building game features a new modern theme and cardboard polyominos. Contact Ryan Bruns, ryanbruns@arcanewonders.com
Sharpen your knives for Maki Master from KTBG. Create delicious masterpieces with the freshest ingredients and you might survive Friday night dinner rush!
Munchkin Shadowrun from Steve Jackson Games, dodge the corps, kill monsters and hack the matrix to win in a whole new way! Shipping in September.
retailers@sjgames.com
Step into the future of tabletop gaming with the LED Dice Tower and 7-Piece Clear Dice Set from ENHANCE Gaming. Watch the LEDs of the tower bounce off the clear dice. enhancegaming.com
The classic supernatural horror game is back with a new revised edition of A Touch of Evil from Flying Frog Productions. With fiendish creatures, dashing heroes and high-adventure, players race to stop the forces of darkness.
sarah@flyingfrog.net
Metro Runner from Thunderworks Games drops you into the grimy neon streets of a dystopian cyberpunk caper! Light- to midweight Euro mechanics meld with a challenging tile puzzle and gorgeous original artwork. claire@ thunderworksgames.com
With the All Game Terrain In-Store Clinic from Woodland Scenics, teach up to 10 gamers to easily create realistic environments on a miniature base. Includes scenery products for forest, desert or muddy terrain.
573-346-5555 sales@allgameterrain.com
Round Table from Nimue Studios lets you recruit knights, equip them, grant titles and conquer regions in Arthurian Britain. Embark on epic quests and become the supreme ruler!
With the Premium Dice Bundle with Display from Old School Dice & Accessories, enjoy the security of the anti-theft plastic display. Includes 20 premium dice sets. MSRP $1389.79 for all the sets and display.
oldschooldice.com
Experience the magic of Clover Kingdom in Black Clover: Star Festival from Japanime Games. Lead your Magic Knight squad in strategic challenges, manage resources and claim victory in this captivating board game adventure. SKU JPG287, MSRP $49
japanimegames.com
The Potion Pack from Cantrip Candles features three herb-based fragrances that reference well-known potions in the gaming world. Each potion comes with a custom acrylic infinity D4 that matches the color of the respective wax.
cantripcandles.com
Exploring New Horizons
Why U.S. Board Game Publishers Should Diversify Production to Europe
by Sabina Frydrych-Lebitko, Senior Area Manager, Fabryka Kart
In the rapidly evolving landscape of board and card game publishing, staying ahead of the competition requires more than just innovative game design and effective marketing strategies. It also necessitates smart production choices that ensure quality, sustainability and reliability. For U.S. publishers looking to expand their horizons, Europe presents a compelling opportunity. One key player in this arena is Fabryka Kart, a renowned manufacturer that offers a range of benefits worth considering.
Fabryka Kart, the largest European manufacturer of card games, has been a stalwart in the industry since 1947. With a sprawling 210,000-square-foot production and warehouse space, the capacity to handle large-scale orders efficiently is ensured. This extensive infrastructure, coupled with state-of-the-art technology, guarantees that every game produced meets the highest standards of quality. U.S. publishers can leverage this expertise to ensure their games are not only wellcrafted but also produced with the utmost attention to detail.
One of the significant advantages of diversifying production to Europe is access to eco-friendly game production technologies. As consumers become increasingly conscious of environmental impacts, aligning with a manufacturer that prioritizes sustainability can enhance a publisher’s brand image. Fabryka Kart employs Ecofriendly Game technology, demonstrating a commitment to minimizing environmental footprints. This
not only appeals to eco-conscious consumers but also positions publishers as responsible and forward-thinking.
Moreover, Fabryka Kart has an extensive network of connections across Europe, offering strategic advantages. By producing games in Europe, U.S. publishers can tap into a well-established distribution network, facilitating smoother and faster delivery to European markets. This connectivity can significantly reduce lead times and logistical complexities, ensuring that games reach retailers and consumers promptly.
and reputation of Fabryka Kart further reinforce the company’s credibility. Serving the industry for
produced is a testament to this expertise. The portfolio includes the production of 18 million complete games and 60 million card decks annually, underscoring the company’s capacity and reliability.
Stability and reliability in production are paramount for any publisher. Fabryka Kart guarantees production stability, supported by robust technological infrastructure and a dedicated team. With all aspects of game production – from printing to packaging – handled in-house, publishers can rest assured that their projects are in capable hands. This holistic approach eliminates the risks associated with outsourcing, such as delays or quality inconsistencies, providing a seamless production experience.
Additionally, diversifying production to Europe offers notable advantages in terms of quality control. European standards for manufacturing and safety are among the highest in the world. Fabryka Kart adheres to these stringent standards, ensuring that every game produced is safe and durable. This commitment to quality can enhance a publisher’s reputation and foster trust among consumers.
In conclusion, for U.S. board game publishers seeking to enhance their production strategies, Europe presents a viable and advantageous option. Fabryka Kart stands out as a premier choice, offering unmatched quality, sustainability and reliability. By diversifying production to Europe, publishers can not only capitalize on logistical benefits but also align with a manufacturer that shares their commitment to excellence. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, making strategic production decisions will be key to staying competitive and delivering exceptional games to players around the world.
If you’re interested in exploring how Fabryka Kart can help elevate your production capabilities, don’t hesitate to reach out. With a dedicated team ready to support your needs, Fabryka Kart is your partner in crafting games that captivate and endure.
The Origins Game Fair this year marked a significant milestone for Pet Domination: Kittens vs Corgis, reinforcing the heartfelt bond between our delightful game and its passionate players. This event was particularly memorable for me. Faced with unexpected personal challenges right as the convention kicked off, it was the enthusiastic feedback from attendees that truly lifted my spirits and reaffirmed the joy and connection that our game brings.
Pet Domination: Kittens vs Corgis cleverly captures the fervor of social media competition, blending it with our love for pets. Players employ strategy and humor, using cards like “Blocked,” “Identity Theft,” and “Simp Army” to outmaneuver opponents and win over followers. The social media theme, intertwined with adorable pet antics, provides a unique, engaging backdrop that resonates well with today’s online culture, making every game session a vibrant and competitive social interaction.
In its debut at Origins last year, where we first launched pre-orders, the game quickly caught the attention of gamers. This year, I was thrilled to meet several attendees who purchased the game at PAX Unplugged last
Paws on the Prize Origins Success with
Pet Domination: Kittens vs Corgis
by Justine Coven, Creator, Pet Domination, LLC
December and others who had pre-ordered at last year’s Origins. Many shared stories of how much fun they’ve had playing, which was incredibly heartening, especially during a tough personal moment. Their positive experiences and the joy they expressed were pivotal in turning around the weekend for me.
Additionally, those who picked up the game at the start of this year’s convention returned to our booth over the next few days to tell me about the great times they’d had playing the game overnight. Hearing how Pet Domination had become a highlight of their game nights was a
profound reminder of why I embarked on this creative journey: to bring joy and laughter into people’s lives.
Pet Domination: Kittens vs Corgis is designed to be accessible yet strategically engaging, making it an ideal choice for both new and experienced gamers. The anime-style artwork on each card not only enhances the visual appeal but also helps narrate the story behind each playful interaction.
With an MSRP $24.99, packaged in an eye-catching magnetic box perfect for any shelf, Pet Domination: Kittens vs Corgis is poised to captivate a broad audience. It’s a fantastic addition for retailers looking to offer something fresh and engaging that players of all ages can enjoy. If you’re interested in bringing this game to your store or need more information, reach out to kvcgame.official@gmail.com.
Let’s continue to spread the fun and strategy of Pet Domination: Kittens vs Corgis, where each game is not just about winning, but about making lasting memories with friends and family. Join us in this delightful escapade where pets vie for social media stardom, and every player gets a chance to shine!
“It’s an adorable fun little game that I would definitely get as an animal lover!”
- @TiktokBoardGames
Engages with strategy and humor
Dynamic player interactions Rally your kittens and corgis for a hilarious race to fame in ‘Pet Domination: Kittens vs Corgis.’ Navigate the twists and turns of social media, deploy strategic
A Journey into Magic and Strategy
by Mikael Yang, Editorial Manager, Japanime Games
Imagine yourself as a squad leader in the enchanting Clover Kingdom, where magic is woven into the very fabric of everyday life. The annual Star Festival is upon us, a grand celebration where Magic Knight squads compete in a series of thrilling challenges. Black Clover: Star Festival brings this vibrant event to life in a board game that combines strategy, resource management and dynamic gameplay. The stakes are high, the competition fierce and the glory of victory awaits. Are you ready to guide your squad to triumph in the most prestigious festival of the year?
You sit down at the table, the game board spread out before you like a map of the Clover Kingdom itself. As the leader of a Magic Knight squad, you feel the weight of your responsibility. The annual Star Festival has begun, and the air is thick with anticipation and the promise of glory. Your
squad members, each with their unique abilities and traits, await your commands.
Your first move is to assign tasks. You send Noelle to gather favor requests in the bustling city streets, her water magic ensuring she navigates the crowds with ease. Meanwhile, you direct Luck to the ancient ruins, where his lightning magic will help uncover hidden treasures. The game board is a reflection of the kingdom, with each location offering unique opportunities and challenges.
As the festival progresses, the tension rises. You watch as Yuno, your rival and friend, leads his squad with precision. His wind magic is formidable, but you have a strategy. You decide to recruit powerful Magic Knights to bolster your ranks. Vanessa’s thread magic can manipulate fate, giving you an edge in crucial moments. You carefully plan each move, balancing risk and reward, knowing that every decision shapes your squad’s destiny.
The dynamic rounds keep you engaged, shifting between planning, action
and upkeep phases.
You adapt your strategies on the fly, responding to the evolving challenges. Your squad members gain experience, their abilities grow stronger and you start to see the fruits of your careful planning. The personalized squad development is satisfying, each victory bringing you closer to the ultimate prize – the stars that symbolize triumph.
Your final move is bold. You send Asta, with his anti-magic prowess, to confront a rival squad. The battle is intense, but your careful resource management and tactical decisions pay off. Asta’s determination and strength lead your squad to a hard-earned victory. The cheers of the festival echo around you as you claim the coveted stars, the symbol of your squad’s dominance.
Crafted by Lynnvander, known for its innovative designs and captivating gameplay, Black Clover: Star Festival offers a perfect blend of accessible mechanics and strategic depth. Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned board game enthusiast, the game provides an engaging experience that mirrors the excitement and magic of the anime.
As you pack up the game, you can’t help but reflect on the journey. Black Clover: Star Festival isn’t just a game; it’s an adventure into the magical world of the Clover Kingdom. Every decision counts, every move matters and the path to victory is paved with stars. Ready your strategies, lead your squad and dive into the magic of the Star Festival – where the glory of victory awaits.
by Jeremy Culver, Marketing Coordinator, Ghost Galaxy
SinceMINDBUG
The World of Goes Beyond Evolution and Eternity
its launch in 2022, Mindbug quickly grew a fan following for its bizarre creatures, deep strategies and quick matches. Those looking for a fun card game to get lost in, saw their eyes and minds pulled to this beloved title. The fun just got a whole lot deeper, going beyond the limits of evolution and eternity!
In the card game Mindbug, the rules are simple. You summon hybrid creatures into battle against your opponent in an effort to reduce their health to zero and win. Yet, the lines between friendly and enemy creatures are blurred and can switch right when you call them for aid.
Mindbug isn’t just the name of the game, it’s also the essence of it. Use your brain-altering Mindbug card at the right time and you could gain the loyalty of the most dangerous creature to enter the battle. Don’t count your victories yet, though –the same can be said for your opponent. So trust your wit in this fascinating tactical duel to have the best cards when needed most; or else play them at the wrong time and it spells the end for you.
You don’t have to look hard to figure
out how to get started in Mindbug. Whether it’s grabbing Mindbug: First Contact or the recently released standalone expansions of Mindbug: Beyond Evolution and Mindbug: Beyond Eternity, one set is all you’ll need. Each comes with 48 creature cards that will make up your 10 creatures in battle – five in hand, and five in your draw pile. Shuffle up the cards and deal out 10 to each player. Now you’re nearly ready to play. Each player also receives two of those pesky Mindbug cards. Choosing when to use them leads to a unique decision-making process, making it feel different from any other card game. You don’t need a resource to play a card in Mindbug. This means you get to the action immediately. Since there is also
no deck-building, you can start playing right away from a single deck. Due to this, many players say this makes it easy to pick up and play at any time or even introduce new people to card games.
This also highlights the beauty of Mindbug. Players can keep each expansion of Mindbug separate or mix all of them together to give a variety of combinations in each battle. Mix in Mindbug: Beyond Evolution and you’ll see evolving creatures with powerful “activation” abilities. Dive into Mindbug: Beyond Eternity and you’ll see abilities bring cards out of the discard pile. These growing abilities can add extra depth without compromising fun.
Whether you’re a long-time card game fan or looking to dip your toes in, Mindbug makes for a great place to start. Though it’s effortless to get into, the game will keep surprising you with new and exciting challenges and combos.
With that, we say welcome to the wild world of Mindbug! Contact your distributor to place your order today.
Co-designed bY richard GARFIELD
A New Frontier for Round Table
competitive play. While dueling remains a core aspect, the addition of cooperative and solo quests enriches the gaming experience, offering something for everyone.
But that’s not all! We’re also developing a Starter Set for Round Table. This boxed set will include two Starter Decks, four Treasure Packs, and a metal turn-keeper, all for an MSRP of around $100. We’re currently finalizing the packaging designs and aim to release the Starter Set alongside the Grand Quests.
We’ve just returned from the whirlwind that is the Origins Game Fair, and what an experience it was! Exhibiting Round Table for the first time was an exhilarating adventure. The excitement was palpable as we shared our game with enthusiastic attendees. It was heartening to see so many people enjoying both the game and our booth setup. Our highlight? The knighting ceremony for new players – a total blast! We’re deeply grateful to everyone who stopped by.
But the adventure didn’t end at Origins. At Nimue Innovation Studios, we’ve been delving back into board gaming, gravitating towards cooperative games like Cthulhu: Death May Die. This got us thinking; while Round Table is a competitive game, we envisioned something more. We’re now on our own quest to transform Round Table into a cooperative experience as well. Introducing Grand Quests – multi-staged events designed for one to four players to team up against formidable adversaries. Solo players, rejoice! We’ve ensured that you can embark on these quests alone if you prefer. Our Learn to Play events at GenCon have been invaluable, helping us refine this exciting new mode.
Here’s what to expect: Each Grand Quest set will contain three quests, each with five to six stages. Players must complete each stage before time runs out to advance. Success leads to the next stage, culminating in a final epic showdown. Will you emerge victorious or suffer the ignominy of defeat? We aim to launch Grand Quests in the fourth quarter of this year, perfect for holiday gatherings.
We’re thrilled to expand the horizons of Round Table beyond
Stay tuned as the fourth quarter promises to be an exciting time at Nimue Innovation Studios! We’re always eager to hear from you, so don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or feedback about Round Table and our upcoming offerings. You can find more information about our events and contact us directly at our LinkTree.
Embark on this new adventure with us, and let’s make Round Table an unforgettable experience together!
by Bill DeVoe, Lead Game Designer, Nimue Innovation Studios
New Spirit Animal Dragons Discovered in the Wild
by Marie Laursen Canter, Copywriter, Dragon Shield
Inthe heart of Arcania, a curious adventurer embarked on a quest to document its elusive inhabitants. Armed with nothing but a sketchbook, a keen eye for detail and an unyielding spirit, this adventurer set out into the wild, unknowingly on a path that would lead to the discovery of three spirit animal dragons. Mythical creatures, the latest discoveries of spirit animal dragons were soon to be immortalized on Dragon Shield’s latest brushed art sleeves.
An encounter with the bushdrake
The first encounter occurred in the thick of an ancient jungle. As the adventurer carefully navigated through the underbrush, a glint of gold caught their eye. Intrigued, they followed the shimmer to a small clearing where a single golden coin was visible. Lured in, the adventurer was soon confronted by an entire nest of glittering treasures. Perched atop the priceless hoard, was the bushdrake. Adept at hiding its presence, it suddenly appeared out of nowhere. It was a dragon so adorable in its appearance that the adventurer nearly lost focus. Its massive eyes were green as they fixed on the adventurer, quickly scanning their appearance to locate any
precious jewels or metals that might need a new home.
Finding none, the bushdrake allowed the adventurer to continue their observation, and soon the adventurer learned that this innocent-looking creature was a fierce protector of treasure – especially that treasure which it deemed others incapable of holding on to. Once loot was relieved from the owner, it was never relinquished again.
The
burnbug’s hidden flame
Continuing the journey, the adventurer stumbled upon a dewy meadow filled with vibrant flowers. It was here that they encountered the second spirit animal dragon: the valiant and vicious burnbug. At first glance, this tiny creature appeared to be little more than a beautifully adorned ladybug. Its delicate wings and large eyes gave it an appearance of innocence. However, upon reaching out to touch it, the adventurer soon learned another lesson.
Disturbing the burnbug would reveal its true nature; flames erupted from its little body and unleashed a painful burn meant to engulf similar-sized opponents entirely. Luckily, our adventurer’s size left them with only singed fingertips. They made quick work of sketching the burnbug’s intricate composition, capturing both its beauty and its latent power.
The playful wufdragon
The final leg of the journey led the adventurer to volcanic regions, where the air was thick with the scent of sulfur and the ground spurted liquid flames from its core. It was here that the adventurer witnessed a rare sight: the wufdragon. This wild dragon appeared to be a charming blend of dog and dragon. Its six legs allowed it to leap energetically from one lava pool to another, its body seemingly impervious to the searing heat. The wufdragon glowed with an inner fire, and its eyes held a playful yet fierce intelligence. Capturing this magnificent creature on paper was no easy feat, but the adventurer’s determination never wavered. Each leap, each fiery glow was meticulously documented, ensuring that the wufdragon’s fiery spirit would be commemorated.
Immortalized in art
With their journey complete, the adventurer transformed the likenesses of the bushdrake, burnbug, and wufdragon into stunning Dragon Shield brushed art sleeves. These sleeves, known for their durability and high-quality art prints, were released into the mortal realm on standard size sleeves so that mortals may learn of their existence – and maybe even find a kindred spirit amongst them.
Unleash the Legends
The Dracopolis Dice Collection
by Tomasz Gałkowski, Project Manager, Q Workshop
From ancient myths and legends to the immersive worlds of fantasy games, dragons have always captured our imaginations. With the Dracopolis Dice Collection, we’ve taken inspiration from these aweinspiring creatures to create three extraordinary sets: the Scandinavian Blackfang, Yucatan Featherwing and Andean Longneck. Each set embodies the essence of these mythical beings, making your gaming experience more legendary than ever before.
Exceptional design and craftsmanship
The Dracopol is a dice line that features polyhedrons made of resin, with unique and intricate 3D designs of claws, wings, bones and scales. Each die is painted by hand, and every color theme is dedicated to a different dragon type patronage.
Discover the Dracopolis Dice Set: the Andean Longneck! Based on treasures from mountainous dig sites in South America. The resin material is painted green and brings out the image of serpent-like dragons, who ruled over the Andes.
Behold the Dracopolis Dice Set: the Yucatan Featherwing! Inspired by archeological discoveries in Mesoamerica, this set boasts a beige base painted purple, evoking the mystery of feathered dragons once living deep in the lush forests.
And there’s the Dracopolis Dice Set: the Scandinavian Blackfang! Drawing from burial findings on European coastlines, the essence of the most iconic dragon type is captured by a black hue covering the beige resin.
A journey from Kickstarter to your table
All of this began with a highly successful
Kickstarter campaign, where we invited the community to help us select the most captivating color. Thanks to the overwhelming support from backers, these three sets emerged as the favorites, proving their appeal to gamers and collectors alike. Now, we’re bringing these beloved designs to a wider audience, allowing everyone to experience the wonders of Dracopolis.
Celebrated by gamers and collectors
The Dracopolis Dice Sets have already earned acclaim at major gaming conventions and trade shows. Gamers and collectors have praised their unique design, superior craftsmanship and the immersive experience they bring to the tabletop. These sets aren’t just tools for gameplay – they’re conversation starters, collector’s items and pieces of art that add a touch of magic to every roll.
Perfect timing for the perfect gift
As we approach the peak of the holiday shopping season, there’s no better time to introduce the Dracopolis Dice Collection. These sets make the perfect gift for the gaming enthusiast in your life, offering a blend of beauty, functionality and a touch of mythic wonder. Whether looking to enhance your gaming sessions or finding a unique present for a friend, the Dracopolis Dice Sets will surely impress.
Are you ready?
We’ve got dragons, and we’re about to release them to the world. Are you brave enough to embrace their glory?
Dragon Shield Anniversary
25 Years of Protecting Our Treasured Community
In the world of trading card games, every card tells a story, and every sleeve that protects those cards is a guardian. For the past quarter-century, Dragon Shield has been the steadfast protector of countless decks, ensuring brief encounters can turn into thrilling tournaments. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary in 2024, we reflect on our journey and the legacy we’ve built, drawing inspiration from the very dragons that were with us from the very beginning.
A member of the community from the start
by Marie Laursen Canter, Copywriter –Supply and R&D, Dragon Shield
Twenty-five years ago, in the back of a local game store, Dragon Shield was shaped by the ambitious minds of two Danish nerds who wanted to offer more to the games they loved. Their promise of unparalleled quality and durability was closely matched by their passion for storytelling and – well, pretty obviously –dragons. Our founders, passionate TCG enthusiasts, envisioned a product that would not only preserve the integrity of cherished cards but also enhance the playing experience. Thus, Dragon Shield was born.
The dragons of the forge
We work closely with the forge to bring the very best from the realm of dragons. Over their blazing fires, we’ve honed our craft to make sure every product – from our first pack of sleeves to our latest innovations – is designed and crafted with
commitment to quality.
The 25th anniversary set: A tribute to our adventures thus far
To commemorate our 25 years of unwavering dedication to TCG players and the games we love, we are proud to unveil a special edition, 25th anniversary set.
The anniversary playmat is a masterpiece that combines functionality with stunning artwork. Featuring the work of Godfrey Escota, the playmat depicts two powerful dragons flanking the Dragon Shield anniversary shield. The playmat’s
rubber bottom ensures it stays firmly in place, while the silky-smooth surface provides the perfect stage for intense gameplay.
Pairing off with the playmat are the special edition Dragon Shield Matte Dual sleeves. The slightly metallic, black background is adorned with a silver design: the anniversary shield. Emblazoned in silver, it stands as a symbol of our enduring commitment to quality and our celebration of the past decades. To round off this unique, luxurious set, the sleeves are housed in a special edition anniversary box. It is lined with silver on the inside, providing a dramatic unpackaging experience while also being a practical storage accessory.
Endless adventures await
Even dragons know their limits, and scrying into the future is best left to wilder magic. But for the future of Dragon Shield, we dare venture a few guesses. After 25 years, we remain driven by the values that got us started, and our forge caverns are still bursting with unexplored treasures. For decades we have strived to provide the very best accessories to our beloved community, and the next 25 years will be no different. We will dive into the deep caverns and return with the riches we find. Once tested for quality and strength, our forge masters will release them onto the world, so all the world’s players may continue their endless quest: to enjoy the very best of the games we love.
the same meticulous attention to detail and
In honor of our 25th anniversary, the dragons of the forge have created a special edition Matte Art sleeve and accompanying playmat. With the silver anniversary badge blazing on its black back, the Matte Art sleeve steals the spotlight for your deck. The playmat is the result of Dragon Shield’s artistic collaboration with Godfrey Escota: two formidable dragons flank the commemorative shield. Combine the sleeves and playmat for an impressive set!
2023 Origins Award
Twenty-four products from across the landscape of tabletop gaming were honored at the Origins Awards during the Origins Game Fair, held June 19 to 23, 2024.
The annual awards were handed out at a ceremony recognizing the best products released in 2023.
The Origins Awards were presented for the first time at the very first Origins Game Fair in Baltimore, MD in 1975. The purpose of the awards is to recognize excellence in game design and increase awareness and sales for the nominees, winners, the Origins Game Fair and hobby gaming.
2023 Origins Award Winners
Best Cooperative Board Game
Sky Team (Scorpion Masque, designed by Luc Rémond)
Best Gateway Board Game
Wandering Towers (Capstone Games, designed by Michael Kiesling, Wolfgang Kramer)
Best Light Strategy Game
Leaf (Weird City Games, designed by Tim Eisner)
Best Thematic Board Game
Freelancers: A Crossroads Game (Plaid Hat Games, designed by Donald Shults)
Best Heavy Strategy Game
Dune: Imperium - Uprising (Dire Wolf, designed by Paul Dennen)
Best Party/Social Board Game
Smug Owls (Runaway Parade Games, designed by Mike Belsole, Grace Kendall)
The categories were significantly expanded in 2024, looking to encompass and recognize the massive growth and quality from across the tabletop industry.
Any publisher or designer can submit their products for consideration during the eligibility period. Submissions in each category are evaluated by a jury of industry professionals who choose their top products. These become the nominees, which are sent to the Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts & Design. The Academy places their votes by email and the winners are announced during the Awards ceremony.
WINNERS Revealed
Best Solo Board Game
Legacy of Yu (Renegade Game Studios, designed by Shem Phillips)
Best Children’s & Family Board Game
Diced Veggies (KTBG, designed by Josh Cappel, Jory Cappel, Rowan Cappel)
Best Fixed Constructible Game
Magic: The Gathering Universes Beyond - The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-Earth Commander Decks (Wizards of the Coast)
Best Randomized Constructible Game
Magic: The Gathering Universes BeyondThe Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-Earth Collector Booster (Wizards of the Coast)
Best Miniatures Game Product
Star Wars: Shatterpoint (Atomic Mass Games, designed by Will Shick)
Best Puzzle Game
Threads of Fate (Post Curious, designed by Rita Orlov)
Best Role-Playing Game Adventure
Heckna! Deluxe Box Set (Hit Point Press)
Best Role-Playing Game Core Product
DIE: The Roleplaying Game (Rowan, Rook and Decard, designed by Kieron Gillen, Stephanie Hans)
Best Role-Playing Game Starter Product
Dreams and Machines: Starter Set (Modiphius Entertainment)
Best Role-Playing Game Supplement
Dune: Power and Pawns (Modiphius Entertainment)
Best Dice/Dice Related Accessory
Glyphic Blind Dice Bags Series 3.5 (Level Up Dice)
Best Game Accessory
Frameamajigs (Hit Point Press)
Best Role-Playing Game Related Accessory
D&D Icons of the Realms: Adventure in a Box - Mind Flayer Voyage (WizKids)
Best 2D Artwork
Kwanchai Moriya for “Empire's End” (Brotherwise Games)
Best 3D Component
Threads of Fate - Puzzle Box (Post Curious, designed by Rita Orlov)
Best Game Related Writing
Grace Collins for “Shadow in the Night Part 2,” Cozy Companion Magazine (Snowbright Studio)
Best Media Production
Eleni Papadopoulou for “Making Board Games - The CGE Documentary” (Eight-Part Series)
Origins Game Fair Fan Favorite
Distilled (Paverson Games, designed by Dave Beck)
“Ok,
we’re all gathered. Now what do we do?”
It’s the question you hear at every family gathering. And if and if you’re that person (you are), they’re going to be looking right at you to see if you brought any board games (you did). And it’s a good thing for the gatherers, because you know what makes what makes the perfect game for a family gathering:
1. Broad appeal to a variety of ages –Something simple enough that the younger players will catch on, but with enough going on that older players won’t be sneaking glances at their phones.
2. Appropriate for wide-ranging interests – Maybe in your friend group everybody is down with zombies/dragons/pirates/ hobbits/terraforming places, but when family’s in town, reach for something everyone can get into.
3. Fast setup and quick play – Nobody wants to wait forever for you to count out all the resources. Find a game that gets people to the fun part as soon as possible.
4. Easy to jump in and out of – Keep it casual!
Here are four can’t-miss, foolproof games that do all of these things:
Four Great Games for Family Gatherings
By Nathan Thortan, Game DesignerStorm Chaser Games
The High-Flying Cooperative Game
Kites has a theme that everybody can enjoy (it’s kites), and its brightly-colored sand timers will have people dying to reach out and play. In Kites, the whole table works together to keep the sand (which represents kites, aloft in the sky) flowing. Let a timer run out, your kite crashes and we all lose. Play all your cards before that happens, and everybody wins!
What makes it great: It plays in just 10 minutes, so it’s easy to give everybody a turn!
The Word Clue Game with a Bit of Strategy
Landmarks is a game of hidden paths and clever clues. Your team is trapped on a treasure-filled jungle island, and only one player has the map. They’ll give a chain of one-word clues to lead the way to treasure and victory. Each clue connects to the next landmark, but will your team choose the right direction?
What makes it great: Play it cooperatively, or competitively in teams. Never the same game twice.
The Light-as-Air List-Making Party Game
Everything Ever is the party game you’ve been preparing for your whole life. Every round, there’s two categories on the table (things like, “Every Space Movie,” “Every Song with a Girl’s Name In it” or
“Every Soup”), and you’ll go around the table naming a thing in each category. It’s like a trivia game minus the “having to know things” part. Easy breezy!
What makes it great: With 250 fun categories, you’ll never run out of lists to make!
The Real-Time Game of Unique Challenges
For families looking for the next step after Kites: Introduce them to Skyrockets, which takes the play-cards-to-keep-yoursand-timers-going mechanic and cranks up the intensity in thirty unique challenges. Launch fireworks and impress the crowds to earn a three-star rating! Players win or lose every challenge together!
What makes it great: Challenges are just tricky enough you’ll want to try again and again!
Each of these Floodgate Games titles, checks off everything required for a great game to bring to your next family gathering. So grab one or more of them and keep your title of the one that brings the fun intact!
Floodgate Games is a publisher of high quality and critically acclaimed board games including those listed here and others such as Sagrada, Décorum, and Fog of Love. Learn more about all of these titles at Floodgate.Games. For any questions on how to acquire these titles for your store, contact sales@floodgategames.com.
In Wonky from The OP Games, get rid of cards by playing one with an available matching cube. Successfully add that cube to the tower. However, oddly-shaped cubes slip, slide and wobble when stacked.
sales@usaopoly.com
Deliverance: Council of the Fallen from Next Level Web is the first expansion to Angelic Warfare Boss Battler. Can you safeguard the saints of Fallbrook and hold off the encroaching darkness?
playdeliverance. com/cotf
Inventors of the South Tigris from Renegade Game Studios is the third game in the South Tigris Trilogy. Players aim to score points by inventing, building, testing and publishing devices.
Step into the adorable battlefield with Pet Domination: Kittens vs Corgis from Pet Domination, LLC. Choose your side as either a kitten or a corgi and outmaneuver your rivals to become the top pet influencer!
kvcgame.official@gmail.com
Kobolds Ate My Baby: The Orange Book from 9th Level Games is back! This all-new edition uses the polymorph system to make playing even faster and easier! Being cannon fodder has never been this much fun! MSRP $24.99
9thlevel.com
Mindbug: Beyond Eternity and Beyond Evolution from Ghost Galaxy are two standalone expansions. Summon bizarre creatures to battle against your opponent. But beware: your opponent may use one of their Mindbugs to steal a victory. sales@ghostgalaxy.com
Opening each slot of the Advent Calendar from Q-Workshop is unforgettable! This edition is covered with gingerbread men, holding 24 picks from our best products inside, including eight-piece Christmas Dice! wholesale@q-workshop.com
The Curseborne: Ashcan Edition RPG from Onyx
Path Publishing details a shadowy urban setting of mysteries and legends, romance and betrayal, and more. This game is designed to get you started playing today. drivethrurpg.com
Join our eco-editors and show your customers that ecology is close to you with Fabryka Kart. Zero plastic, sustainable production, compostable, recycled or recyclable materials – this is what Ecofriendly Game technology presents.
In Constellation Collectors from Camber Games, all 88 official constellations are at your fingertips. Each card holds a glimpse of the night sky and gives information about the constellation. facebook.com/cambergames
Designing Wonky’s Unique Packaging
by O’Neil Mabile, Senior Creative Designer, The Op Games
Whatcan I say about Wonky? This project was very special. Being a favorite in the office, we wanted to make sure we did this refresh correctly to give Wonky the time and exploration it deserved. This will also be the third release of the game from USAopoly. Dare I say the third time is a charm? No pressure!
We believe that this game is so good that if we get it in the hands of people, the light strategy and playful tension of the gameplay will take care of the rest. We wanted this game to grab your attention; whether you’re walking down a game aisle or scrolling on your phone, we wanted it to stop you in your tracks and say “What is that?!”
When we first started this journey, it was going in a very different direction. Collectively, I think we all knew it wasn’t the right direction. Some voices were louder than others (sales team). At this moment, David Blanchard joined the team as the director of party family games. He had a vision of what this game could be. This started us down a great path.
“We have to show the cubes,” he said. Through this statement, it all came together and the gears started turning. After a few brainstorms, I had an idea of what Blanchard was looking for.
I wanted to feature a pivotal moment
of gameplay: the playful tension. Having this bold hand breaking the boundaries of the box top and placing a cube on the tower did just this. It also allowed us to feature the cubes in a meaningful way. Throughout the logo design and the rest of the packaging design, I really wanted to communicate that this is the unstable party game! These cubes are weird and wonky! For the box bottom and the components of the game (the cards and rules), I wanted to simplify the delivery of information. I believe the how to play instructions on the box bottom – provided with a splash of humor – does this perfectly. Within 10 to 15 seconds, you have a very good understanding of how to play this game. Giving the little cubes a personality and interacting with the packaging really added an element of playfulness and humor to the product that we were looking for. In the end, it was a great joy to work on the graphic design of this great game. I hope you have a great time playing the wildest, wobbliest, wonkiest card game you’ll ever play!
THE UNSTABLE PARTY GAME!
In Wonky®, players try to get rid of the cards in their hand by stacking blocks on top of one another, ideally setting up the blocks so that someone else takes a spill and gets stuck with more cards in hand.
The trick to doing this are the special blocks in the game: nine blocks — with three each in small, medium and large sizes — with three of the block sides being flat and three being curved. Set up the blocks in the right way, and you can block an opponent’s path to victory.
Welcomeby Jess Carrier, Marketing Manager, Thunderworks Games
to Mirror City, where the metro line hums with opportunity and towering mega-corporations hold sway over the neon-lit streets. Here, the future isn’t just a distant promise – it’s a competitive dystopian race to the top. To land the gig as prime runner, you must run risky jobs to curry favor with the underworld and mega-corporations alike … if you’re clever enough!
Freshly released to retail at Gen Con, Thunderworks Games is off to the races with a cyberpunk rondel, offering an inviting touch of classic Euro mechanics gilded by a unique “hacking” tile puzzle twist. Despite its weighty sci-fi appearance, Stephen Kerr’s Metrorunner lands in a perfectly midweight zone of “Gateway Plus.”
Dishing out beautiful cyberpunk art in a vibrant yet grungy universe, Metrorunner invites one to five players to vie for victory as a bio-enhanced runner from one of the city’s five districts, each with a unique hacking move to leverage against an ever-changing tile manipulation puzzle. Circling the board on the metro line rondel, you must carefully navigate, race, and plan your moves as a “worker,” rather than simply placing a meeple on an open location.
Quick and accessible to gamers testing the waters of Euro games, it still serves up satisfying strategic layers for players who’ve already cut their teeth on resource cubes and reputation tracks. The light touches of diverse Euro-classic mechanics make for an excellent way to introduce newer gamers to core concepts or a welcome break from weighty and lengthy games for those who prefer a strategic gaming experience.
But the real spirit of the game lies in the ability to adjust your plans on the
fly. Learn to swing with the punches and pivot your plans as your competitors jockey and vie for the coveted sites of the moment. Every decision – from selecting your actions to resource management and completing hacking puzzle challenges –shapes your path to dominance as you make your moves and jump on fresh opportunities.
The hacking puzzle, nestled at the heart of the board, offers lucrative rewards but demands careful visualization.
“Hacking” this puzzle involves sliding and swapping tiles to match paths on a hacking goal card, with a limited number of moves. Successful hacks not only leave the puzzle in a new configuration, but also generate resources around the city, immediately influencing the game’s resource economy and reshaping strategic priorities for all!
This dynamic gameplay landscape ensures that each session unfolds uniquely, driven by player decisions and the everchanging puzzle. Adding to its versatility, the game also offers a solo mode enhanced by a cunning “Rogue AI” opponent deck, ensuring an engaging experience whether played solo or with friends.
Metrorunner embodies the essence of a cyberpunk dystopia where survival hinges on wit, speed and foresight. Whether you’re racing against rival runners or unraveling the firewall of the city’s network, every session offers a thrilling glimpse into a future shaped by relentless high-tech competition.
Did Someone Say More HEROSCAPE?!
by Sophia Gambill, Marketing and Sales Coordinator, Renegade Game Studios
WaveTwo of Heroscape was announced at the 10th Anniversary Renegade Con in June 2024. This second wave, releasing October 2024, contains two army expansions and two terrain expansions. Also announced was more information on Renegade’s comprehensive Heroscape Organized Play Program! Let’s dive into everything happening for Heroscape starting in September 2024!
The first army expansion is Heroscape: Revna’s Rebuke: Kyrie Warriors. It contains five new, highly detailed and fully assembled figures: Queen Qhyrion, Xiamara, Glinerva, Mielki and Kilkorax. The second army expansion releasing is Heroscape: Revna’s Rebuke: Iron Lich Viscerot and Necrotech Wraithriders. The set introduces the Eisenek, a new species, to Valhalla and contains the Iron Lich Viscerot and three Necrotech Wraithriders. These expansions are configured as a standard edition and a premium painted edition.
Premium painted sets are Renegade exclusives and can be ordered directly from Renegade’s retailer webstore at retailers.renegadegamestudios.com. The standard edition is available from both the Renagde retailer webstore and through distribution. Pre-order your copies today! The two new terrain expansions in Wave Two are Heroscape: Lands of Valhalla and Heroscape: Waters of Valhalla. The Lands of Valhalla expansion contains more than 60 hex tile terrain pieces, including neverbefore-seen 24 hex sand terrain pieces. Waters of Valhalla includes more than 40 hexes and introduces a new three hex water terrain piece along with more Wellspring Water tiles. These sets are fantastic not only for new players looking to expand their battlefields, but also for veteran players wanting to replace their old terrain.
In September 2024, Renegade will begin a comprehensive Heroscape Organized Play Program! The first official Heroscape event is the Heroscape Launch Tournament in September 2024. Then in October, stores can
host a Heroscape Day event. Participating players will get the special Heroscape Day Miniature, Cornelius Breech the Derelict Prince! We invite our Renegade Retailers to become official Heroscape stores and host these and more events in the years to come.
For casual players, exciting options await. Starting in September, a free scenario will be released on heroscape.com every month. The scenarios will contain dynamic content, keeping monthly drops fresh and exciting. Store tournaments are also an enticing event for more casual players. Renegade will support these tournaments with regularly refreshed kits available to game store owners. This is sure to help facilitate a vibrant Hersocape community in your store. If you’re interested in hosting in-store tournaments, sign up for the Heroscape Organized Play Program today!
The Heroscape Organized Play Program has something for all types of players and stores all over the world. There is truly something for everyone with both competitive and casual options to establish new Heroscape communities in game stores.
Heroscape: Battle for the Wellspring Battle Box
Heroscape: Age of Annihilation Master Set
Heroscape: Revna’s Rebuke: Iron Lich Viscerot and Necrotech Wraithriders Army Expansion
Heroscape: Revna’s Rebuke: Kyrie Warriors Army Expansion
The Grove at Laur's Edge Terrain Expansion Lands of Valhalla Terrain Expansion Waters of Valhalla Terrain Expansion
What is Curseborne?
by Danielle Lauzon, Curseborne Developer, Onyx Path Publishing
Haveyou ever dropped your fresh coffee into your lap while stuck in traffic? Or crossed the seventh line instead of the sixth and lost your wallet, your keys and your job all in the same day? Or stepped on a strange twig doll and broke your leg only moments later? That’s the curse. It’s everywhere, woven in a tapestry of wretched luck that encases the world. The curse doesn’t care if you are pious or irreverent, dutiful or impudent, compassionate or cruel; if it finds its way to you, it messes up your day.
And if you tick off something powerful enough, it won’t just be seven years’ bad luck that gets you. Instead, you’ll be damned to be one of the accursed. These people are so entangled with the curse that it rules their existence. And it won’t just be you. It will be your children, your neighbors and your coworkers. The curse doesn’t care if you deserve it; someone deserved it, and now you’ve got it.
In Curseborne, you play as accursed,
people who have a damnation that makes them a monster. The world is messed up, you might not have even done anything to end up like this. And the only real thing you can do about it is try to find happiness and people who love you in a world that doesn’t give a care about you.
Who is behind Curseborne?
Curseborne is the newest TTRPG by Onyx Path Publishing. This modern horror game is set in a world where urban legends aren’t just myths, and creepypasta has a seed of truth. It’s created by an all-star team of creatives with a collective 100 years of experience with urban fantasy and horror games between them.
The team is led by Matthew Dawkins, Danielle Lauzon, and Eddy Webb who, along with the writing team, have contributed to Vampire: The Masquerade, Cthulhu Awakens, Gloomhaven: The Roleplaying Game, Kult: Divinity Lost and more!
Coming to Kickstarter in October 2024
Onyx Path Publishing is crowdfunding the stand-alone core rulebook for Curseborne. This is the first book in a game line that will have multiple sourcebooks, fiction, dice, accessories, adventures and much more. Curseborne will contain:
• Everything you need to run and play the game, set in a modern world with contemporary problems and ancient terrors.
• More than 30 different playable character options separated into five monster lineages, with options for playing in single- or mixed lineage groups.
• Guidance on how to evoke urban horror genres, such as creepypasta, paranormal romance, found footage and urban legends.
• Horror-themed powers as well as modern magic.
• Rules for using Storypath Ultra, Onyx Path’s acclaimed new d10 dice pool system.
Visit curseborne.com or theonyxpath. com for more information!
Demo available now
You can get a sneak peek at Curseborne now by checking out the Ashcan version available on drivethrurpg.com.
Having hit Gold Metal bestseller status in the first two weeks of release, the Curseborne Ashcan gives a glimpse at the world of Curseborne, the Storypath Ultra system, four characters from four different Lineages and a short adventure, making it a fully playable preview.
by Sarah McGrath, Distributor and Retail Relations Lead, Flying Frog Productions
It is the dawn of the 19th century: an age of science, superstition and witchcraft. A tide of darkness has engulfed the small, secluded town of Shadowbrook, and a courageous group of heroes have risen up to take on the challenge of hunting down the evil that lurks there.
However, the secrets of this colonial American town run deep … while some of the town may be willing to join in and fight back, others may be on the side of wickedness. This is the fast-paced game of fiendish creatures, dashing heroes and dark mystery known as A Touch of Evil: The Supernatural Game, and it is returning to stores once more in a brand-new revised edition!
In A Touch of Evil: The Supernatural Game – Revised Edition, each player takes on the role of a unique monster-hunting hero, racing against time to build up their character with items, allies and event cards in preparation to track down and defeat the villain in a showdown.
As players move their character through the town and surrounding countryside, they’ll encounter mysterious happenings, use their combat skills to fight off the villain’s evil minions and face down tests that will challenge their characters’ spirit, cunning and honor. These experiences will result in gaining clues represented as investigation
The Ultimate Supernatural Gothic Horror Game is Back!
markers, which can be spent to purchase gear and reveal the villain’s lair.
Adding to the dramatic tension, players are allowed to take two of the town elders – each with secrets of their own –along with them in their hunting party for the showdown to aid them in their fight. These secrets could be juicy but ultimately irrelevant to the investigation, they could mean the elder is a more valuable ally than previously thought, or they could mean the elder is actually aligned with the villain, or even the villain in disguise! No matter who ends up taking down the villain in the end, this highly thematic game is bound to leave players with a rich story to tell.
There are a couple of different playstyles in A Touch of Evil: competitive and cooperative. In the competitive game, players race against each other to be the first to slay the villain, save the town and be
crowned the ultimate monster-hunter. In the cooperative game, players instead work together to defeat a much stronger version of the villain before it can consume the town in darkness.
The Revised Edition contains a new rulebook with rules for both playstyles, rules for team and solo play, as well as more than 10 years of errata and other rule adjustments to the original game, and it is fully compatible with all previous expansions.
This heart-pounding game of gothic horror returns to shelves as the Revised Edition on September 19. So, grab your wooden stake, stuff some shot in that musket and hold on to your tricorn hat! In this game, no one is safe from the creatures of the night, and no one can be trusted … for inside everyone lies a touch of evil.
FATEFORGE
CHRONICLES OF KAAN
An adventure campaign that respects your time
by Eveline, Marketing Manager, Mighty Boards
Fateforge:
Chronicles of Kaan is a new cooperative action-adventure campaign from Mighty Boards for one to four players.
Fateforge is an adventure game designed to respect your time. It’s quick to set up, you can play it in sessions of less than an hour, it packs away easily but still gives you that deep immersive experience you love about RPGs and dungeon crawlers.
The game offers a story full of choices leading to entirely different outcomes, combat that feels like you’re in the middle of an action movie, and map quests that let you discover Easafir street by street. This creates a fantasy adventure you will never forget – and, best of all, that you will actually finish.
A tutorial will ease you into the campaign, which will then give in to more challenging quests as your character grows, learns new skills and acquires new loot –and perhaps, if you’ve played your cards right, a companion or two!
Alone or with friends, you can comfortably play through one or two scenarios in one hour and then pack it away in just five minutes. Overall, you can take on more than 25 hours of thrilling adventure, where every choice, every dice roll and every success or failure matters to build your version of the story.
The game comes with a hand-drawn
map that makes the city feel alive, extra thick cardboard enemy tokens to give that chunky feel when playing, highly detailed hero miniatures, six different types of map tiles with unique illustrations and more! The box, sturdy dedicated trays and magnetic card box have been designed so everything fits snug and is optimized for play.
With its clever storage design, immersive map exploration that lets you discover the streets of Easafir, its actionpacked combat playable in 45-minute sessions, and its branching narrative set in a richly developed world more than 10 years in the making, Fateforge: Chronicles of Kaan promises a unique, thrilling and accessible adventure every time you play and sets it to become a reliable recommendation for your customers.
Fateforge: Chronicles of Kaan is one of the most anticipated games of the year according to Polygon and others!
“In my lifetime, I have never seen such a fantastically packaged box, designed to give the player a perfectly curated first experience,” said Rodney from Watch it Played.
GameOrNought called it his game of UKGE 2024.
So Very Wrong About Games said, “I’ve been enthusiastically going back to Fateforge, session after session.”
The game released at Gen Con 2024 and is available in August 2024.
Contact sales@mighty-boards.com or your distributor to place your order.
Fateforge: Chronicles of Kaan is a co-op action adventure for 1 to 4 players. Easy to learn and set up, the game can be played in sessions ranging from 60 minutes to as long as you like. The 30+ hours campaign features an evolving ruleset that is unlocked as you progress through the story.
Fateforge blends the fast-paced action of a video game with the rich narrative of a fantasy novel. The combat mimics cinematic fight scenes with its innovative fast-paced system that allows for a multitude of character builds. The map exploration and story scenes will draw you into a rich world inhabited by characters that react to your actions and greatly influence how the branching story unfolds.
Whether you win or lose a combat, the story adapts and takes you down a different path, eventually resulting in a variety of possible endings.
GF9: INNOVATING TERRAIN ON YOUR TABLETOP
Daniel
Kerry: GF9 War Master Imperialis, Battletech, Polyversal, and Future War Commander. The epic scale allows for grander, more expansive battlefields that can accommodate largescale skirmishes and strategic maneuvers, providing a different kind of gaming experience.
Since 1998, GF9 has been at the forefront of the miniatures gaming industry, specializing in the design and distribution of laser-cut components and scaled models. Over the years, the company has established itself as the premier gaming accessory company, producing a wide range of counters, markers, tokens, templates, and terrain. These high-quality accessories are used with some of the most popular miniature and roleplaying games in the world, enhancing the experience of enthusiasts everywhere.
One of GF9’s standout product lines is the Battlefield in a Box terrain range, which has been a staple for over 15 years. This range has brought a diverse array of terrain pieces to tabletops, from blood crystals to sphinxes, trees to martian landscapes, and everything in between. These terrain pieces have been instrumental in creating immersive and visually captivating gaming environments for players worldwide.
The next evolution of the Battlefield in a Box brand marks an exciting new chapter with the introduction of sci-fi terrain, showcasing a grim dark future melded with brutal Gothic architecture. This new range includes three distinct collections from the Gothic Sector: the stalwart Legions, the high-tech United Frontier, and the expansive Mundus Imperialis.
Legion and United Frontier are created in partnership with War Scenery and are designed in a heroic scale. These terrains are compatible with all 28-35mm scale wargames and role-playing games, such as Starfinder, Warhammer 40,000, Kill Team, and Star Wars: Legion. The heroic scale ensures that the terrain pieces are intricately detailed and perfectly suited to enhance the epic nature these games demand.
Mundus Imperialis, on the other hand, is created in partnership with Thunderhead Studios, who are also known for designing GF9’s award-winning HEXTECH terrain. This range is produced in epic scale, making it compatible with all 6mm games such as Legion
The collaboration with War Scenery and Thunderhead Studios is a testament to GF9’s commitment to innovation and quality. War Scenery’s expertise in creating detailed and functional gaming terrain ensures that Legion and United Frontier will meet the high standards that gamers have come to expect from GF9. Thunderhead Studios’ involvement in the creation of Mundus Imperialis, along with their work on the HEXTECH terrain, guarantees that these pieces will be both visually stunning and highly practical.
These partnerships not only enhance the quality of GF9’s products but also broaden the range of compatible games, making these terrain pieces versatile additions to any gamer’s collection.
As GF9 continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the miniatures gaming industry, the introduction of the sci-fi terrain range is set to elevate your gaming experience to new heights. Whether you are a fan of heroic scale skirmishes or epic scale battles, these latest offerings have something to enhance your tabletop adventures. By continually innovating and expanding its product lines, GF9 remains a cornerstone of the gaming community, dedicated to providing highquality accessories that bring games to life.
Battlefield In A Box: Gothic Sector offers tabletop-ready painted terrain, allowing you to bring the grim vestiges of a battle-torn galaxy to life with haunting architecture that echoes with the whispers of fallen heroes. Create your arena of war using the entire Legion range to engage in combat across the galaxy and forge enduring legends.
by Tanner Whittenberg, Co-Founder and Game Developer, Camber Games
by Whitney Whittenberg, Co-Founder and Lead Graphic Designer, Camber Games
Gather the Stars to Rule the Night Sky
Greetings, cosmic explorers!
Prepare to embark on a stellar odyssey unlike any other, where you’ll traverse the vast expanse of space, gathering radiant constellations to adorn your very own star system. But this game isn’t just about amassing stars. Oh no, it’s about wielding the power of the cosmos itself to shape the destiny of your interstellar empire!
Jump into an exciting new set collection game with Camber Games’ debut title, Constellation Collectors! Featuring all 88 of the internationally recognized constellations, this game will take players soaring across the cosmos as they cultivate their perfect assortment of constellations to show off at the Star Party.
In Constellation Collectors, players will work to collect sets of constellations from the same category, with eight different categories of increasing rarity. The rarer the collection, the more points it’s worth. And with multiple ways to earn additional points – such as matching the hemisphere and season – players can strategize to maximize their scores before
the round ends. But beware, until a set is closed, other players can also play cards onto it, potentially disrupting the bonus points earned for that set.
To gain new cards, players can draft from the galaxy or draw new ones from deep space. When things don’t seem to be going their way, players can wield powerful cosmo cards with a variety of different abilities. From closing other players’ sets, to re-opening sets already closed, to manipulating the cards in the communal “galaxy,” the cosmo cards can have widereaching effects, adding layers of strategy and excitement.
Players continue to gather and manipulate the constellations in their star systems until four sets have been closed. The player who closes the fourth set will earn the coveted sun token, which provides a bonus point and makes them the first player in the next round. All other players will take one last turn, during which sets can still be reopened with a supernova. If there are not four closed sets when all players finish their last turn, the sun token returns to the center and gameplay continues.
Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the cosmos, Constellation Collectors offers a unique blend of strategy, competition and cosmic wonder. The stunning artwork, engaging mechanics and thrill of cosmic conquest make this game a must-have for your collection.
So, gather your friends, reach for the stars and let the adventure begin. Your star system awaits in Constellation Collectors, where the cosmos is at your command!
Join the Constellation Collectors community today and embark on your celestial journey!
Welcome to Constellation Collectors! A set collecting game where you will gather constellations to play into your star system and use the cosmos to affect other players Star Systems. You will take turns gathering and trading cards, to try and make the most exclusive Star System to show off at the Star Party.
by Sean Jacquemain, Communications Director, KTBG
Withtwo publishing brands (KTBG and Burnt Island Games), we get a lot of game submissions from designers from all over the world. The first thing we look at are the mechanisms. If those are balanced and, most importantly, fun, it might be a title we’ll consider adding to our library of games. The very last thing we ever consider when taking a game pitch or reviewing a sell sheet is the theme the designer has placed on the game. Sometimes, the theme is so intertwined with the mechanisms that altering it would be very difficult. More often than not, the original theme will go through at least some changes before it becomes the finished product on the table.
Finding the Perfect Theme for a Game
(It’s Not as Easy as You Think!)
to have, and her vision was an ideal fit for the friendly nature of the game. Usually though, the first question posed to a designer when we’re interested in a game is if they’d be willing to consider a different theme.
Power Plants started as mad scientists building labs. Café Baras started with a much more generic coffee shop theme. We always knew it needed an extra hook, and a giant rodent and a playful pun later, we had our theme.
but can be dismissed almost as fast. Aside from coming up with something that sounds fun and that might work with the mechanisms, there are a lot of things to consider. What could the art look like? What sort of components would be required? Is the theme marketable? Is it cute, cool, niche, etc.? We also have to think about where it will fit in the hobby. Are we considering a truly unique idea or just following trends?
Some games will come to us with the right theme attached to it already, and that makes our lives as developers a lot easier. Right off the bat, we can start working on concepts of art and graphic design. Creature Comforts for example, was always set in a woodland village populated with adorable animals. Roberta Taylor knew the kind of experience she wanted players
When we are trying to find a theme that will work in a game, we really have to break down the mechanisms to an abstract level. We consider the actions players are taking on their turns, and how those actions can be enhanced or explained with an overarching theme. Are they building something? Are they battling each other? Are they collecting some sort of resources?
Starting with a blank slate can be exciting. In a brainstorming session, no suggestion is off limits. Ideas come quickly
More than once, we’ve landed upon an idea that we loved, but realized it just wouldn’t quite work with the mechanisms or that another game with the exact same theme already exists. Right at this moment, we’re developing a new title for KTBG and we’re working hard on finding the right theme. Will it be hermit crabs collecting shells or sea birds building cliffside nests? Maybe it’ll be a game about building a small village. One thing is for sure – when we find the right theme, we’ll know it, and everything will fall into place!
Cantrip Candles Just Make ‘Scents’
by Christoff Visscher, Owner, Cantrip Candles
Aswe celebrate our eighth anniversary, I’m thrilled to reflect on the impact Cantrip Candles has made in the board game industry. What began as a simple hobby and a desire to add an olfactory dimension to my D&D campaign has blossomed into a thriving, Black-owned business that has enriched and diversified the tabletop gaming community. Our recent membership in GAMA has helped us forge new relationships with retailers worldwide, and I’m confident that our products will delight and surprise your customers with our wonderfully accurate scents.
Founded in 2017 as the original creators of tabletop candles, Cantrip Candles offers an extensive range of scents designed to perfectly complement your fantasy settings. Our candles enhance role-playing sessions, video games and moments of relaxation. Often imitated but never duplicated, we are proud pioneers in the “scentventure” industry, blazing a trail that others have yet to match. Our commitment to quality and authenticity ensures that each scent is meticulously crafted to transport users to the heart of their gameplay.
Join more than 75 worldwide retailers
who make upwards of $4,000 annually from our collection. You’ll partner with a small, yet mighty team of creative gamers who provide personalized business approaches and fast turnaround times. Our artistic, eye-catching labels help the candles sell themselves, ensuring they stand out on your shelves. We are confident that your customers will keep coming back for more of these curated consumables.
Embrace the magic of scent and elevate your store’s offerings with Cantrip Candles. Together, let’s create unforgettable experiences for your customers.
Origins Game Fair 2024 Recap
There was a lot happening at Origins Game Fair, and while it was HOT in Columbus, everyone seemed to feel the show was pretty cool.
Attendance was up 10 percent (17,706), Extra Life raised more than $7,000 for Columbus area children's hospitals and 88 units of blood were donated during the blood drive.
Add in a bustling exhibit hall and amazing special events like the Jonathan Coulton concert, the Tournament of Pieces, a brand-new True Dungeon experience and our new miniatures painting competition, and there was certainly plenty of things for attendees to be talking about.
Cap it off with an amazing evening of recognizing our newest Hall of Fame inductees and Origins Award winners, and it's easy to see why it was an amazing week at Origins Game Fair!
We also wanted to take another opportunity to thank our many sponsors during the show. Your support allows us to make improvements to the show each and every year.
Exhibit hall
There were several new features within the exhibit hall this year, and most seemed to be popular changes. We've received a lot of positive feedback on the way we repositioned Author's Alcove and the creation of the Family Gaming Pavilion, and the expansion of the activities around the Paint 'n Take featuring some amazing miniatures drew a crowd throughout the show.
The Tournament of Pieces, in just its second year, continues to garner attention. Participation was up significantly after a very good first year. We had a content crew from ESPN cover the adult sprint event, where we will see coverage as part of ESPN's "The Ocho" day on August 8.
Hall of Fame
The Game Manufacturers Association honored the 2024 induction class into the Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts and Design Hall of Fame during the Origins Game Fair.
This year’s class included five individuals and two products. Matt Leacock, Rebecca Guay, David Trampier, Terry Amthor and Christopher Rush increased the membership to 81. Two products,
The aMAZEing Labyrinth (Ravensburger) and Twilight Struggle (GMT Games), increased the hallowed products roster to 48. Trampier, Amthor and Rush were inducted posthumously.
Leacock is known prominently for designing Pandemic (Z-Man Games, 2008), Forbidden Island (Gamewright Games, 2010) and Forbidden Desert (Gamewright Games, 2013).
Guay worked as an artist on several Magic: The Gathering products, as well as Dungeons & Dragons.
Trampier worked on some of the earliest editions of Dungeons & Dragons, including Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, and was also known for “Wormy,” a six-panel comic featured in the Dungeons & Dragons magazine, Dragon
Amthor was one of the primary founders of Iron Crown Enterprises and was a major contributor to the original Rolemaster system. He also founded Eidolon Studio, writing Shadow World supplements.
Rush illustrated more than 100 different cards for Magic: The Gathering, including the most valuable card in the game’s storied history: Black Lotus. He was more heavily involved in the early years of Magic: The Gathering, including designing the symbols used for the different colors of mana used in the game.
The aMAZEing Labyrinth, originally released in 1986 by Ravensburger, spawned an entirely line of Labyrinth games. It has received several awards and honors, including Spiel des Jahres Recommended (1986), Arets Spel Best Family Game (1988) and the Spring Parents’ Choice Classic Award (2011).
“It is an honor for Ravensburger’s Labyrinth to be included alongside so many other pioneers in the tabletop space,” said Filip Francke, global head of games and president at Ravensburger North America. “What began as a small spark of inspiration from the closing of Max Kobbert’s desk drawer has blossomed into a dynamic game and world of play, and we would like to thank the Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts & Design for this thoughtful recognition.”
Twilight Struggle has also been heavily decorated since its release in 2005 by GMT Games. The honors include the Charles S. Roberts Best Modern Era Boardgame (2005), James F. Dunnigan Award (2005), Golden Geek Best 2-Player Board Game (2006), Golden Geek Best Wargame (2006), International Gamers Awards for General Strategy at two players (2006) and Historical Simulation (2006), Lucca Games Best Boardgame for Experts (2011) and Ludoteca Ideale Winner (2012).
Miniatures competition
New to the show this year as an addition to the Paint 'n Take competition, Origins featured a miniatures painting competition with multiple categories and honors.
Competitors were given a ranking of gold, silver and bronze, with one individual from each segment named best in show. An overall best in show miniature was also selected.
GAMA at Essen Spiel 2024
Did you know that GAMA has nearly 1,600 member companies from 26 countries. Nearly 12% of our members are based in countries outside North America. To better understand and serve those members, our team travels to conventions and trade shows to connect and build bridges internationally. Once again GAMA will have a booth in Hall 4 of this important international game convention promoting the association to the international community. Our stand number is Hall 4 4A440, close to the entrance to the Galleria.
This will also be the sixth year that we’ve hosted the ESSENtials Retailer Summit at the convention. This annual retailer education program connects GAMA publisher members with retailers from around the world. This year the focus of the Summit will be TCG companies showcasing their latest products and answering questions from retails on how to better sell those products. This event will be held Wednesday, October 2 in the Deutschland Hall at the Messe and will include networking time and refreshments.
Finally, we will be hosting our third annual Industry Reception once the hall closes Saturday, October 5. Last year we had more than 200 professionals join us for this booth party, and we expect a strong turnout again this year.
If you would like to schedule a meeting with our team at Essen, please email John.Stacy@gama.org, and we will send you a booking link via Calendly for the staff in attendance.
Winter Wishlist Released
GAMA is pleased to announce the 2024 Winter Wishlist is available for download starting on September 4. This annual digital publication highlights hot new titles as well as established games great for winter- or holiday-themed displays for this year’s holiday shopping season. Back for its fifth year, nearly 100 publishers have submitted product information for this edition of the retailer buying guide. Members can download the guide from our website. Look for the Membership tab at the top of the home page and follow it to the page labeled Retailer Ordering Guide. A direct link will also be sent to all retail members contact as well as posted on our social media channels.
Games in Libraries Survey
Through our partnership with the American Library Association (ALA) Boardgame Roundtable, we will be conducting a survey of both tabletop retailers and publishers and more than 800 libraries to learn more about what type of game programs are being offered in libraries, how they are engaging with area retailer and game publishers and collecting best practices on how we can strengthen these relationships. The survey results will be shared via a presentation at GAMA EXPO 2025, along with recommendations on how we can strengthen the relationship between our members and local libraries.
2025 Origins Game Fair Booth Applications are
Now Open
Register early and save! You can register for your booth for Origins Game Fair now. The booth application process for Origins Game Fair 2025 is completely online using Map Your Show and online registration platform.
In addition to applying and paying for your booth on this platform, you will have the opportunity to purchase sponsorship and marketing items (signage, coupon book page, event sponsorships, etc.) when those items are available, through the Sponsorship & Marketing Guide (coming this fall).
Important Dates
Booth Application Deadline January 31, 2025
Payment Deadline February 7, 2025
Booth Placement March 24-28, 2025
Marketing Assets Deadline May 2, 2025
Show Dates June 18-22, 2025
New GAMA Staff Members
David Abelson joins the GAMA staff as the education manager. Abelson has spent the last 10 years as an educator, teaching high school marketing in Charlotte and then middle school computers in Florida, where he now resides with his wife, Elizabeth, also a teacher.
Since 2016, Abelson has been honing his skills as a board game designer as well. He designed and self-published Intelle in 2018, and co-designed the 2023 Mensa Select Award winning game Gartenbau, published by 25th Century Games.
Abelson’s well-rounded experience is sure to be an asset as he takes on this new role on the GAMA staff. He is excited about the opportunity to learn and grow alongside the membership of the organization.
Steve Wagner has joined the team as a communications coordinator, and will be assisting Communications Manager Mike Boseak with all of GAMA's external communication needs, including social media, newsletters, website work and media relations.
Wagner joins the GAMA team after two stops at agencies in southeast Michigan and having spent two years with eBay on their marketing and advertising team.
Grace Willson joined the team as a member services coordinator, and will be focused on assisting Bryan with membership recruitment, retention and benefits.
Have a question about your membership? Willson can help. Need help updating your membership information? Willson can help. It's renewal time and you have questions? Willson can help. Wondering about one of your member benefits? Willson can help.
Willson describes herself as an avid gamer, excited to help connect people within the world of tabletop.
Christoph Langum also joins the team in a part-time contract role as a graphic designer. Langum’s charge is to support all areas of the staff as graphic design needs arise, for both internal and external materials, as well as signage at GAMA Expo and Origins Game Fair.
We are excited about all the additions to the staff this year, and look forward to improving our service to all members!
February 23-27 2025
Deliverance
is a thrilling fantasy co-op
boss battler for one to five players, where you command legendary angels against hordes of demonic foes. Can you safeguard the saints and hold off the encroaching darkness long enough to emerge victorious?
This game offers a deeply asymmetric co-op experience across various modes. Skirmish mode provides a quick, intense battle with random setups, adjustable difficulty levels, and a complete character leveling experience in one to two hours, perfect for game night. Campaign mode spans 14 missions of escalating intrigue, each with special conditions and daunting trials, and an optional challenge setting that may require fully leveled angels return to overcome. Scenario mode combines the one-shot thrill of skirmish with the unique victory conditions, bosses, and special rules of campaign games.
Innovating the Ameritrash and skirmish genres
Holy demon slaying involves much more than simply vanquishing devils to the abyss. Deliverance revolutionizes skirmish gameplay with its innovative Darkness System, demanding that players balance direct combat with demons against the relentless encroachment of darkness from the mortal realm. Success hinges not only
Introducing Deliverance: The Angelic Warfare Board Game
on strength but on tactical acumen and strategic planning. In Deliverance, relying solely on brute force guarantees defeat. The game minimizes randomness, favoring intricate character customization, teamwork and strategic decision-making. Choose from a diverse roster of highly asymmetric playable angels, each offering thousands of unique talent and equipment combinations. The Deliverance Talent System has earned acclaim from players and critics alike for its ability to inject freshness into every session, even with many repeated plays of the same angel.
The innovation extends to enemy dynamics as well. Demons in Deliverance adapt and evolve through the Talent System, gaining new abilities and behaviors as players progress through higher difficulties or deeper into the campaign. The Demon Talent System ensures that encounters remain unpredictable and demanding, requiring adaptation from the angelic forces against thousands of combinations of demonic denizens.
Critical acclaim
Deliverance has garnered significant acclaim, receiving nominations for five Golden Geek Awards and two BGR Meeple’s Choice Awards, including a bronze award for Best Solo Game. It was also recognized as one of the Top 10 Solo
of 2023 by Jeremy Howard of
Vs Meeple. Endorsements from prominent religious organizations such as Focus on the Family’s Plugged In, The Babylon Bee and Love Thy Nerd underscore its appeal across diverse audiences.
Retailers and media
Deliverance is gearing up for a reprint and an expansive new release titled Deliverance: Council of the Fallen, launching September 24.
This expansion introduces additional enemy types, playable angels and a more dynamic campaign influenced by player choices. Lowen Games CEO Andrew Lowen has meticulously surveyed his customer base to qualify the demand of these features, which he shares the results on his weekly podcast about tabletop crowdfunding.
Lowen Games aims to solidify Deliverance as a staple lifestyle game in its genre, offering quarterly free content updates and sustained marketing efforts to maintain player interest and attract new enthusiasts to tabletop gaming.
Media copies are available for review, and retailers interested in stocking Deliverance are encouraged to contact andrew@playdeliverance.com for details. Visit playdeliverance.com for more information.
Games
Man
Andrew Lowen, President at Lowen Games, LLC
Classic Car Revival
Steve Jackson Games Reaches New Fans with Car Wars Sixth Edition
by Katie Duffy, Marketing Manager, Steve Jackson Games
and downloadable content to address problems and player feedback, updating a boardgame takes time, dedication and a deep understanding of both boardgame design and the desires of fans. That was the challenge faced by Steve Jackson Games when the company decided to refresh Car Wars, one of its flagship titles, for a sixth edition.
Car Wars has been updated numerous times since it first debuted in 1980. In 2021, Steve Jackson Games launched the sixth edition of the game. “The fifth edition had been around for many years, and supplements had added too much of the wrong kind of complexity,” said Steve Jackson. “It had become hard for new players to get involved. Clearing the field completely seemed like a good idea.”
The redesign process began with a deep dive into audience feedback. The game’s designers talked to players to see what they liked – and disliked – about previous iterations of Car Wars, as well as conducting online research.
“Before the design of the game began, I Googled ‘play questions’ about previous editions,” said game designer Randy Scheunemann. “The various forums around the Internet gave a good indication about what our players found problematic with older versions.”
“It is important to meet an audience
where it is,” added game designer Will Schoonover. “In the early years of the hobby, there was nothing like the videogame environment we have today. Modern gaming audiences are often looking for an experience they can share with other players in real life, and they have a million things pulling at their attention. Taking all the fun of building a car with guns and then facing off against your friends, while keeping that experience approachable, was the goal of the latest edition of Car Wars.”
The result is a game that is engaging, challenging and exciting. Using a pointbuy system, players customize their vehicle with weapons, armor, accessories and
crew to get it ready for combat.
Strategy remains a key component of gameplay, but the use of dice adds an element of chance that keeps things interesting. Car Wars Sixth Edition Starter Sets also come with minis that can be painted to suit a player’s preference. In short, the game has been streamlined for newer players while retaining the elements that keep people coming back to the autodueling arena.
“Everything changed except the background lore and the ‘feel’ of play,’” said Jackson. “The scale is much larger to make the game more dramatic and the pieces easy to handle (and paint up, if you are so minded). All the dice are customized, rather than the standard pipped dice of earlier editions. But a lot of effort was put into making the game ‘feel’ the same in play, because we know that players like that.”
Bring more action to your autoduelling arena with the Car Wars Two-Player Starter Set: Orange/Purple. Streamlined for faster play, Orange/Purple combines with our Red/Yellow and Blue/Green Starter Sets for even more fun. Six expansion packs let you customize your vehicle’s build and crew.
