∞25_ATT_1_digimag

Zero to 30

Tips for Building a Tabletop Scene

by T.R. Racki, Golden Plume Comics

Havea favorite new game, but no one to play with?

How do you go about building a new scene from scratch? While it may take some effort and perseverance, anyone can build their own community.

Start by speaking with your local game store and informing them of your desire to start a scene. The store may already know of others who are looking for a play group. Ask them if they would be willing to spread the word. Many stores have calendars where you can write in events or a store Discord where you can broadcast your desire to start a scene.

Reddit is an open social media platform where people can share links, text posts and images. Most cities and small towns have their own subReddit. Post a picture of the game you want to highlight and include a text comment looking for others to play with, when and where. Often others in an area are looking for something fun to do. Make sure to engage with those who respond to the post, answering their questions.

Consider starting a Facebook group for your new game community. Post relevant and attractive images of the game, its pieces, game play in action, anything that might stir interest. Use the group to announce future community meetups while also highlighting previous events.

Many local businesses will let you promote local free events if you ask nicely.

Create a professional looking graphic highlighting your next tabletop event. Have a local print shop print out high quality glossy fliers, then take those fliers around and ask if you can post them near the entrance. Some businesses will say no, some will say yes. Be sure to support that business if you can with a purchase.

Consider hosting a space at a local pop culture convention relevant to the game. For example, Grand Archive TCG features anime art, so set up a demo space at an anime convention. Attendees can admire the art and ask how to play. Demo the game, then inform them of a casual event the following weekend at a local game store. Have fliers on hand that they could take. Many attendees are busy enjoying the convention and may not have the time to demo; however, if they take a flier, they may come back later when they have a break.

Having a follow-up event after the convention is the most important step. Make sure to coordinate with your local store so they can be ready for a potentially large influx of people. If too many come, you may run out of places for them to sit! If suddenly 30 new players show up but there are only 26 seats, uh oh!

Starting a new scene can be a lot of work and sometimes the results are not immediate. Remember to keep at it and you too will soon have your very own play group!

The City Hungers

by Valerie Osbourn, Director of Internal Resources, Magpie Games

Magpie Games is excited to announce the upcoming release of Urban Shadows! After raising nearly $400,000 from thousands of excited backers, this bold new edition of Magpie Games’ award-winning tabletop roleplaying game comes to retail stores in March 2025!

Urban Shadows is a political urban fantasy tabletop roleplaying game in which mortals and supernaturals alike vie for power in a modern-day city. Vampires, faeries, hunters, wizards and more clash in the shadows … or make backroom deals for their piece of the streets and skyscrapers. As the city hums and throbs with political unrest and magical potential, no one is ever safe … and everything is always at stake.

Urban Shadows is based on the Powered by the Apocalypse system used by tabletop RPGs like Monster of the Week, Dungeon World and many of Magpie Games’ own titles like Root: The Roleplaying Game. The game uses the core framework of that system to provide a strong, simple way to create stories of political urban fantasy that features unique mechanics for city politics, fae magic and more. Players create a character using one of several archetypes, and then take action as the politics of the city’s circles – mortalis, night, power and wild – swirl around them, rolling two six-sided dice to resolve the outcomes of dangerous and difficult situations.

The characters players create are protagonists who are attuned to the supernatural world: werewolves struggling to hold their territory, oracles desperate to avoid a looming

future, demons scheming for a better tomorrow and more. While the mortal world remains ignorant of the struggles of the city’s supernatural denizens, these characters are caught in the middle of the conflicts and drama of the city’s past, present and future, seeking the power – political and magical – to protect those they love and fight for what they want.

But power has a cost. Urban Shadows features a dynamic corruption mechanic that tracks each character's descent into darkness. When a player takes an innocent life, gives in to their monstrous nature or crosses a line they shouldn't cross to get what they want, they mark corruption. As each character grows more corrupt, they unlock new and potent powers, allowing them to easily get what they want – at the cost of further corruption. Eventually, they must make a choice: Will they fall to the darkness or find some way to save their soul in a city that offers nothing but temptation?

In addition to the core book, Magpie Games is also releasing an Urban Shadows GM screen with stunning full color art and useful reference tables to make running the game easy, as well as a dice set featuring 10 six-sided dice emblazoned with the sigils of the different circles. Both will be available in retail stores at the same time as the Urban Shadows core book.

The city hungers. Will you sate its gnawing desires? Or will your enemies make you the feast?

Q1 2025

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

Anton Torres

Pegasus Spiele North America

Director – Publisher

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

Jamie Mathy

Red Raccoon Games

Director – Retail

Will Niebling

Emeritus Director

Eric Price

Mejia Board Game Factory

Director – Production/Manufacturers

Drew Wehrle

Wehrlegig Games

Director – Creator

GAMA STAFF

John Stacy EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR john.stacy@gama.org

Bryan Borgman MEMBER SERVICES MANAGER bryan.borgman@gama.org

Amy Lowe MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER amy.lowe@gama.org

Chris Materni DEPUTY DIRECTOR chris.materni@gama.org

Julie Yeager EXHIBITOR MANAGER julie.yeager@gama.org

Chelsea Wood OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR chelsea.wood@gama.org

Beth O’Grady EXHIBITOR MANAGER beth.ogrady@gama.org

Gregoire Boisbelaud EVENTS COORDINATOR greg.boisbelaud@gama.org

Paul McGraw EVENTS MANAGER paul.mcgraw@gama.org

David Ableson EDUCATION MANAGER david.abelson@gama.org

Doug Shute EXHIBITOR MANAGER doug.shute@gama.org

Adam Ziegler TECHNOLOGY AND CREATIVE MANAGER adam.ziegler@gama.org

Grace Willson MEMBER SERVICES COORDINATOR grace.willson@gama.org

Peter Yang DEI AND EDUCATION COORDINATOR peter.yang@gama.org

THE GAME MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

258 East Campus View Blvd Columbus, OH 43235

Phone: 614-255-4500 • Fax: 614-255-4499 • www.gama.org • media@gama.org

Around the Table © 2025 The Game Manufacturers Association 171 Reed Street, Geneva, NY 14456 P 800-344-0559

To advertise, contact Amy Colburn at 315-789-6431 or amy@fwpi.com

Issue Deadline Mailing Date

Q2 April 11 May 16 Q3 July 11 August 15 Q4 September 26 October 31

In Silver Eye from Bezier Games, your village is overrun by savage werewolves! Thankfully, the town of Silver is home to dozens of powerful villagers that excel at hunting werewolves!

beziergames.com

The Adventures of Conan from GF9 is an asymmetrical dice game of exploration, sorcery and glorious combat set in the Hyborian Age. Players use custom dice to control Conan, his allies and foes.

battlefrontgroup.com

All Game Terrain’s In-Store Clinic teaches customers how to use tabletop scenery products live in your store. Each kit has materials to build three different environments for up to 10 people. Tutorial video link included. sales@allgameterrain.com

from

Games is all action and no downtime! Push your luck and place your wagers in this real-time betting and dice placement game. You’ll need quick wits, clever strategy and fast hands! MSRP $24.95

FROM THE executive director

Dear Friends,

Aswe kick off this new year, let’s take a moment to thank those members who stepped forward to volunteer in 2024 –whether they were part of a committee or the board of directors, shared their knowledge or expertise as presenter at GAMA EXPO or part of an online webinar. Perhaps they wrote an article for Around the Table or served as a mentor or lecturer for the Horizon Fellowship, joining in our advocacy efforts with their elected official on an issue impacting our businesses. Or they gave unselfishly of their time, energy or expertise to support another person in the industry. Thank each of you for making this industry one that we can all be proud to be a part of.

Looking forward to 2025, we are super excited about the year ahead, especially our upcoming trade show, GAMA EXPO, and its streaming companion, GAMA EXPO+, which will be held February 23 to 27. It’s going to be a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn and showcase our members’ products and services. With more than 200 seminars, premier presentations and special events, plus an expanded Game Night program and an exhibit hall with more than 300 exhibitors, it’s going to be our largest trade show yet. We can’t wait to see you there!

GAMA is also launching several new initiatives this year, including the GAMA Information Hub, a one-stop online portal for educational programming, audio and video recordings, digital documents, toolkits

and business resources. This will be the go-to place for resources, educational programming and information about what is happening at GAMA and in the industry. We are also expanding our advocacy efforts to fight against increased tariffs and regulations impacting our membership and will be participating in a Washington DC legislative flyin with other associations in March.

We will also be focusing on creating an industry-sponsored Tabletop Day. The event will bring together our membership to promote the board games marketplace. It will also drive traffic to local game stores with online and in-store programs and marketing. We will debut a new daylong TCG program for publishers and retail members at Essen SPIEL, as well as expanding programming at other conventions and industry events throughout the year.

And of course, we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of Origins Game Fair in June. It’s going to be a dynamic year for the organization and our membership, and we look forward to working with you to leverage these programs to support and grow the industry.

Wishing you a joyful, healthy and prosperous New Year. Let’s make 2025 our best year yet!

Cheers,

John Stacy Executive Director Game Manufacturers Association

lastnightgames.com

sarah@flyingfrog.net

Dragon Shield Sparkles –featuring Matte Amber and Amethyst – from PHD Distribution makes your deck truly shine. All lore points to dragons being naturally drawn to shiny things, and these sparkly sleeve colors pretty much prove that.

weirdgiraffegames.com/logic

GAMA Members,

Hello,

2025! Did you ring in the new year with games and good company … and fudge? (That last part is a reference to my story from the last issue.) However you spent the holiday, I hope it sets you on the right path to a positive new year.

That’s what is happening with GAMA. During our most recent planning session, the Board of Directors, along with our executive director, crafted GAMA 2035, a 10-year vision board. The discussions revolved around being proactive rather than reactive. We’re welcoming change and innovation and leaving behind the notion that “it’s always been done that way.” The annual trade show has historically been the cornerstone of the efforts of the organization. Hopefully you’ve been noticing the gradual shift in our focus.

Over the course of the next few months, you’ll experience the results of continued planning and a goal of superior execution. With our sights set on a global presence and addressing comprehensive industry needs, we are investing

resources to expand beyond what most have known GAMA to be. The fundamental concept is GAMA should be a global organization and the epicenter for tabletop gaming. Membership and industry needs are the focus with attention given to topics like education, lobbying, networking, business support, sustainability and inclusiveness. We established road maps for future staffing as well as future leadership of the organization.

GAMA will continue to propel forward with the help of fresh voices and people willing to offer their time and talents. If you have a passion for our industry, a talent for some particular facet, a desire to make a difference or a curiosity about how you can play a bigger role, consider this my personal invitation to reach out. Together, we can work toward the goal to make 2025 and beyond better for all of us.

Nicole Brady President GAMA Board of Directors

by Ricardo Evangelho, founder of Hit Point Press and creator of the Frameamajig

CREATING THE FRAMEAMAJIG FOR CARD COLLECTORS

decor.

It’s game night and you’re having your fantasy league over—swap out your Pokémon cards for your favorite sports cards by sliding the protective case out of the top of the frame.

Trading cards are more than just pieces of paper: they are collectables, game pieces and educational tools. Cards represent us, our hobbies, our memories, and our experiences. They are art.

As an avid card collector, I had a desire to showcase my cards as I would paintings. Custom framing was too expensive and I wanted a ready-made solution that looked nice. With no sophisticated framing options available that also protected my collection, I set out to create an attractive, bespoke frame to display my cherished cards.

TACKLING A MARKET GAP

This personal need spawned the idea for Frameamajigs, a premium wood frame that allows you to show off your collectable cards in style. The frames use an easyto-swap one-touch magnetic case so you can quickly access

COMMUNITY RECOGNIZED

Since launching the product, Frameamajigs were featured in two Gallery Nucleus’s Art in Miniature exhibitions, Magic: the Gathering painted artist proof shows. Backed by avid card collectors and stores, the Frameamajig Kickstarter raised over $100,000 for the initial production run. In 2024, Frameamajigs was recognized with an Origin Award for Best Game Accessory.

“Frameamajigs let you take the most important pieces in your collection and put them on full display: they’re what card collectors have been missing”

Donny Caltrider Artist Agent & Senior Writer, Hipsters of the Coast

WHAT’S NEXT?

Hit Point Press is actively prototyping a follow-up framing solution for graded cards, which we hope to preview later this year. Keep an eye out for them! In the meantime, Frameamajigs are available through most distributors and are a sensible product for any collectible store. You canlearn more about these frames at frameamajigs.com

In addition to Frameamajigs, Hit Point Press publishes tabletop roleplaying games and gaming accessories. Best known for their award-winning brands such as Humblewood and Animated Spells, Hit Point Press has raised over 10 million dollars on Kickstarter. Questions? Contact us at wholesale@hitpointpress.com.

The Year of Fear

by Jay Bernardo, Marketing Manager, Bézier Games

Famed film director Alfred Hitchcock once said, “Fear isn’t so difficult to understand. After all, weren’t we all frightened as children? Nothing has changed since Little Red Riding Hood faced the Big Bad Wolf.”

Fear isn’t necessarily something ghastly or grotesque. Fear can often be playful and subtle. After all, it isn’t when the werewolf bites you – it’s the anticipation of the bite that keeps your eyes up at night and haunts your dreams when you close them.

B ézier Games is going back to its roots and celebrating fear in 2025.

For each of our titles released this year, will have anywhere from a dash to a knob of fear, which is a rather healthy dose. Surely, any doctor worth their salt would agree.

Do not trust those who may cite the words of their overprotective parents: Life is hard enough so why would we possibly invite or welcome fear into our home let alone our table?

The only way to conquer your fears is with confidence – be it with stoic determination, a giggle or a barbaric yawp. Bézier Games offers a safe and playful space to explore and face your fears. We just sometimes add a dash of werewolves and a pinch of laughter into the mix.

The first expansion to Rebel Princess Deluxe Edition will be releasing later this year. It will not only add two more princesses, several new round cards and a new scorepad but will also fit in the base game box – with more than enough room for our two promo princesses.

In the first quarter of 2025, we’ll not only be releasing Silver Eye and Silver Fang at retail locations, but we’ll also be releasing digital versions of both games. Our new Silver mobile game is currently available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store. Join the thousands on an online werewolf hunt!

In addition to an expansion, Rebel Princess Deluxe Edition will also get a sequel! And we mean this in the strictest sense. This will not be a standalone expansion but a unique standalone game that is a continuation of the story. The princesses may have successfully rejected the princes and avoided marriage, but a larger threat lurks in the dark corners of the forest. An unspeakable evil will be unleashed that the princesses nor the villagers are fully prepared for.

We’ll also venture deeper into the woods and revisit the critters and campers from our card game, Scram! The campers may have won their battle against the critters infesting their campsite, but will they be prepared for the horrors that await them at night? The sequel to Scram! will explore the darkness lurking within and above the treetops as well as several game mechanics tying into the theme.

Perhaps our biggest reveal will be towards the end of the year. We’d love to share more, but who doesn’t love a good jump scare towards the end of a horror film? You’ll just have to sit silently in antici…

Jay Bernardo loves gaming, tacos and epic road trips. If he isn’t reading a rulebook or creating content, he’s learning how to prepare more dishes for his future Izakaya menu. This is where he reminds you that both sushi rolls and sandwiches were both created to be eaten while gaming.

Thunder Road: Vendetta A Need for Speed … and Smashing

by Beth Erikson, Lead Marketing Alchemist, Restoration Games

Thunder Road: Vendetta is a game of fast turns, high interaction and dicey decisions. Think you have what it takes to survive the race?

Restored from the classic 1986 racing game of speeding, shooting and smashing, Thunder Road: Vendetta brings combat-racing back to tabletop. Since its release, Thunder Road: Vendetta has made Top 10 lists and been awarded the 2023 Golden Geek Light Game of the Year, 2023 Board Game Quest Awards Game of the Year and the 2024 American Tabletop Strategy Games category.

into other cars and fire guns to clear a path to victory. Race ahead too quickly and you’ll be in your opponent’s sights. Drive too slow and the road may disappear beneath you. Carefully choose your strategy, but don’t forget to add a little chaos. After all, this road to victory isn’t paved with good intentions. It’s paved with smashed cars.

From the road to the arena

Sometimes the path to victory means smashing through your opponents. The latest expansion, Carnival of Chaos, takes that to a new level, turning a death race into a demolition derby. Turbo Tina is hosting a Destructionpalooza in her arena, and you’re the entertainment for her screaming fans. Grab Tina’s attention and get rewarded with scrap by claiming a spotlight space on the board. Keep an eye out not just for your opponents but also for the arena itself. Killer pillars will pop out of the board to bash cars and create havoc. Upgrade your cars with super-weapon cards like cluster missiles, a laser kebab or a big friendly gun. Turbo Tina will shake things up in each round, issuing a new decree that could change the dice, slams, damage and more. Shoot, slam and survive the chaos!

All of the Thunder Road: Vendetta expansions are mix-and-match, giving multiple levers to change up the game and difficulty with each play to create the most explosive car combat you’ve ever seen!

The Pulse of the Game Industry PHD, COQUI, BLISS

Withmore than 20 years of experience, Peachstate Hobby Distribution (PHD) has become a leader in the U.S. distribution of games and hobbies. Carrying a full line of TCGs, miniatures, board games, card games, sports cards, RPGs along with comic, gaming and hobby supplies, our experienced staff and personalized organized-play support are ready to do what it takes to help you grow your business.

With Bliss Distribution and Coqui Hobby Distribution being powered by PHD, your business can benefit from our leading customer service and product lineups around the globe. Give us a try… you’ll be a customer for life!

United States

Shipping to most U.S. location in two days or less, PHD is your distributor for all things gaming. We know you need it fast, and we’re a two-day ship to most of the U.S. We provide quality gaming products with quality service at competitive pricing.

PHD exists to provide quality gaming and hobby products, through a well-built distribution network, at competitive wholesale prices, to retail stores worldwide while providing a fun and rewarding work experience for all PHD employees. Dedication to customer service is a mantra touted by most companies, but PHD takes the extra step by helping stores grow their business through strong relationships and support. Many PHD employees have owned and/or operated a retail game store before; this puts PHD in a strong position to boost a retail store’s capacity for growth and success.

Learn more at phdgames.com.

UK and EU

Bliss Distribution is a UK-based distributor of trading cards, toys, games and collectibles. Great customer service is the key to our success, and our experienced and knowledgeable sales team are here to advise you on the best products at the most competitive prices.

Although we primarily specialize in UK and European distribution, we also have the ability to supply businesses across the globe (subject to distribution terms). This includes toy and hobby shops, gift and card shops, newsagents, convenience stores and post offices.

In addition to being official distributors for Yu-Gi-Oh!, Ultra PRO, Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons and more, we are also an official supplier to the Toymaster buying group.

Learn more at blissdistribution.co.uk

Latin America

Coqui Hobby Distribution is the fastest-growing gaming distributor, serving the whole of Latin America. Based in Orlando, FL, we carry a huge variety of exciting games, gaming supplies, storage supplies and more.

Coqui is built on the same, strong ethic as PHD, which is to offer stores the hottest products at very competitive pricing without sacrificing customer service. To help facilitate a truly great customer experience, our knowledgeable sales staff is fluent in either Spanish or Portuguese!

Learn more coquihobby.com.

by Peachstate Hobby Distribution staff

creativity

As an 80s kid, I dove into anything that sparked my imagination: Choose Your Own Adventure stories, bad techno music on a Casio keyboard and filming stop-motion battles with dismantled He-Man toys and ketchup. I even tried building a hot air balloon I saw on Mr. Wizard’s World that fused to our roof as a flaming lump of duct tape and plastic bags.

What did I want to be when I grew up? I found the answer in the movie "Big." I dreamt of my own Zoltar wish: to design toys, games and jump around on a giant floor piano. That year, I got Fireball

screen, freelancing became isolating. It was just me and a glowing monitor every day. As deadlines mounted, I found it hard to prioritize what I truly enjoyed. Discovering the tabletop community rekindled parts of my life I had ignored. It reminded me how important it is to connect with people, step away from the digital world and embrace real, shared experiences. Those moments of laughter became the perfect antidote to loneliness, helping me reconnect and feel alive again.

The value of conventions and organizations

Joining GAMA and the Game Designers of North Carolina has been invaluable. GAMA Designer Day and UnPub events allowed me to meet publishers, experienced designers and playtesters in person. These gatherings delivered quick, actionable feedback

Takeaways from My First Year in Game Design

- Creative Freedom

- Publishing Speed & Certainty

- Marketing Expertise & Effort

It’s great to dip your toes into publishing with maximum creative control that allows testing ideas before larger investments. They offer immediate feedback and a broader reach, but it can be limiting to rely on players to make components.

- Time Investment - Risk & Stress

- Financial Risk & Reward

Launch your own publishing company

on prototypes and helped me refine my games. Like a great die roll, the support and expertise available through these networks can open doors to mentorship, collaboration and publishing opportunities. Sharing rides and accommodations with peers has helped cut costs, and I encourage fellow designers to seek out grants and scholarships.

The power of play

Playtesting my games beyond friends and family has also been transformative. The gaming community has shaped both my designs and my growth as a creator. It’s full of welcoming people who advocate for inclusivity – from passionate players to seasoned publishers. The connections formed, the joy of shared play and the sense of community make the gaming world special. I hadn’t realized how much I missed the kind of laughter that makes your sides ache. This facilitation of fun extends beyond play – building relationships and enriching lives through shared experiences.

Choosing a path to publishing

While making games just for fun has been great, I felt an itch to share my creations with more people. Deciding how to manufacture, publish and scale was tough, so I created a scoresheet to evaluate my options. I’ve learned there’s no onesize-fits-all path, and each approach has unique benefits and challenges.

Producing limited quantities of games offers a personal connection with players. Managing every detail has challenges, but it’s rewarding to see your work come to life and connect with super fans.

With a polished product and a willingness to hustle for visibility, crowdfunding is great. A successful campaign builds a loyal fanbase and covers production costs, but requires planning, marketing and awareness to succeed.

Pitch to established companies

Partnering with a large company is best if you want to focus on design and avoid the business side. It requires a mature prototype, and creative control is limited. Even with a contract, there’s no guarantee the game will be released, but you can gain credibility and connect with industry professionals.

This entrepreneurial path demands significant time, money and energy. Setting up a business, managing customers, manufacturing and marketing all require effort. Burnout and losing the creative spark are real possibilities. The financial rewards can be great, but it also means handling the risks and non-creative responsibilities.

Finding balance, flexibility and happiness

The board game industry moves slowly, and breaking through with a physical product in such a saturated market is challenging, but rewarding. Through trial and error, I’ve learned that working in the tabletop game industry isn’t just about the game – it’s also about me. What do I truly value? How much time, money and energy can I realistically invest? Do I want full control, or am I willing to compromise for greater reach? It takes time to refine a game and find the right audience. Patience has been essential, and as I learn and grow, my games improve alongside the relationships I’ve built in the community. Just like in Fireball Island, you must choose the path that feels right for where you are now. It’s okay if you have a bad roll and life hurls flaming red marbles at you. You can always pivot and find a better path. The most important thing is to take that first step and have fun along the way. Progress doesn’t happen overnight, but persistence pays off.

The world of game design is expansive and welcoming, offering endless opportunities for you to join in and bring your ideas to life.

So, what’s your next move?

In Silver Fang from Bezier Games, eliminate ferocious, fanged werewolves through clever card play. This is the fifth and final standalone expansion to the Silver Series – now with team play!

bit.ly/huntwerewolves

Broaden your horizons with the Word Colony: Around the World Expansion from Pegasus Spiele. The set contains more than 90 cards jam-packed with questions focusing on distant locales, extraordinary structures and far-away places. MSRP $14.99

pegasusna.com

The high-quality card storage boxes from ACD are ideal for sports and TCG cards. Durable corrugated cardboard provides structure and security for the longterm protection of your collection.

Grand Archive TCG: Abyssal Heaven Booster Box 1st Edition from Weebs of the Shore is an expansion supporting all seven classes. Heroes and deities clash as history is rewritten. Which side will you choose? support@weebsoftheshore.com

Word Colony combines trivia, word, and strategy games into a refreshing new gameplay experience! Answer trivia questions to gather more letter cards in hand, then use the cards to spell words and score points.

Worried another player will steal that word right from under your nose? Build a Word Colony by adding one or more words that share a letter, crossword-style, and score extra points by using five or more words.

With over 440 unique questions, cards that score negative points, and special abilities such as Immunity, Magic Word, Fist Bump, and Conquest, is filled with hours of smart and clever fun for anyone who loves learning, trivia, or word games.

Building upon the core mechanics of Word Colony, Word Colony Kids: My First Words is designed specifically for our youngest players, with beautiful artwork, eye-catching and tactile components to help develop vocabulary, literacy, knowledge, and strategic thinking through quality time at play.

Word Colony…$39.99 [10+/30+ min/2-4p]

Word Colony: Around the World Exp…$14.99

Word Colony Kids: My First Words…$24.95 [5+/20-30 min/1-4p]

Munchkin Shadowrun from Steve Jackson Games is packed with 193 cards and introduces the Matrix, a series of cards with additional gameplay goals to win the game in a whole new way! warehouse23. com/products/ munchkinshadowrun

Aeterna from Ares Games is a new game by Martin Wallace that mixes strategic depth and engaging gameplay. Lead a Roman family from the city’s founding to the fall of the Western Roman Empire. aresgames.eu

Wraith & The Giants from Renegade Game Studios is a solitaire game of epic battles with elemental giants! Progress through four unique boss fights at three different wraith ages for huge replayability. In SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence from CGE, lead a scientific institution to search for traces of life beyond Earth. Inspired by existing or emerging efforts in space exploration. MSRP: $69.99 czechgames.markettime.com

Grand Archive TCG: Diao Chan Re:CollectionIdyll Corsage from Weebs of the Shore gets players right into the action with a top tier pre-con deck, matching Dragon Shield art sleeves and more. support@weebsoftheshore.com

The Purr-fect Challenge Awaits!

The mischievous cat has vanished into the house, and it's up to you to coax them out! But how will you do it?

With an arsenal of irresistible toys of course! Dangle a fishing rod, roll a yarn ball, or tempt them with a running mouse - Increase the appeal of the cat toys in your hand to create the purrr-fect combo to draw them out to play!

BY REINER KNIZIA

REBIRTH is Now in Stock

by Eveline Foubert, Marketing Manager, Mighty Boards

Rebirth, which launched and sold out at SPIEL 2024, has been receiving rave reviews since and is now available in the U.S.!

Rebirth is a new, tile-laying game from Reiner Knizia. The game revitalizes this classic genre by combining Knizia’s elegant mechanics with Mighty Boards’ evocative world building. The result is a eurogame with smooth gameplay, set in a lush and hopeful future.

Rebirth revitalizes this classic genre with streamlined mechanisms that are combined with a signature Mighty Boards evocative vision – one of a lush, cosy and hopeful future.

What is Rebirth?

Following a series of calamities that left civilization in shambles, societies around the world are being rebuilt anew in harmony with nature. Scotland lies in ruins, and the ancient clans have taken it upon themselves to restore the land. As clan leaders, you will compete for strategic control of the land by rebuilding its prestigious castles.

Each turn, players draw a tile from their supply and place it strategically on the board. These tiles represent your clan’s contribution to rebuilding the land. Rebirth rewards strategic foresight and clever tactical play, with tougher decisions emerging over the course of the game.

Find us at GAMA

Order Rebirth and more games at GAMA! Visit the Mighty Boards booth 561 and get an additional 10 percent discount on your orders. The following products are also available.

Fateforge: Chronicles of Kaan is a cooperative, actionadventure campaign game for one to four players that respects your time without compromising on depth. Designed for quick setup and easy pack-away, it still delivers the immersive experience you crave from RPGs and dungeon crawlers. Fateforge launched and sold out at Gen Con in August, sold out again at Essen SPIEL in October and has been receiving rave reviews since.

Art Society is Barnes & Noble’s Game of the Year and a bestseller in the Mighty Boards line. It’s an art collection game with easy to learn rules for two to four players. You are an art connoisseur trying to impress your peers by putting together the most fashionable art collection of them all! Bid on the hottest works of art, then arrange them on your drawing room wall into a tastefully curated gallery that's the envy of the local art scene. But beware! Fashion is fleeting, and trends are difficult to predict. The paintings that you and your fellow collectors do not buy will eventually make their way to the museum, changing the worth of your collection. In the end, whose wall will be the talk of town?

Want to position your store as a go-to destination for players in your community? Organize in-store demo events or online activities to highlight our games and engage customers. Need help? Contact Eveline at eveline@mighty-boards.com for support or materials to make your events a success.

Place your order today by contacting your distributor or emailing sales@mighty-boards.com.

EXTRA 10% OFF on GAMA orders

Find us at Booth 561

Steady On

Grand Archive’s Steady Success

by T.R. Racki, Golden Plume Comics

Wouldn't

it be nice to have a trading card game where the players pre-order and prepay in advance? Where the publisher puts local game stores first? With a grassroots community going above and beyond for the game out of a genuine love for it? With an original IP that won't result in the game evaporating overnight when the license expires?

If such a combination sounds improbable, it is nearly. In the highly competitive trading card game (TCG) industry, finding any one game that checks off all the boxes is rare. While many games are able to complete a box or two, achieving this superfecta seems allusive, especially with most new TCGs being licensed and having a limited lifespan.

One game is doing things differently however.

Being different

Enter Grand Archive TCG, a hidden gem that for many retailers may be completely off their radar. Over the past two years, the indie title has been quietly moving ahead, steadily growing while checking off successive benchmarks. Demand for its fifth set, Mortal Ambition of 39,000 boxes, caught many off-guard and left most stores with significant allocation shortages. Rather than choosing to overprint and cause product prices to collapse below distribution cost, as is often common, the developers for Grand Archive instead print to pre-order. They have also excelled at educating their players to both pre-order and prepay

for product. This in turn allows stores to carry less risk, a sign of respect from the publisher towards retailers. For stores that are willing to carry product past the release date, these tight print runs translates into steady price appreciation on the secondary market.

Maintaining product on shelves after release is crucial for new TCGs. Not only does it raise product awareness with customers in the store, but tournament organizers also find it much easier to onboard new players who often are in need of everything, not just certain single cards. Making sure to not devalue the game appears important to the developers. While some select cards have been reprinted to assist with new player growth, many others have been allowed to appreciate, ensuring that older sets, which are now out-of-print, remain desirable. While choosing to not reprint valuable cards does result in lower publisher profits, stores reap the benefits by being able to charge more for older products. Additionally, high dollar cards have much better margins for stores, rather than juggling low value singles. n a hype dominated world, Grand Archive is engaging in the opposite action. Rather than utilizing expensive social media influencers and extensive ad campaigns, the game focuses on letting organic word-of-mouth do the talking. And it works. Analysis of TCGplayer sales data from November 2024 shows Grand Archive booster boxes with approximately two-thirds the

volume of Flesh and Blood, a TCG that is regularly promoted by some of the biggest YouTube TCG influencers. Instead, the developers choose to redirect these resources towards enhanced organized play support, putting on regular largescale events called Ascents. Ascents are akin to Grand Archive conventions where players and collectors engage in tournaments. Ascents continue to increase in popularity and prizing. The most recent Santa Clara, CA event hosted more than 300 players, 100 collectors and more than 10,000 streams on YouTube. While the current $15,000 cash prizing for each Path of Steel tournament may not be the flashiest in the competitive TCG world, it's a healthy level for Grand Archive as it continues to build towards bigger things.

Leading by example

It would be easy for a publisher to let all this success go to their head. Yet the development team for Grand Archive remains humble, operating with local game stores as their crucial partner. You won't find Grand Archive at mass retailers like Walmart or Target, or online at Amazon or Best Buy. Local game stores with their valued play spaces receive all the product. This is in addition to the publisher's generous monthly organized play support, with rewards scaled by player event data complied through their custom online browser webapp, Omnidex. In speaking with other tournament organizers, they report that Omnidex is user-friendly and intuitive, making for a smoother event experience.

At Ascent Santa Clara, players could be overheard discussing how Grand Archive "truly felt grassroots," how it "feels different from other games," and was "fun to be a part of something like that.” The grassroots community for Grand Archive extends well beyond the player base. At each Ascent, volunteers show up from all over North America at their own expense to be judges, casters or other support staff. Often so many indicate that they want to come that there is a waiting list to volunteer. People want to be a part of something bigger than themselves. They want to go above and beyond for a game they are passionate about.

This, too, is part of the developer's vision for the game. In the official Grand Archive Discord, the community is respectful and positive towards each other, taking cues from the developers. Respect and positivity are a top-down matter. If publishers genuinely respect their retailers and players, the community will show it to one another. The developers regularly incorporate feedback into things such as pull rates, redemption cards and booster box art, making the community feel heard and valued.

Familiar, but better

New players to Grand Archive will find that the gameplay is familiar, though enhanced. Simply stated, Grand Archive is a champion battling game with each player starting their champion at level 0 and progressing towards level 3, unlocking more powerful attacks and other options along the way. Ally units help champions deal damage counters to the opposing champion, winning the game once the total number of damage counters exceeds a champion's hit point

stat. What enhances Grand Archive over other resource-based TCGs is that there are no resource cards in the game. Instead, resource costs are paid by placing cards from the hand face down on the table, cards which a player gets back on their next turn. By eliminating resource cards entirely, players avoid running into situations where they have no options to play, whether from drawing too many resource cards or not enough. This creates for a more engaging and satisfying play experience – win or lose – as players feel they have more options available to them during a game.

Regarding play formats, the current competitive focus for Grand Archive is standard constructed, where nearly every card from every set can be utilized. However, the publisher also recognizes the importance of offering other formats for more casual players. Recently, Ascent Santa Clara unveiled a new draft format that was massively popular, lining up players for hours as they waited in the queue for the next play pod, despite more than 10 pods running simultaneously.

Not perfect yet

While Grand Archive is certainly succeeding on many fronts, it still has some areas in need of improvement. Currently the biggest need for Grand Archive is more staff. The most common friction point reported by local game stores is not having a dedicated store liaison. Stores are busy and need prompt response times as they navigate their many tasks. Adding a dedicated staffer for quick communication with stores should be a top priority for the publisher. Another point of improvement for the game would be its current meta. With only five sets to date, deck variety at the highest playing levels of the game seems overly narrow. As the developers are able to add more staff focused on card development and playtesting, this will likely improve and diversify the meta. A diverse meta that supports many playstyles means that more players can play the way that fits them, rather than feeling forced to play a certain way because that's the most effective. A diverse meta means also that more cards see more play, keeping single prices appreciating such to support booster boxes at or above MSRP. Products at MSRP means that local game stores can enjoy some of the healthiest margins in the industry, rewarding them for their time and effort.

Grand Archive is available through official partners

Peachstate Hobby Distribution, Southern Hobby Distribution and YY Card World.

Lastly, the publisher's print capacity is struggling to keep up with demand. This is largely because of the publisher's high quality standards. Grand Archive cards are printed as if custom poker cards on high-end Japanese printers using imported Italian cardstock. Foil cards are such that they are quite curl-resistant, even when subjected to extreme heat and humidity. Players want flat foils, an additional cost that some publishers choose to skip. Quality aside, additional printers would help reduce product allocation issues. Fortunately, none of the above weaknesses are game ending. They are simply an outcome of success, rapid growth and high standards.

Leading with Passion

Like many of us who walk the GAMA floor each year, Mike Krause and Dean Burnham entered the tabletop industry driven by their unapologetic passion to make the space better for all. Through their experience and fandom, they recognized a gap between the creative folks inventing games and writing books, and the gamers and readers whose joy stemmed from being absorbed by different worlds and new experiences.

PSi Retail Services was established, and for the following 25 years, we’ve had the privilege of driving our customers’ and clients’ success by getting games to their end destination: our tables.

At PSi, we are constantly learning, cultivating industry and sales expertise and leading through passion. Our 300,000-square-foot facility in Atlanta is constantly buzzing with inbound and outbound shipments of the best games in the world. Our experienced team of more than 100 employees share in the vision and entrepreneurial spirit our founders emanate. With a sales office opening in Minneapolis in 2025 and a growing catalog of the best titles in the industry, PSi represents more than 150 brands across games, toys and entertainment. Whether we’re securing space in stores, establishing an online sales presence

through e-commerce, collaborating with our 36 international partners to sell games around the globe or, most vitally, building our network of U.S. hobby retail partnerships, PSi has become a leading figure in the retail landscape.

Our endeavors will continue to grow along with the business. As we ask ourselves what it means to provide the best service possible to our brands and retailers, we’re constantly looking for new ways to expand. The ever-present goal is to become the one-stop-shop for our partners and the best-in-class service provider that exceeds all their needs.

We could not achieve our mission without the partnerships we’ve forged with excellent independent retailer partners. Whether your store is opening its doors for the first time in 2025, or your business has even more years under its belt than PSi, we’re excited to continue to evolve how we work together to bring innovative and top-selling games to your shelves.

PSi’s promise remains to not only deliver great games from recognized brands to the retail market, but to take a stake in each game’s success by driving sell-through and growth through marketing initiatives, in-store events and by empowering a world-class sales team to be retail experts in the field. That is the

path to bringing the best result possible to the game creators and brand partners who want their creations to find their voice in an ever-evolving industry.

Even after 25 years, 2025 will spark new growth and opportunities for our company, and we hope that you’ll join us for the journey! If you’re a retailer and would like to explore what PSi can provide for your business, our team would love to talk to you. Please come see us at Booth 501, or reach out to us at any time at retailinquiries@pubservinc. com

by Dan Marshall, Sales Director –Independent and International, PSi

Tabletop Tycoon is Expanding Our Portfolio!

by Dan Yarrington, Publisher & CEO, Tabletop Tycoon Inc.

As2024 fades into the past, we at Tabletop Tycoon are excited for a year of expanding beloved worlds and creating new ones for our fans. Located in Londonderry, NH, we are an evergrowing, independent game company dedicated to crafting great experiences for all and supporting those in need.

This year, our catalog will bring players through vastly different experiences – from the chilling air and heavy snowfall of Everdell Silverfrost to a country broiled in an endless conflict puppeteered in the shadows in A War of Whispers: Expansion of Influence to a conspiratorial group in World War II

Germany in Black Orchestra: Valkyrie and Resistance. We have brought the beloved movie, The Princess Bride, to life through our assortment of games and allowed players to express themselves on the tabletop through our PolyHero Dice.

We are proud to partner with Asmodee and all of our distributors and publishers around the world to bring our games to tables across the globe. Through our work with our amazing partners, our games have been translated into more than 20 languages to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy them with friends or family.

Through our work with Toys for Tots, we have given more than 400,000 games to kids and families, totaling more than $12 million. All of our sales benefit Toys for Tots and gives more games to kids who would have otherwise not been able to unwrap that present over the holidays. For more information on charities and organizations we support, please visit tycoongiving.com

We are also expanding our publishing portfolio. We are looking for profitable game lines to acquire. If you believe your game would be a good fit for us, visit Andre at booth 1460, email andre@tabletoptycoon.com, or call and/or text 901-262-2229.

Introducing ACD Expo

A NEW ERA FOR ACD DISTRIBUTION

by Corey Andersen, Marketing Manager, ACD Distribution

Sinceits inception in 2002, we have strived to make ACD Games Day the industry's premier distributor tradeshow. Over the years, we have continually refined the event to meet the evolving needs of you, our partners. This year, we are thrilled to announce the rebranding of our flagship event to ACD Expo – a name that reflects the dynamic changes in our industry and the broader gaming and toy landscape.

The world of hobby games has transformed dramatically in the last two decades. New manufacturers, product lines and evolving store types have reshaped the market. Families are gaming together like never before, and the boundaries between tabletop games and toys are increasingly blurred. To stay ahead of these trends and ensure our event serves the needs of all types of retailers and manufacturers, we’ve embraced these shifts and reimagined the show accordingly.

We believe the brightest minds in hobby games and toys gather at ACD Expo, and the networking and learning opportunities are unmatched. Whether you want to expand your knowledge, discover new products or connect with potential partners, ACD Expo offers something for everyone. Retailer-toretailer seminars, a comprehensive exhibit hall, show-provided meals for networking and an exciting demo night create an environment where every attendee can leave with actionable insights to grow their business.

In the past two years, we’ve introduced several exciting new features to enhance the experience. The Shopping Room consolidates all the show specials, clearance items, upcoming titles and evergreens, making it easier than ever to take advantage of exclusive deals. If you have been in attendance recently, you’ve also experienced a more vibrant, engaging atmosphere with a larger lecture hall for insightful panel discussions, expanded events and a more diverse demo night. These changes are just the beginning. We’re committed to continually evolving the ACD Expo experience to ensure it remains relevant and valuable for every attendee.

Our goal is simple: We want every minute you spend with us in Madison to have a lasting, positive impact on your business. Over the show's tenure, we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from retail attendees and exhibitors. We are extremely proud of the event we put on, but we know there is always room for improvement. We continue to push the show to be the absolute best it can be. In doing so, we hope that ACD Expo will become a staple of your year.

We can’t wait to see you in Madison this May. ACD Expo is May 21 to 23 in Madison, Wisconsin. Retailer registration opens on February 17. For more information about ACD EXPO and to register, visit acdd.com/acdexpo

Tournaments Test –and Sell – Games

by Shawn Patton, Owner, Surprisingly Fun Games

Asa game designer and publisher, I play a lot of games.

Some I’ve made, most I haven’t. Nine times out of 10 when I’m playing a game, someone at some point makes an error or doesn’t understand something and asks to take something back. My favorite reply is something like “Well this isn’t tournament Azul, so sure, you can choose different color tiles.” “This isn’t tournament Dominion, so sure, you can still take your second buy.” After all, we’re all trying to have fun and usually everyone is ok with it.

But what if it is a tournament? I’ve played in tournaments at Origins, Gen Con, etc… I was even a Yu-gi-oh! judge for 10 years. There’s a rich history of TCGs being played competitively, and of course there are poker and chess tournaments. All of these often have money, prizes and reputations on the line. Players are very invested, literally and figuratively. As a judge of a TCG, we’re often called over and asked to try to restore the game state or clarify a ruling, and there’s a whole process in place to make sure everything is as fair as possible. Sure, players are more engaged, but that’s a lot of overhead.

The interesting thing to me about tournaments is while they are certainly testing players, they are inherently testing the game even more. There is an extra amount of pressure put on a game when players are playing it in a tournament setting. Ambiguous rules go from a minor inconvenience to a major issue, one

that may require adjudication. Due to its early years as a game based on a TV show (where story mattered more than game balance), Yu-gi-oh! had way more holes in its rules system than Magic: The Gathering.

Even low stakes tournaments showcase the balance of a game, how much luck versus skill is at play and hopefully create memorable moments for the players. I tested the two published games I’ve designed, Tin Spin and Sweet Deals, in casual tournament settings during development. It’s a wonderful way to find edge cases in your balance or confusion in your rules, all while building an audience for your game.

Now that both games are for sale to retailers, I encourage them to host casual tournaments at their stores. Since they are games that are easy to learn, handle a wide range of player counts and are quick to play, the overhead is low. Tin Spin, with its focus on physically spinning dice, always draws a crowd. And don’t let its cute art deceive you. The moment in a game of Sweet Deals when someone bids an outlandish five for a donut, you’ll see some strong emotions. As for stakes, mere bragging rights or perhaps a copy of the game suffices. After all, both Tin Spin and Sweet Deals are casual games, but I’ve found any kind of tournament will engage your customers and, ultimately, sell games.

Questions? Contact sales@surprisinglyfungames. com.

Embrace the MINDBUG

Where Strategy Blooms in a Bizarre Garden

by Jeremy Culver, Marketing Coordinator, Ghost Galaxy

Thefanciful and bizarre inhabitants of the Mindbug universe just got a whole lot wilder! You’ll soon see these creatures create new kingdoms to dominate or expand their reach to a whole new galaxy.

In Mindbug, the rules are deceptively simple: summon hybrid creatures to deplete your opponent's health to zero. But appearances can be deceiving. In this game, alliances shift constantly. The Mindbug cards allow you to sway the loyalty of even the most formidable creatures, turning the tide of battle in an instant. This constant shifting of power makes every game unique and unpredictable.

Getting started is a breeze. Whether you're diving into Mindbug: First Contact or exploring the exciting new standalone expansions, Mindbug: Battlefruit Galaxy and Mindbug: Battlefruit Kingdom, you're ready for action. Each expansion introduces a unique set of creatures and introduces new gameplay mechanics.

For Mindbug: Battlefruit Galaxy, journey to a cosmic wonderland where creatures are infused with stardust and abilities are fueled by celestial

Kingdom, discover a vibrant realm where creatures are born from magical fruit and their powers are intertwined with the seasons. The new fast keyword allows a creature to attack the same turn it’s played, injecting a dynamic pace into the game. The new harvest mechanic adds a layer of strategic depth, rewarding players who patiently nurture their creatures on the battlefield. Both expansions will see you pressure your opponent and protect your creatures to reap the rewards of your careful planning.

Each of these stand-alone expansions comes with 48 creature cards, allowing for diverse deck combinations. You can play them individually or combine them with any other Mindbug product to create truly unique and challenging experiences. The possibilities for creative gameplay are virtually limitless, encouraging experimentation and replayability.

Mindbug's streamlined gameplay eliminates the need for complex resource management, allowing you to focus on strategic decisions and tactical maneuvering. This makes it an ideal game for both seasoned card game veterans and newcomers alike.

So, whether you're seeking a quick and engaging game or a deep and strategic challenge, Mindbug offers a captivating blend of simplicity and complexity. Embrace the Mindbug and discover a world where strategy blooms in the most unexpected ways. Contact your local distributor to get yourself ready for the Mindbug: Battlefruit expansions this March!

Take the Initiative Marketing Your Store Like a Main Character

As a tabletop game retailer, you’re in the business of selling storytelling and shared experiences. You are a purveyor of good times. A connoisseur of fun with friends and family. A dispenser of quests and epic adventures. You’re selling products that I would argue literally make the world a better place to be in.

While that’s all true, this often leads to one of the biggest mistakes I see store owners make with marketing their business. They fall into the role of passive characters in the stories of their customer’s lives, instead acting like the main character in their own story.

You may have seen this sentiment from other retailers online or felt it yourself. You feel like you’re just an NPC in the background of your customers’ fun, providing the proverbial equipment they need to slay the dragon. And NPCs are by definition passive. They exist only to serve the narrative the players are exploring. NPCs aren’t out there in the world, trying to change the story; they wait behind the counter for people to come to them.

While this works just fine for an RPG campaign, if you want your game store to be as successful as it could be, you

need to ditch the NPC mindset and become the main character of your tale.

This means fully embodying the fact that your friendly local game store is providing a crucial service to your community. In a variety of small personal ways, you are actually saving the world. Feel it. Believe it. Now channel that energy into confidence. When it comes to marketing your business, this means spreading the good word of what your game store is and how your products solve a massive pain point in your customer’s lives. (Hint: It’s human connection.)

Nearly every game store owner I’ve spoken to over the years was a hobbyist before they got into the business. Up until relatively recently, being a tabletop nerd (I say this lovingly, being a proud nerd myself) was something to hide. We were the outcasts. It wasn’t cool to play Dungeons and Dragons or Magic, and we often found our place in the local game stores of yore. Our hero personas only existed on the tabletop.

If you want to find success in the game business, you need to become the main character, take bold action and be proactive. You need to become a hero that solves problems, takes the lead and rallies people together.

Heroes don’t just stand behind the counter waiting for adventurers. They step out, wave the banner and sound the call to gather a party.

Here are three ways you can do exactly that.

Don’t be afraid to tell people about what you do

When someone comes into your store for the first time, they’re expressing an interest in the hobby. That is an invitation for you to reach out to them and help them find the right experience.

If they had a great experience or found something they're excited about, ask them to tell their friends!

Game stores can be intimidating for people just entering the space, and many of them will appreciate a friendly guide to help them navigate the insane number of options that fill your shelves.

But it’s not just about being proactive with the people who are coming into your store to shop. You need to get out into the world and tell people about your store, both physically and metaphorically.

Go into other nearby businesses with a business card and a smile and let them know about your shop. If it makes sense, offer to collaborate with them. Cafes and restaurants are natural allies of local game stores!

Connect with community centers, libraries and schools and offer to organize events and clubs or provide them with products in exchange for promoting your store.

Post flyers around. Put out a sandwich board on your sidewalk near your front door. Rep your store by wearing your own merchandise when you go out.

Get out there and talk to people about your awesome store!

Post more often in more places

Social media is a noisy place and attention is a premium currency online. Organic reach is lower than ever, with roughly 5 percent of your audience seeing any given post, so don’t be afraid to bang the drum more than once.

You should post multiple times about an upcoming event or release on multiple platforms. Leverage your Facebook and Instagram pages with multiple posts while also posting in local Facebook groups.

Mix up the formats and create stories and reels, as well as written posts and images. Variation keeps things fresh. Leverage the power of live video and talk about what’s happening in your store and why people should check it out.

Build a consistent, personalized outreach system

Don’t just rely on someone remembering to drop by. Be the hero who sends out a personal call-to-adventure.

Establish an email newsletter that goes beyond just listing products; tell short stories about what’s happening at the store, share staff recommendations for new titles, highlight customer success stories and preview upcoming events.

Combine this with a well-structured in-store opt-in system (e.g., a tablet at checkout) to gather email addresses.

Consistent, narrative-driven messaging builds a stronger relationship with customers and encourages them to return again and again.

If you want to level up your business, you need to step into your role as the hero of your own story. Stop seeing yourself as just another vendor on the sidelines and embrace the fact that you’re a community builder, a storyteller and a catalyst for connection.

The more proactive you become, the more your customers will see your store as the hub of a vibrant, welcoming gaming scene – not just a place to grab a box and head home.

Let the world know who you are, what you stand for and why your store matters.

Oshi Push

VTuber Card Game Coming in 2025!

by Ian Spiegel-Blum, Brand Manager, Japanime Games

Step into the vibrant world of Oshi Push, a groundbreaking collectible card game that merges the dynamic universe of VTubers with the strategic depth of trading card games. Designed by Justin Gary (Ascension, Solforge) in collaboration with Japanime Games, Oshi Push puts players into the spotlight as their favorite realworld VTuber – known as their “oshi.”

Take on the role of a VTuber persona as you produce viral content, battle for control of platforms and upgrade your persona’s abilities to reach digital stardom. With each card bursting with personality and original artwork sourced from professional artists and the VTuber community, every turn feels like stepping onto the virtual stage.

A collectible experience like no other

Oshi Push: VTuber Card Game will be released in 2025 with the first gen booster set, featuring Phase Origins and two unique starter decks. The Gen One booster set will include more than 160 unique cards plus tons of alternate and parallel arts, serialized versions of cards and signature cards signed by the real-world VTuber talent.

Gen One will also include two starter decks themed after the VTuber superstars Pipkin Pippa and Tenma Maemi. Each starter deck includes three mechanically unique cards unavailable anywhere else, plus two randomized foil alternate art persona cards out of a series of seven possible cards.

Gen One featuring Phase Origins booster boxes will be available from major distributors in the United States (to start) and directly from Japanime Games for brick-and-mortar retail stores and contain 24 booster packs,

each with 11 cards. Booster boxes will have an MSRP of $119.99 with 12 booster boxes to a case.

Starter decks will have an MSRP of $19.99 and include 46 unique cards plus a randomized two-card booster pack with holographic alternate art versions of persona cards. Starter deck displays include six decks with three Pippa and three Tenma.

Accessories and more from player’s choice shi Push delivers flair with a full line of art sleeves, playmats, deck boxes and acrylic accessories by Player’s Choice. New accessory lines are planned for upcoming sets, ensuring fans can display their oshi in style.

From Kickstarter to retail excellence

After raising more than $500,000 on Kickstarter with 2,000 backers, Oshi Push is poised to capture the hearts of players and collectors alike. The Kickstarter’s success has paved the way for a retail debut designed to drive excitement with 45 new artworks plus new serialized cards to chase exclusive to this edition. Kickstarter backers will have plenty to get excited about in the retail version, too!

Retailers now have the chance to bring this global sensation to their shelves and tap into the growing VTuber phenomenon. Oshi Push isn’t just another card game – it’s a community-driven experience built for players, collectors and fans of the VTuber culture.

Don’t miss the opportunity to carry this innovative, exciting product and let your customers join the ultimate VTuber showdown!

Mü & More Returns with HeidelBÄR Games

by Shelby Hudson, B2B Marketing, CGE

There's a special kind of thrill in rediscovering a classic game – a mix of nostalgia and excitement for sharing it with a new generation. For seasoned gamers and new hobbyists, revisiting a beloved title feels like reconnecting with an old friend who still has surprises up their sleeve.

Mü & More is a trick-taking game played over several rounds in alternating teams with unique game elements. Before each round, players may reveal some cards from their hand. Whoever shows the most takes the crown, and whoever shows the second most takes the shield. These two players determine the trump cards and lead opposing teams for the round.

The player with the crown chooses a partner, all other players join the player with the shield and the game begins. As soon as all the tricks have been taken, everyone receives personal points. Whoever was on the winning team gets a bonus!

Rereleasing the beloved cassic

In collaboration with Doris and Frank, HeidelBÄR has released an updated version of the classic, 1996 Spiel des Jahres Recommended game, Mü & More! The beloved trick-taking game had remained virtually unchanged in its gameplay. This new edition includes markers that clarify scoring and eliminate the stalemate situation. Players who prefer classic Mü can still play it with the new cards!

More of Mü

The revised version of Mü & More includes access to printable and online scorecards. This makes keeping score much easier. Players can find these online at heidelbaer.de/en/more-of-mu. The website also includes two-player versions of Mü. One is more similar to the classic Mü (by Don Eskridge) and one that appears more complex but is easy to play (by Roland

Goslar). Players can also find rules for The Last Panther, Wimmüln, Rummü and Safarü.

Other party games

HeidelBÄR Games has no shortage of card games to bring to the table. Along with Mü & More coming this year, some other notable titles are Snatch It!, Spicy, Hungry Monkey and Coyote.

Snatch It!, released in 2024, is a unique frog-themed family card game with simple rules, excellent artwork, and fun “take that” mechanics. Snatch, steal and swallow bugs as hungry frogs in the pond before the stork arrives!

Spicy, Hungry Monkey and Coyote are all part of HeidelBÄR’s Radiant Culture series featuring traditional art from the country of each game’s origin.

Spicy is a twist on a classic bluffing game in which players can call a bluff but may still lose the trick if the player is lying. Spicy features stunning artwork by a Korean artist and metallic gold on both the box and the cards.

Hungry Monkey is a family-friendly card-shedding game where players work to get rid of cards in their hands and cards face down in front of them. Hungry Monkey is based on Indian folklore and features art from an Indian artist.

Coyote is a bluffing game where players can see everyone's card but their own, and guess a number lower than the total or challenge the previous bet. The game is based on traditional Native American folklore. Coyote features a Native American artist and metallic cards and the box.

Czech Games Edition works with HeidelBÄR Games to distribute HeidelBÄR’s games in the North American market. Shop their catalogs through distribution or the direct retailer portal, czechgames.markettime.com

Revised edition of the multi-award-winning game Mü & more, which was on the recommendation list of Spiel des Jahres in 1996.

Need

Fill Your Worlds with Friends and Foes!

to fill a tavern, castle, city, dungeon or carnival with a variety of NPCs, complete with stat blocks and example art pieces? Pathfinder NPC Core, coming March 2025, brings more than 200 different types of non-player characters to your table – from artisans and thieves to necromancers, deific vessels and more!

Gamemastery Guide NPCs, remastered

Some of NPC Core’s offerings include remastered statblocks and updated descriptions for NPCs included in Pathfinder Second Edition’s Gamemastery Guide. These remastered entries remove OGL content from existing NPCs, replacing OGLtied elements and abilities with bespoke traits for Pathfinder Second Edition. These NPCs have also received the errata and adjustments made during the Pathfinder Remaster Project to make Pathfinder more approachable for new players and veterans alike.

New faces

Pathfinder NPC Core boasts more than 200 stat blocks for non-player characters, many of which are brand new creations for this project! The characters are sorted into general categories to help GMs place relevant NPCs in the setting they are trying to fill – performers in theatres and circuses, criminals in the underbelly of the city or mystics in the secret chambers of an occult hideout. These are only a couple of examples of the friends, foes and fantastical companions you can include in your campaign with NPC Core!

Courtiers

Courtiers hold great wealth and social weight, and with

by Rue Dickey, Marketing & Media Specialist, Paizo

that nobility comes a great deal of power. One of the NPCs in this category is the courtesan – a dealer of arts, companionship and secrets. Courtesans are a powerful tool for GMs, as they drift between the different tiers of nobility as they are hired, picking up information from kings, queens, pages and everyone in between.

The stat block for the courtesan shows a focus on social skills like diplomacy, deception, and performance. While not a particularly formidable foe in combat, the power of the courtesan is felt most strongly in social circles, where a single good word can open dozens of doors – or a bad impression can keep gates barred against you.

Marial artists

Sometimes you need very skilled hand-to-hand fighters, and the martial artist category of NPCs in Pathfinder NPC Core has you covered! From apprentices to grand masters, the martial artists in this book span a variety of fighting traditions and skill levels, great as allies in a town-square defense or as enemies in a high-stakes tournament!

One of the NPCs in this category is the mixed martial artists, a multidisciplined fighter who mixed wrestling techniques with unorthodox moves and methods. Rather than being bound by one fighting style and stance, the mixed martial artist can choose a stance based on the current combat, making them a highly versatile fighter in a GM’s toolbox.

Whether you’re just getting started or have been running your campaign for years, Pathfinder NPC Core is the perfect book to flesh out your fantasy world with all sorts of characters. Use the existing stat blocks, make modifications or even build whole new NPCs of your own with the guidelines contained within!

Journey to the edge of demon-ravaged lands to learn ancient magical secrets, bleeding-edge theories on reanimating flesh, fey philosophies, and the lore of academies from across the world and beyond!

and

Landmarks from Floodgate Games is an adventure word game! One player leads the party to an island’s riches using one-word clues. Avoid hazards, keep the canteen full and find the exit!

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Egg-Cellent Thinking Putty from Crazy Aaron’s comes with a globby ball that you can play with on its own or with your putty. Crack open the fun and enjoy an “egg-cellent” fidget experience!

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Bolt Action from Warlord Games puts you in command of World War II battles – from Europe to the deserts of North Africa and the Pacific islands.

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Grand Archive TCG: Guo Jia Re:Collection - Heaven's Favored from Weebs of the Shore gets players right into the action with a top tier pre-con deck, matching Dragon Shield art sleeves and more. support@weebsoftheshore. com

With Round Table TCG from Nimue Innovation Studios, become a monarch of Britain, recruit knights, grant titles and equip them to conquer the island and claim the crown! Starter Set Boxes are now available.

Glimmering Gems

by Chase Eisenmenger, Trade Marketing Manager, Dragon Shield

Themountainside groaned and crackled, deep vibrations resonating from within the earth. The miners, armed with pickaxes and desperation, pressed on, driven by whispers of hidden gem veins buried beneath the stone. Throughout Arcania, it was common knowledge that treasures like geodes were fiercely guarded by the scaled beasts of legend. Yet, greed often spoke louder than caution, and the promise of riches dulled their sense of danger.

gemstone forged by time and the earth's deepest fires.

For hours, the rhythmic clang of tools filled the mines, until it was broken by a triumphant shout. One of the miners emerged from the darkness, holding aloft a shimmering amethyst geode, its violet hues catching the flickering torchlight. His victory was short-lived. A low growl echoed through the tunnels. Before anyone could react, the man was snatched away into the shadows, his scream swallowed by the depths.

Panic spread like wildfire. The remaining miners dropped their tools and scrambled toward the surface in a desperate bid to escape. Their breathless retreat was cut short by a deafening roar. The mountainside erupted, rock and debris cascading as a massive dragon tore its way into the open. Its body gleamed with a brilliance that outshone the sun, every scale a perfect shard of amethyst. The creature moved with terrifying speed, its shimmering form a blur as it crushed the stragglers beneath its massive claws.

When the dust finally settled, the beast stood revealed in its full splendor. Rays of sunlight danced across its scales, refracting into dazzling beams of purple light. It was no ordinary dragon – this was an ancient embodiment of amethyst itself, a living

Far off in the distance, the ancient forest bordering the mountains trembled as the dragon’s roar reverberated through the land. The sound carried with it a challenge, a call that woke something long forgotten. Deep beneath layers of roots and soil, another dragon stirred. The ground split open with a thunderous crack, and the forest erupted in chaos as towering trees toppled like blades of grass.

From the chasm emerged a second beast. Its massive wings unfolded to reveal scales that glowed with the warmth of ancient amber. It shook itself free of centuries of dirt and stone, each movement sending showers of golden light cascading. The amber dragon was a sight to behold as its body radiated an otherworldly glow as though it carried the very essence of the sun within.

With a bellow that shook the heavens, the amber dragon launched into the sky. Its mighty wings bent the forest canopy beneath the sheer force of their gusts. Its molten eyes locked onto the amethyst beast in the distance, and a rage burned like fire in its veins. This was no coincidence – the amber dragon had risen, its wrath ignited by the chaos that dared to disturb its eternal slumber.

Two ancient forces, embodiments of earth's might and fury, now hurtled toward a clash that would reshape the world. The skies shimmered with amethyst and amber as their paths converged, and all who witnessed it knew this was the beginning of a battle that legends would sing of for generations.

A Threat for Every Theme

by Sarah McGrath, Distributor & Retail Relations Lead, Flying Frog Productions

It’seasier to get into playing Shadows of Brimstone than ever before, with five different entry points, each with vibrant earth-based themes: feudal Japan, age of exploration Spanish forts, the Viking Norse lands and the original two core sets based in the Old West. Every entry point begins in a familiar setting, but you can find portals leading beyond our world, into different alien OtherWorlds! And there are additional OtherWorld expansions available for even more strange new realms and new fiends to fight.

We know players of Shadows of Brimstone have their favorite themes and worlds they enjoy exploring, and we’re dedicated to bringing more content for every one of them. Here’s an introduction to the new enemies we have coming out at the start of this year.

Players who love City of the Ancients or Gates of Valhalla will be excited to see a deadly new enemy that stalks the frozen Targa Plateau: the Trun Gladiators. These powerful aliens, originally hailing from a vast empire with gladiatorial fighting pits, have traveled to the abandoned ancient alien city on this inhospitable OtherWorld to hone their fighting prowess to a ruthless razor’s edge. These are truly fierce enemies – no matter where they’re encountered, you’ll have to be just as vicious to win against them. The Trun Gladiators Enemy Pack will be available for purchase starting January 16.

The Blasted Wastes OtherWorld expansion features a prison planet: a desert wasteland where the worst criminals of nearby

worlds are marooned with no hope of escape. It is also the home of our next release: the Warden Mk-III Gladiator. These giant robotic guards were constructed for the sole purpose of ensuring the prisoners do not escape their fate. With bladed arms, energy shields and an acidic gas attack, this enemy serves as an excellent final encounter to the end of an epic mission. Corroded versions may also be found in the Derelict Ship Otherworld, lurking in dark corners on the abandoned vessel. The Warden MkIII Gladiator XL-Sized Enemy Pack battles its way into stores starting February 20.

Back in the Old West, Santa Ana’s Lost Legions have returned, though they are now twisted and supernatural! This skeletal Lost Army roams the plains and haunts the mines around Brimstone. The Lost Army Hell Cannon Enemy Pack will allow your heroes to face off against this powerful undead artillery unit. Owners of the Lost Army Mission Pack can easily combine this enemy with the Lost Army Soldiers found within that expansion to “flesh out” the opposing forces. Longtime Brimstone fans are sure to be excited for this enemy’s muchanticipated release on March 20.

Whether you’re a fan of undead armies, mechanical terrors or ruthless alien warriors, we’ve got it covered in our first few releases of this year. All three of these enemy packs can be combined with any Shadows of Brimstone game – so no matter which worlds and themes you enjoy, there’s sure to be something for you to add to your adventures.

The Fallen

by Chase Eisenmenger, Trade Marketing Manager, Arcane Tinmen

Thebattlefield lay in ruins, a desolate expanse of scorched earth and shattered stone. From the jagged peaks of the horizon, a figure emerged, her crimson armor glinting faintly in the dim light of a dying sun. Shadows curled and writhed around her, alive with the malevolence that radiated from her being. She was one of the Fallen, an undying demon warrior bound to an eternal cycle of destruction. Her blade, etched with glowing runes, thrummed in her hand, hungering for the clash of battle. Her presence alone stilled the air, the oppressive weight of her power suffocating all life around her. Once human, she had long since traded her mortality for the boundless strength of the darkness. Every step she took left the ground scarred, the earth itself recoiling from her touch. The shadows that clung to her whispered secrets, their hissing voices weaving through the silence, eager for the carnage to come.

She paused on the edge of the ruins, her head tilting as she sensed the approach of an adversary. Her molten gaze flicked to the horizon, where the faint glow of light broke through the haze. The Demon Hunter—a figure she knew well—was coming. A soft shimmer of radiance spread across the plain, but to the Fallen, it was little more than a flicker, a fragile thing against the overwhelming tide of darkness.

As the light drew closer, the Demon Warrior’s lips curled into a faint, predatory smile. She gripped her blade, the runes along its edge igniting with a deep violet glow. The shadows surged at her sides, writhing with anticipation, eager to consume the light that dared to challenge her dominion. This was no mere skirmish—it was the continuation of an ageless struggle, and she relished every moment of it.

When the Demon Hunter finally stepped into view, the Fallen took a single, deliberate step forward. The ground cracked

beneath her as she surged into motion, her blade carving a trail of violet fire through the air. She struck with ferocity, her movements fluid and unrelenting. The shadows around her lashed out like living things, clawing at her opponent with insatiable hunger.

The battlefield became a tempest of darkness.

The Demon Warrior’s strikes were calculated and brutal, each one designed to overwhelm and devastate. Her blade moved as an extension of her will, cutting through the light with merciless precision. Around her, the shadows thickened, wrapping the world in their suffocating embrace. The faint glow of the Demon Hunter’s presence was nearly swallowed whole, her radiance barely enough to hold back the onslaught.

Yet, even as the light pushed back, the Demon Warrior’s power only grew. The runes on her blade burned brighter, and the shadows writhed more violently, feeding on the chaos of the battle. To her, the clash was not merely a fight—it was a symphony of destruction, a reminder of the price of power and the beauty of devastation. Every blow she landed, every surge of darkness that spread across the field, was a triumph of her chosen path.

The Demon Hunter fought valiantly, her blade flashing with desperate energy. But the Demon Warrior barely noticed the resistance; to her, the Hunter was an obstacle, a fleeting challenge meant to be overcome. This was her domain, her moment to dominate and claim victory over the light.

When the battle reached its peak, the ground beneath them trembled, cracks spreading like veins of fire. The sky churned, the clash of light and shadow tearing the heavens apart. And as the dust began to settle, the Demon Warrior stood amidst the ruins, her crimson armor glowing faintly in the dim light. The shadows around her stilled, their hunger momentarily sated.

The Demon Hunter had retreated into the distance, her faint glow disappearing over the horizon. The Demon Warrior turned, her blade still burning with the remnants of the conflict. The battlefield was hers, a testament to her power and the darkness she wielded. As the whispers of the shadows wrapped around her once more, she vanished into the ruins, ready to await the next challenge in her endless war.

The Fallen

BY JAPANESE ARTIST RYO KAMEI

Join the dark side as an undying demon warrior with The Fallen Matte Art Sleeves. In the constant struggle between the forces

and

there

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Featuring sublime art by Japanese artist Ryo Kamei The Fallen embraces the darkness with style. If you want a dark and feisty twist on your deck, the Fallen is the sleeve for you.

Curseborne

By Eddy Webb, In-House Developer, Onyx Path Publishing

There’s a story about a woman who died and came back again. She woke up to find police all around her. She couldn’t tell them that she wasn’t dead, because she knew by lack of breath and still heart that this wasn’t true. She waited until she was in the back of the ambulance, all zipped into her black bag, and slipped away while no one was watching.

The police wrote it off, the emergency responders made a joke missing person poster and her family grieved. Within a week, everyone forgot about her. She did not forget about them. She was a monster now – a dead thing trapped in her own body. And for the life of her, she couldn’t figure out what she had done to deserve this fate.

Curseborne, which came to Kickstarter in October 2024, is a game about being unapologetic monsters in a world where being monstrous is the least of your worries. In Curseborne,

you play as Accursed, descendants of monstrous lineages lurking in a modern world that closely resembles our own. You rebel against the ancient feuds between these entwined families, as well as against the web of curses that bind you, while fending off inhuman antagonists seeking to claim – or reclaim – your power.

The world of Curseborne is full of intrigue, magic and things that go bump in the night. It’s just like our world, except the reason that things don’t go your way or that bad things happen is that the people are literally living in a world of curses. When you trip, fall and skin your knee, it’s because you’re affected by a curse that can’t help but put you in bad situations. When you wreck your new car, it’s because the curse doesn’t care about your feelings or how good things were going for you. Everyone is affected, and curses take no prisoners.

Some people are cursed more than others, and these are our Accursed characters. They have a particularly large curse that hangs over their heads and makes them more prone to bad things happening to them and around them. The nature of this curse also makes them magical in nature. They have a sense of the thing holding them back, and they can manipulate it in ways that normal people cannot.

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 singleor 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!

CURSEBORNE is the much-anticipated return to HORROR ROLEPLAYING GAMES from ONYX PATH PUBLISHING.

CURSEBORNE is a stand-alone core rulebook detailing a shadowy urban setting of MYSTERIES and LEGENDS, ROMANCE and BETRAYAL, AND MORE.

This standalone core rulebook is the start of an exciting new game line in which players can explore a whole world of curses and the horror they cause.

Old School Dice & Accessories

Redefining the Dice Supply Experience

by Zack Schmidt, Sales and Marketing Manager, Old School Dice & Accessories

AtOld School Dice & Accessories, we aim to be the dice supplier that not only meets your expectations but exceeds them. We distinguish ourselves from the competition by delivering unparalleled customer service, a vast product selection and unbeatable value. Here's a closer look at what makes us stand out in the industry.

Customer service excellence

While many companies claim to offer great customer service, we go above and beyond to deliver it. When you partner with us, you’ll have a dedicated account representative available to assist you personally. Whether it's a phone call, text or email, we are here to respond promptly.

Unlike other businesses that may direct you to assistants or automated systems, we build a genuine relationship with you, understanding your specific needs. Should any issues arise with an order or product, we address them quickly and efficiently, ensuring a swift resolution with minimal disruption to your operations.

A comprehensive product catalog

We understand that variety and availability are key to keeping your business thriving. With more than 900 products in our catalog, we continuously add new items to stay ahead of market trends. Our commitment to innovation means that you can expect regular product releases, often monthly or even weekly, while ensuring that our bestsellers remain in stock. We actively listen to feedback from our loyal customers, which allows us to introduce products that meet their evolving needs.

A focus on B2B relationships

Unlike many of our competitors, Old School Dice & Accessories places a strong emphasis on the business-tobusiness side of the industry. While we do offer retail options, our primary focus is on wholesale partnerships. We tailor our policies, promotions and product offerings to support the growth of your business. Each product we sell is carefully packaged with SKUs, ready for display and resale, which streamlines the process for you. Our goal is to make your ordering and inventory management as seamless and efficient as possible, so you can focus on what matters most: running your business.

Simplicity and flexibility

We believe in making the entire experience easy and hasslefree. From signing up to placing an order, we’ve simplified the process to save you time and effort. With low minimums for free shipping and no rigid order size or frequency requirements, we offer flexibility to accommodate your specific needs. Whether you choose to order occasionally or make us your primary dice supplier, we are here to meet your business needs with ease.

Partner with the best

If you’re looking for a dice supplier that truly understands your business and is committed to helping you succeed, look no further. Visit oldschooldice.com, find us on Google or connect with us on Facebook. We’re confident that our service and products will exceed your expectations, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

WAGE WORLD WAR II on Your Tabletop!

by Peter Gosling, Head of Product and Marketing, Warlord Games

WarlordGames is the home of historical tabletop wargaming. Our miniatures ranges span epochs, from the humble era of bow and spear to the fury of World War II. We combine easy-to-play, fun rulesets with the finest miniatures to allow hobbyists worldwide to immerse themselves in military history.

Just recently relaunched with its third edition, Bolt Action is our flagship title, bringing exciting platoon-level World War II skirmishes to the tabletop arena. With its innovative and flexible Order Dice system, in which players randomly draw dice to determine unit activation order, battles are fastpaced and effortlessly flow. With rules and army lists for all the nations involved in World War II and an ever-growing range of miniatures available, players can build collections encompassing a vast array of infantry, artillery and vehicles.

Whilst Bolt Action is flourishing with an excellent community of wargamers worldwide, it was becoming clear that the vast array of choices available were becoming daunting to the uninitiated. How could we make it inviting for those potential new players, perhaps those unfamiliar with tabletop wargaming who are nevertheless keen historians, or those not quite so versed in military history but are veterans of the tabletop?

Our answer is the new Bolt Action Starter Set, a strippedback and affordable gateway into World War II wargaming. Supplied with everything needed to get playing, including dice,

tokens, terrain and even a cardboard German half-tracked transport (an inclusion that has been enormously popular with wargamers of a certain vintage), the set includes two small forces – U.S. Rangers and German Grenadiers – introducing players to the game via arguably the most popular theatre for World War II wargaming: post-D-Day Normandy, 1944.

Central to the box is the Bolt Action Field Manual, a bespoke book to guide new players through every step of the Bolt Action hobby, no matter their skill level. The Field Manual guides players through every aspect of World War II wargaming – from building their first models through putting paint to brush, to collecting a full force.

This is all threaded around a series of six “Introductory Missions” which strip the game back right to its core. By playing them sequentially the elements of the game are introduced mission-bymission in a logical order. Starting with moving and shooting with miniatures, players will progress to learning how to pin down their opponents in furious firefights, bring heavier weapons to bear against armored targets and more.

Once they’ve played through all six missions, new players will have a robust understanding of the basic Bolt Action rules, how to build and paint models and where they can go from there.

If you’re interested in stocking the Bolt Action Starter Set or other Warlord Games products, please get in touch by emailing newbusiness@warlordgames.com or call +44 (0) 115 978 4202.

WAGE WORLD WAR II ON YOUR TABLE TOP!

From the war-torn cities of Europe, through to the deserts of North Africa or the islands of the Pacific, Bolt Action puts you in command of the most famous battles of the Second World War. Assemble your miniatures, gather your dice and be ready to lead your army to victory in games of Bolt Action!

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The Bolt Action Starter Set has everything you need to jump into Bolt Action, the ultimate World War II wargame, and start your journey into the thrilling world of tabletop wargaming. Inside, you’ll discover finely detailed plastic miniatures—tough German Grenadiers and fearless US Rangers. You’ll also find a battle mat and plastic terrain to set the stage for your conflicts. With a set of simple, easy-to-follow rules, you’ll quickly be in the thick of the action, learning the fundamentals of leading your troops into their first skirmishes.

Gather your forces, assemble your platoon, and let the dice roll!

Contents: 64 page full colour handbook, 24 Plastic Miniatures (12x German Grenadiers, 12x US Rangers), 1 Cardboard German Half-track, 1 Plastic Ruined Farmhouse Terrain Piece, Double-sided Playmat, Cardboard Gaming Tokens, 6 Bolt Action Order Dice, 8 Dice and a Dice Bag.

Bolt Action Starter Set

Daniel Kerry: Chief Barbarian Sword and

CON01...$60

CON12...$60

Ready Your Blade for the City of Five Sails

by David Lapp

7th Sea: City of Five Sails (7S5S) is Pine Box Entertainment’s (PBE) expandable card game set in the swashbuckling world of Chaosium’s 7th Sea roleplaying game. We at PBE have always loved the interplay between political skullduggery and epic swordfights of the 7th Sea roleplaying game. Therefore, we were delighted to obtain a license for developing a card game based upon this beloved RPG. Thus began the long (spanning both sides of the intervening pandemic) journey to create what ultimately became a late renaissance game of political machinations and deadly duels.

7th Sea’s world of Théah is vast, so we first had to make the decision of which part(s) of the world to incorporate for our card game’s overall setting. As it turned out, the Welcome to Five Sails miniadventure provided an introduction to the RPG game and an accessible framework for creating our card game.

7S5S centers around five factions – Castille, Eisen, Montaigne, Ussura, Voddace – seeking renown as they branch out from their home districts and attempt

to control key city locations. We selected three locations for our players to contest: the docks, forums and grand bazaar. With three or four players, Ole’s Inn and the governor’s gardens respectively are placed as additional locations. Similar to another PBE game, Doomtown, character cards start play at a home location. From there, they can move to other locations and vie for their control. If, at the end of a day

turn, a player’s faction controls all three locations, then they have achieved one of the three victory conditions that win the game. This victory condition arises organically from the game play elements of movement and control.

The neutral City Deck contains exactly 30 cards comprised of characters, attachments or events. These cards also help tell the story of Five Sails. Through

tourney results and player votes, the contents of the city deck change over time, creating an evolving storyline that promotes player engagement. At the beginning of each turn, each location gets one card drawn from the city deck. Events influence game play during the turn at that location. At the same time, players can purchase the revealed attachments and/or pay a cost to recruit an available mercenary at that location. In addition, characters may use their Influence and parley to reduce a mercenary’s cost.

Each player also has a faction deck and an approach deck. The former contains risk (actions) and attachments (items and spells a character can equip) cards. The latter contains characters and schemes. During the planning phase, each player selects any one character and scheme to bring into play. Unlike mercenaries drawn from the city deck, characters drawn from the approach deck enter play without cost at the player’s home. Between the city and approach decks, a player has access to up to four characters each turn, of which only the one from the latter deck is guaranteed. This helps keep the number of characters in play at a manageable level. Also, both players desiring to recruit available mercenaries incentivizes movement to city locations and in turn promotes player interaction and conflicts.

Each scheme has an initiative number and players resolve their schemes clockwise, starting with the player having the highest initiative (first player). Schemes and events have another important feature: they direct players to place or manipulate renown tokens. Some leaders and characters can also manipulate renown. Thus, each player plays schemes and characters in a way that initiates or continues a plan to acquire renown each turn, all the way to the seven renown that satisfy the second of three possible victory conditions.

So, the locations are there for control, and renown is there for the taking, but it takes leaders and their loyal retainers or hired mercenaries to claim either of those prizes. For each faction, we started with the leader as given in the RPG module(s). In turn, each leader’s traits, abilities and stats codified

how that faction’s preferred play style can lead to controlling Five Sails. For example, Yevgeni the Boar and the Ussurans rely on strength and brute force, while the elusive Soline el Gato uses cunning gambles and stealthy movements to trick or evade opponents. While leaders have powerful abilities, they also invite attack since eliminating an opposing leader results in the third type of victory: assassination.

Wherever possible, we used characters from the RPG to round out each faction. Beneath the character name, each card also contained a descriptive flavor text. Below the character’s artwork follows a set of keywords that can interact with other cards to trigger in-game abilities.

Through back-and-forth card play, 7S5S’s combat system elegantly simulates a duel, whether it involves swords, firearms or even magical spells. A character may challenge another character at that location. If accepted, then a duel commences. The challenging character, or performer, generates threat equal to their combat stat. The opposing character can either accept all incoming threat (thereby ending the duel) or play a combat card; this card can either be played for its ability or used in combat. If the latter, the card has values for riposte, parry and thrust. Riposte sends that much threat back to the active performing player. Parry removes that amount of threat. Finally, thrust sends that amount of threat back to the active performer who now has to deal with incoming threat. So, the alternating plays elegantly simulate the heroic sword fights and duels of vintage tales and cinema.

The beauty of the 7S5S expandable card game is that the game is much more than the sum of its parts. With their evocative names and traits, compelling artworks and tantalizing flavor texts, the cards intrigue players and pique their curiosity. They want to know more about these characters and the mysterious city they inhabit. As players recruit characters and equip items and spells to venture forth into Five Sails, they immerse themselves into a rich and complex world created through gameplay.

Fight for Justice in Until Proven Guilty

by Bryce Whitacre, Marketing, DV Games

Doyou have what it takes to defend your client in the trial of the century? Until Proven Guilty puts you in the hot seat as a rookie defense attorney navigating the high-stakes world of criminal law. Combining strategy, deduction and storytelling, this game challenges your skills as you fight to prove your client’s innocence in the courtroom.

In Until Proven Guilty, you’ll face complex cases where every choice matters. The game’s innovative mechanics immerse you in the drama of the trial, putting the power of persuasion in your hands. Can you build a convincing case with the other players working cooperatively, counter the prosecution’s arguments and win over the jury? The fate of your client – and your reputation as a lawyer – hangs in the balance.

How the game works

At the start of the game, you’ll draw trial cards that represent arguments presented by the prosecution. Each card poses a unique challenge, requiring you to counter it with evidence from your hand. Every piece of evidence has its strengths, but it’s up to you to decide which is most effective for the scenario at hand.

Once you’ve selected your evidence, enter its number into the game’s web app. The app delivers immediate feedback on your choice, revealing whether it sways the jury in your favor. A correct selection earns you the support of jurors and progresses the trial. However, a poor choice may turn jurors against you, forcing you to regroup and reassess your strategy.

The web app doesn’t just provide results – it offers tailored responses based

on your decisions, making each game feel personal and unique. As the trial unfolds, you’ll face increasing pressure to make the right calls and outmaneuver the prosecution’s relentless arguments.

What makes Until Proven Guilty special

The game’s focus on defense offers a refreshing twist, putting players in the shoes of a lawyer fighting to protect the innocent. Each trial is a story in itself, filled with twists, challenges and high-stakes decisions that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Whether you’re an avid board gamer or a fan of legal dramas, Until Proven Guilty delivers a compelling experience that combines strategy with narrative depth. The need to think critically, analyze evidence and anticipate outcomes makes every turn engaging, while the web app adds a modern touch that enhances game play.

Gather your friends and family for an evening of courtroom drama! Until Proven Guilty is ideal for game nights, sparking lively debates as players discuss evidence and strategize together. Its easy-to-learn mechanics and immersive storytelling make it accessible to newcomers, while its depth ensures seasoned players will stay hooked.

The verdict is yours

Will you rise to the challenge and prove your client’s innocence? Or will the prosecution’s case overwhelm you? In Until Proven Guilty, every decision matters, and the jury is watching.

Get ready to fight for justice in this unforgettable courtroom adventure. Until Proven Guilty – where the truth is your weapon, and the verdict is up to you.

THE LABYRINTH

Alpine Trails

to design a path building tile placement game, it was only natural for us to turn to the mountains for inspiration. Our family and friends absolutely love tile placement games, and, personally, I am a big fan of games that are puzzling and seemingly open-ended. Alpine Trails ended up being a perfect blend of strategy and puzzle, complete with beautiful components.

During the design process, the path-building portion of the game came quickly. Players draw two tiles at a time from the bag and play on their own trail map simultaneously. This way the game moves quickly, yet each player can spend a little time considering all their options. Each tile is double-sided, meaning there are multiple possibilities to consider on every turn. We wanted to ensure that there were very few constraints imposed

by Jake Jenne, Game Designer, Last Night Games

strategies every time it hits the table.

One of the unique aspects in Alpine Trails is the role of the adorable animal tokens which add extra points to your map. Each animal corresponds to a specific terrain type found in the Rocky Mountains and can only be placed on your map if you have an available, matching, terrain-side-up tile. However, you will only receive an animal token based on what your opponents choose to do. This way we introduce quite a bit of variety to the game while maintaining an equitable scoring that is based on choice more than chance. So, on top of all your own plans, you’ll need to make room for possible incoming animals so you can capitalize on the points they award at the end of the game.

It’s up to you whether Alpine Trails is a cozy, casual game as a nightcap, or a complex puzzle to be competitively solved. Either way, I truly hope you enjoy playing it as much as we do.

Happy gaming!

Build campsites, place waterfalls, create habitats

Alpine Trails is a cozy & puzzling tile placement game for 1-5 players. Build your own trail map through the mountains by drawing and playing double-sided tiles. Build campsites, create loops, add to a longest path, and group terrain types together in order to design the highest scoring map.

Includes 132 trail tiles and 20 adorable animal tokens 1-5

Draw tiles each round and choose which side to play

Logic & Lore

Aligning Constellations One Star at a Time

by Harley Holler, Social Media Manager, Weird Giraffe Games

Movethe heavens and search the skies in a new cooperative two-player deduction game: Logic & Lore by Weird Giraffe Games. Rivals race to be the first to align their hidden stars, numbered one to nine. Work quickly and pay attention, as your rival knows how close you are to completion, and they may risk it all to claim victory.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – in two-player logic games, it’s easy for one competitive player to dominate game. However, this is where Logic & Lore sets itself apart by introducing a new way to play.

Players can choose to customize their difficulty by choosing different difficulty levels. But, wait, would that not be unfair? Would this not leave players who choose a more relaxed mode to lord over the ones who choose to play hard mode? Would this not cause the player who wanted something more challenging to fall to their knees in despair? Have no fear! Even though you may choose different difficulty levels, the game remains an even playing field to ensure fairness. There will be no hair pulling or compromise here, gentle readers. Logic & Lore was lovingly crafted especially for two players to have an enjoyable experience.

There are many things I can say about Logic & Lore, but I think it’s important to relay the experiences of people who have played this game. They can tell you firsthand how they feel about the mechanics, theme and entertainment level of the game:

“Logic & Lore is a great deduction game,” said Grant Lyon.

“It is interesting and requires logic but won’t make you feel bad.”

“Logic & Lore is a fun race of deduction,” said Amanda Panda. “With multiple ways to play, it will always tickle your brain.”

“Working with just a few questions, this game makes your brain puzzle things out so satisfyingly,” said Merry Married Meeples. “It’s hard to just play once!”

Now, back to our regularly scheduled program. Along with spicing up gameplay, there was also a lot of effort put into producing adorable meeples. Our team did not want typical cardboard or vague wooden shapes. We wanted the meeples to have pizzaz right out the gate, so the detailed fierce dragons and the adorable mice meeples will be available in the base game. I mean, just look at their little faces!

We love it when our players have fun. It is very important to us that we create a safe space where everyone feels included and can be themselves in our community. Weird Giraffe Games values amplifying marginalized groups that go unheard in the board game industry. We don’t want to just sell games – we want to make a difference. We want to make the world a little better through action. Our team is made up of diverse creators welcoming everyone to play engaging table top games focused on player choices and layered with strategy. We make games that may look different and just a little bit weird, but that's okay, as we're all a little bit weird sometimes.

by Jess Carrier, Media and Retail, Thunderworks Games

Moveover, dogs playing poker – make way for goblins playing dice!

Releasing this spring, Thunderworks Games’ newest small-box creation drops players into a fastpaced, competitive arena of push-your-luck dice strategy and real-time gambling. Evoking the feeling of classic casino games with the addition of strategic layers, Emerald Skulls offers a raucous experience of quick wits, fast hands and jackpot wins. The twist? There’s virtually no downtime, and it’s always your turn to play.

You’ll need more than just loads of dice to conquer this skull. Be clever and watchful of your opponents' bets as you place, remove and manipulate your dice. If you’re not careful, Gamblers could earn even more gears from your dice placement than you! Will you chicken out, bust or reap the rewards?

With his inaugural release, designer Steven Dast crafts a game that falls into the elusive “unicorn” category: games that delight strategic, casual, party and classic game fans alike. Playing one to six right out of the box (or more with the seven- to eightplayer expansion available exclusively through Thunderworks Games), the whole gang can gather around the table for a quick yet satisfying game that scales in complexity with non-stop entertainment.

Party game fans love the quick pace, simultaneous action and inevitable table-talk. Strategy gamers appreciate the thoughtful mechanics of dice placement, and fans of classic games like casino craps and Yahtzee find familiar touchstones to build from and revel in. Until the pot of gears runs out, you’ll bet, counter-bet, cheer, jeer, cajole and roll your way toward victory.

Each round, one person plays as the Tumbler and the rest as Gamblers who bet on the Tumbler’s outcome. On your turns as Tumbler, you’ll push your luck as you repeatedly roll and place dice on tiers of the skull board in ladder-climbing fashion to earn gears. Be careful not to bust, or you’ll earn no gears at all! Gears serve as both victory points and currency, so be mindful that you’ll want to spend some of your hard-earned gears on extra dice.

While the Tumbler pushes their luck, the Gamblers place bets on the final result. When the Tumbler’s dice are in hand preparing to roll, Gamblers can place betting markers on possible results. As a Gambler, you’ll want to pay close attention to the Tumbler’s dice and act swiftly to place your two markers wisely. The first player to bet on a winning outcome will earn the highest payout! Should you risk an early bet for a higher potential reward or play it safe and wait to see how the first dice fall?

Betting options are represented on cards placed around the skull board. Dozens of betting options are included, ensuring hundreds of mix-and-match variations for customized complexity and endless replayability. Bet on big risky jackpots, small safe bets, busts or even place kicker bets and counter-bets against your fellow gamblers for added savor to the delicious taste of victory.

The upshot of this ceaseless action is that from round to round you’ll find yourself encouraging an opponent to push for results you both want, rooting for them to bust, or duplicitously convincing them to take certain actions for your own gain. With shifting loyalties (aka no loyalties whatsoever) the table will explode with cheers for big jackpots and lucky rolls, then celebrate and boo for misfortunes in turn.

Emerald Skulls is available to order now through all major distributors and direct from Thunderworks Games at thunderworksgames.com.

Push Your Luck

Will you chicken out, bust, or reap the rewards?

Bet & Gamble

Think fast & wager on your opponents’ dice.

Low Downtime

Rolling or betting, it’s always your turn to play!

Join the Playtest League to help games not suck and get rewards! As you level up, you get free pins, games, t-shirts and convention badges.

Defend your client in Until Proven Guilty from DV Games! Step into the shoes of a rookie lawyer, analyze evidence, counter trial arguments and sway the jury in this cooperative game.

dvgiochi.com/ catalogo/until-provenguilty/?linea=2

Why just roll dice when you could spin them? With Tin Spin from Surprisingly Fun Games, two to six players compete for golden cubes by

Mindbug: Battlefruit Galaxy and Battlefruit Kingdom from Ghost Galaxy are two new standalone expansions in the Mindbug universe. Pressure your opponent and protect your creatures to reap the rewards of your careful planning.

sales@ghostgalaxy.com

Join the dark side as an undying demon warrior with The Fallen Matte Art Sleeves from Arcane Tinmen. Featuring sublime art by Ryo Kamei, The Fallen embraces the darkness with style. Available at GTS Distribution.

This is add-on content. A Battle Box and/or Master Set is required for gameplay.

Ages 14+

Knight Primus Adelbern and Ordo Borealis Army Expansion RGS02760 - $45 MSRP

Sonlen and Halushia, Scion of the Wild Army Expansion RGS02763 - $45 MSRP

Heroscape: The Swamps of Valhalla Terrain Expansion RGS02758 - $60 MSRP

The Snow Fields of Valhalla Terrain Expansion RGS02759 - $60 MSRP

Hellforge Mandukor Army Expansion RGS02765 - $25 MSRP

ABuilders of Sylvan Dale and Balconia

Two New Family Games Rise from the Tabletop

by Andrea Fanhoni, PR & Communication, Ares Games

res Games kicks off the year with two exciting new family games hitting stores: the tile placement game Builders of Sylvan Dale and the spatial puzzle Balconia. Both games leap from the tabletop, bringing their action to life in three dimensions.

In Builders of Sylvan Dale, trees of varying heights rise from the board, with colorful dwellings and bridges resting between the branches. In Balconia, players build an apartment complex, block by block, trying to fulfill the preferences of quirky residents – some love flowers, others adore cats, while some just want peace.

Builders of Sylvan Dale offers a unique and immersive gameplay experience for two to four players. Its threedimensional design and beautiful, eye-catching components, combined with engaging card mechanics, can appeal to both casual players and expert gamers. The game is a challenging strategy contest that offers interesting decisions and plenty of intense player interaction.

After a series of great disasters, the woodland realm of Sylvan Dale stood in ruins. The clans bewailed the devastation of their home, and the elders met in solemn council. Their gaze fell upon the branches of the great trees that towered above them, so they decided to build their dwellings high among the branches, far removed from the trials that plague the ground below. They have called the best architects to design a new woodland realm – a haven perched in the high embrace of the great trees.

Players guide the builders as they construct dwellings and bridges. As they build ever higher, their glory and fame will

also grow. They play cards and place new dwellings on top of the ever-taller trees in the forest, collecting sets of cards to gain special actions, such as building bridges or magically growing treetops.

The game is played in two rounds. In each round, players place half of their tiles on the trees, trying to outsmart the other architects. At the end of each round, players determine who has prestige over each tree and dominance in each district and calculate the fame points. The player with the highest total of fame points at the end of the second scoring phase wins.

E asy to learn and perfect for quick head-to-head play, Balconia is a light, two-player tactical game appealing to both casual gamers and puzzle lovers. Instead of a game board, it’s played in a 5х5 grid. Sitting on opposite sides of the table, each player adds building blocks to the grid, balancing strategy and luck to meet balcony-scoring conditions on its side of the grid.

E ach turn, one player selects a building block, while the other decides where to place it in the grid. The first player starts by revealing a building block and choosing which two adjacent sides will be available for scoring. The other player then picks one of those sides and places the block, ensuring it’s adjacent to previously placed blocks. Players take turns choosing and placing blocks, working to strategically align scoring elements on their side of the building while restricting their opponent's options. The game ends when 15 blocks are placed. Players tally points for each block on their side of the building, and the player with the highest score wins.

Both Balconia and Builders of Sylvan Dale are now available from all major hobby game distributors.

Reflecting on  Round Table TCG  on Our First Anniversary

by Bill DeVoe, Lead Game Designer, Nimue Innovation Studios

Aswe approach our first anniversary in March, we’re filled with gratitude and excitement reflecting on the incredible journey of creating and self-publishing Round Table TCG. What began as a simple idea inspired by King Arthur and his legends has blossomed into a reality, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of an amazing team and a community of dedicated players. Developing this game was truly a collaborative effort – a labor of love that involved countless hours of creativity, playtesting and refinement. The game that exists today is far more polished, dynamic and engaging than the original concept from a decade ago, and I owe that evolution to the team who believed in this vision and made it their own. Their input not only shaped the game but also pushed me to grow as a designer.

A special thank you goes to the talented artists who brought our cards to life. Their stunning visuals and unique interpretations of Arthurian mythology transformed the game into an immersive experience, connecting players to the lore in vivid and meaningful ways. Their creativity and dedication are at the heart of what makes Round Table TCG so special.

Self-publishing has proven to be as challenging as it is

rewarding. From production to marketing to community building, we’ve learned so much along the way. But the support of players, fans and local game stores has made every hurdle worthwhile. Whether through a conversation on Discord, meeting players at conventions or seeing the game on store shelves, your encouragement has been our greatest motivator. Hearing how much people enjoy the game is both humbling and inspiring. It’s a reminder of why we started this journey.

Looking ahead, we have exciting plans for the future. We’re putting the finishing touches on our solo and cooperative play modes and diving deep into mythology for our upcoming Fae Expansion. This expansion will explore the enchanting and eerie realms of Caelia, the faerie queen, delving into the dark mysteries of the faerie world. Beyond Round Table TCG, our team is exploring new game ideas to expand the offerings of Nimue Innovation Studios.

Thank you for being part of this incredible first year. The journey has only just begun, and we can’t wait to see where the next year takes us. We hope you’ll join us as we continue to build this world and community together!

Build Social Emotional Learning Skills with Venture Society

by Heather O’Neill, Lead Designer and Owner, 9th Level Games

Overthe years, I’ve spoken with several parents and therapists about the lack of roleplaying games for a young audience, namely 5 to 12 years old. Two of these therapists were Dr. Brian Quinones and Timothy Grant, owners of Gaming Approaches to Therapy & Education, who use tabletop games in their play therapy practice. We talked about how they modify existing games to fit their needs, including 9th Level’s Meeple Party and Kobolds Ate My Baby.

Soon our discussions switched to the desire to make something for their needs that is still a fun game that children are excited about. Flash forward to summer 2020 where I had been using the early pandemic to catch up on game designs and thought this would be the perfect time to collaborate on our kids roleplaying game that could also serve as a tool for therapists. I reached out to Brian and Tim, and they were in! Later in the design process we also brought in Erin Bonfoey, a fourth grade teacher and creative writing expert to focus on how to use Venture Society in the classroom.

The foundation of Venture Society is a fun and easy to learn roleplaying game that just so happens to build social emotional learning (SEL) skills.

For those new to running TTRPGs, there is a glossary of terms, tips throughout the guidebook and adventures, as well as 25 pre-written adventures by some well-known TTRPG writers like Sen-Foong Lim, Misha Bushyager and Jason Morningstar. Our first goal was to help parents have fun as a family without onerous and confusing rules, check!

On top of that we created a professional’s guide which is geared towards teachers, therapists and librarians as well as included comments and tips throughout the guidebook aimed at those professionals. Now our second goal, to use this game as a therapeutic tool, was complete. As a bonus, we now had resources for teachers and librarians, too!

About Venture Society

The Venture Society is a worldwide organization dedicated to helping others and encouraging harmony with your fellow animals, and you're invited to join. Go on fun adventures to help others in Animalia, from your hometown of Venture Village to the heat of Oasis City or the chilly winds of Twilight Peaks.

Venture Society is a rules-light TTRPG with adventures focused on problem solving, not combat. Players are rewarded for following the four principles of the Venture Society: communication, personal strengths, emotional wellness and social awareness.

• Get started out of the box using our Quick Start play setup in just minutes.

• 30-minute adventures with a hands-on activity to bring focus back to the table.

• The box includes everything you need to start roleplaying now!

• Includes Professional's Guidebook outlining how to use it as a tool.

• Utilizes social emotional learning as the economy of the game.

• More than 25 pre-written adventures written by RPG, therapy and education experts.

Made from real leather, the Ultimate Bags of Many Pouches from Old School Dice & Accessories have seven interior pouches, a capacity of more than 70 dice and a unique look. MSRP 49.99

oldschoolgaming.net

Uncle Iroh’s Adventure Guide Magpie Games expands the play material found in Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game with special GM tools, new NPC Legends, new character archetypes and a brand-new setting —Jasmine Island! magpiegames.com/pages/uiag val@magpiegames.com

Gen One Starter Deck Display from Japanime Games highlights Oshi Push, a vibrant high-stakes trading card game that brings the excitement of VTubing (virtual content creators who use digital avatars) into your hands. MSRP $17.99 per deck oshipush.com

Rebirth from Mighty Boards is a tile-laying game from Reiner Knizia. The game revitalizes this classic genre by combining Knizia’s elegant mechanics with Mighty Boards’ evocative world building. sales@mightyboards.com

The Fablemaker's Animated Tarot Deck from Hit Point Press uses animation to bring a new energy to tarot! Contains all Major and Minor Arcana (78 cards) along with a guide booklet.

hitpointpress.com/wholesale

More New Products on pages 8, 10, 22, 24, 50, 78, 90

MILLIONS OF COPIES SOLD OR WHICH DO YOU CHOOSE?

OVER 200 MILLION VIEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

PUZZLE-Y POLYOMINO PLACEMENT

by Ian Birdsall, Marketing Manager, Floodgate Games

We – like many of you – love polyominos! The puzzle of fitting them together in the optimal way is always satisfying. Now add to that some light engine building, pick up and deliver and an absolutely adorable theme! But does all that make a winning combo?

In Hedge Mage, you’ll build a hedge maze of polyominos to prevent your rival from stealing your gnomes, all while navigating your other neighbor’s maze! Designed by Connor Wake and illustrated by Josh Nelson, Hedge Mage features simultaneous gameplay for two to four players, allowing every player count to craft their maze in under an hour!

You’re a member of a neighborhood of modestly-powerful gardening wizards. In this community you gain clout by having the most impressive collection of garden gnomes to decorate the hedges. But sometimes, in your desperation to be the most acclaimed in the community, you must teleport into a neighbor’s garden in order to add their gnomes to your collection. The trouble is, your other neighbor is trying to steal gnomes from you; it’s a wizard versus wizard prank war, and no gnome is safe!

Hedge Mage is played over 10 rounds. The first part of each round is maze building where everyone will place the same shaped polyomino hedge piece in their garden. By

cleverly placing these hedges, each player will balance the best defensive placement (by blocking their neighbors’ movement in your garden), with the option to gain more movement points by aligning the hedges’ runic sigils! Chain previously placed hedges into larger movement point bonuses to use in the next phase, or focus on keeping your own gnomes safe!

While maze building is where the puzzle starts, maze running is where the action is! Using the movement points you gained in the maze building phase, you’ll move both of your mages on your rival’s garden board to steal their gnomes! But before you nab those gnomes and nestle them in their new homes, they’ll need to be enchanted. Using one of the unique ways to wake up each type of gnome (mushroom, flower and pumpkin).

Once enchanted, your movement points can be used to also maneuver a gnome to escape and join your collection.

Swipe as many of your neighbor’s gnomes as possible while keeping yours in your garden to become the most acclaimed wizard at the table! Hedge Mage is a puzzle-y combination of polyomino placement and tactical movement – easy to learn but complex enough to keep your attention play after play!

Floodgate Games is proud to bring Hedge Mage to a table near you spring 2025! To learn more about any of our titles, visit us at floodgate.games.

...I can’t wait to play it again!

...I loved Hedge Mage!

The simultaneous play makes this a win for me!

COMING

SPRING 2025

Build a hedge maze of polyominos to prevent your rival from stealing your gnomes, all while navigating your other neighbor’s maze!

LEARN MORE AT: FLOODGATE.GAMES/HEDGEMAGE

MARK STREED THE DICE TOWER

DANIELLE STANDRING

SARA MEADOWS TANTRUM HOUSE

Silverfrost from Tabletop Tycoon is the next entry in the Edge of the Map series, expanding the beloved world of Everdell. Players must brave harsh weather to build a city in the Silverfrost mountains.

tabletoptycoon.com sales@tabletoptycoon.com

In Moon Bunny from PSI, guide your bunny alchemist assistants through the lunar landscape to gather rare Asian herbs and craft the ultimate elixir of life. retailerinquiries@pubservinc.com

The Curseborne: Ashcan Edition RPG from Onyx Path details a shadowy urban setting of mysteries and legends, romance and betrayal. Welcome to the world of Curseborne. drivethrurpg.com/ en/product/484466/ curseborne-ashcanedition

Unmatched: The Witcher: Steel & Silver and Unmatched: The Witcher: Realms Fall from Restoration Games features two sets, seven heroes, four battlefields and new gameplay. Mix and match with other sets for the ultimate battle!

retailers@restorationgames.com

This year, Origins Game Fair marks its 50th anniversary, a milestone that celebrates five decades of gaming, community, and unforgettable memories. Since its first event in 1975, Origins has grown into the premier destination for tabletop enthusiasts, bringing together gamers, creators, and fans to share their passion for play. This isn’t just a celebration of our past—it’s a launchpad for the future of gaming.

For this golden anniversary, we’re pulling out all the stops! From special events honoring the history of Origins to immersive game experiences, and surprises that you won’t want to miss, this year’s Origins Game Fair promises to be the biggest and best yet. Whether you’re rolling dice in thrilling RPGs, stepping into epic LARP adventures, competing in intense tournaments, or simply exploring the latest games and miniatures, there’s something for every fan to enjoy.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this landmark celebration. Get your tickets now at originsgamefair.com and join us June 18th to 22nd to honor 50 years of gaming while shaping the next chapter in Origins history. This is the year to experience the magic, make lifelong memories, and celebrate the community that makes Origins Game Fair truly extraordinary. We’ll see you there!

June 18-22, 2025

FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Info Reporting Rule on Hold

On December 26, 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reinstated the nationwide injunction halting further implementation and enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA).

This court decision has put on hold the deadline for small businesses to file a report with the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) on their beneficial ownership information (BOI). BOI reports are a requirement under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), a 2021 federal law that is intended to enhance transparency in entity structures and ownership to combat money laundering, tax fraud, and other illicit activities. Previously, reports were required to be filed with FinCEN by January 13, 2025. However, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals put this filing deadline on hold.

With this hold, companies are not currently required to file beneficial ownership information with FinCEN and are not

subject to liability if they fail to do so while the order remains in force at this time.

The next step is for the court to hear arguments on March 25, 2025, when it will decide on whether to keep the injunction in place (i.e., the delay in implementing the BOI rule) while the broader case is heard by the full court. Accordingly, the delay in companies having to file BOI reports with FinCEN is expected to stay in place through the end of March 2025. The only thing that could speed up this timeline is if the federal government appeals the Fifth Circuit's injunction to the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) and the SCOTUS intervenes in favor of reinstating implementation of the rulemaking.

For additional information regarding the state of the law and current litigation, please visit www.fincen.gov/boi. This is the official government site with information regarding the BOI Rule.

Volunteer Opportunities

One of the best ways to be engaged with the association and our industry is to volunteer for a committee or workgroup. GAMA is currently looking for members to serve on the following committees:

• Academy, Origins Awards and Hall of Fame Review and Restructure Committee – Charged with exploring ways to increase the relevancy and representation of the Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts & Design including the Origins Awards nominations, review and award ceremony and the Hall of Fame.

• Advocacy Committee – Helps direct association government relations, advocacy and lobbying efforts to support the hobby games industry. Potential issues the committee is tasked with include tariffs, customs/exportation, product labeling laws, intellectual property rights, counterfeit product sales, etc.

• Market Expansion Committee – Researches the most effective and efficient marketing and outreach methods to (A) promote the play of tabletop games and (B) increase the number of people who regularly play games.

• Diversity Committee – Investigates how best to reach out to underrepresented communities within the game industry and to create pathways of success within the organization.

• Education Advisory Committee – Work with GAMA staff to identify educational topics and opportunities to create a robust training program to assistretail stores, distributors, manufacturers and designers in effectively operating in the hobby games industry.

For more information on these committees or to volunteer, please email john.stacy@gama.org

New White Paper on Wage and Hour Laws for

Tradeshow and Convention Staffing

GAMA's newest white paper provides a comprehensive guide on applying the Fair Labor Standards Act and state labor laws to staff booths at trade shows and conventions. Highlighting critical compliance considerations for employers and event organizers in the tabletop gaming industry, the goal of the paper is to ensure fair treatment and proper compensation for workers. GAMA members can access the white paper in their member portal.

Don't miss out on Marketing & Sponsorship Opportunities at Origins.

There are a variety of marketing opportunities to help you reach your customers during Origins Game Fair, including an ad in the site book, a coupon book page, purchasing signs/ advertising throughout the convention center, event area/ program sponsorships, email and social media blasts to the Origins mailing list, and more.

Exhibitors

Log into your Map Your Show account, and follow the link in the Marketing & Sponsorship Items tile. By clicking this tile, you will be taken to the items available for purchase.

Non-Exhibitors

Please email the Exhibitor Services team at exhibitors@gama.org for more information.

Deadline for purchasing all Sponsorship & Marketing Assets

April 11, 2025

Marketing Assets/Deliverables Deadline

May 2, 2025

Your GAMA Membership benefits

ADVOCACY

GAMA actively advocates for the tabletop game industry, ensuring your voice is heard on key issues helping shape policies that support positive change on both national and local levels.

EVENTS

GAMA members receive two complimentary full-show tickets to GAMA EXPO, the tabletop industry’s premier trade show, and Origins Game Fair, one of the largest consumer events in the industry with over 6,000 gaming events.

KNOWLEDGE

With access to a wide array of educational resources, including webinars and seminars from industry leaders, GAMA ensures you’re always up-to-date on the latest industry trends.

NETWORKING

GAMA’s global network connects you with a vibrant community of professionals, where you can exchange ideas, share best practices, connect with members, and build valuable connections.

Common Flaws of Crowdfunding Pages

by Andrew Lowen, CEO, Crowdfunding Nerds

Haveyou ever seen a crowdfunding project for a promising game that seems to smash records with their advertising but stall on launch day?

There are a few possibilities for this, but oftentimes the explanation is that vital components of their Kickstarter/ Gamefound story were missing or optimized poorly. It is so common that creators miss something important on their page that since last year, we made it a mandatory component of our company’s services to review our clients’ crowdfunding pages before they launch.

B elow are the two most common errors we spot from doing these reviews that, if ignored, could Leeeeeeeroy Jenkinsssss your launch day.

Problem 1: Unclear project title and subtitle

Your project’s title should be clear and short. It needs to simply answer the question, “What is it?” without getting too fancy.

Your project’s subtitle needs to build intrigue in your product, but don’t forget the basics! The type of game (TTRPG, TCG, wargame, co-op, competitive, board game, etc.) along with player count and game length are each essential elements of clear project subtitles.

High-performing headlines in your ads can also inform your subtitle. If you’re able to boil down your game’s “hook” into just a few clear words, your audience will respond with clicks! We recommend our clients include a headline within the text of their subtitle that generated a high click-through rate in Facebook Ads.

You can use a website such as tabletopanalytics.com to review the topgrossing or popular projects similar to yours!

Problem 2: Failing the “three scroll” test

In case you didn’t know, we have recorded well over 200 episodes of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast. One of the most important episodes we recorded features Kickstarter Superbacker and Man Vs Meeple contributor, Jeremy Howard (crowdfundingnerds.com/episode10).

In this episode, Jeremy outlines his “three scroll” test. Essentially, if he is not gripped in the first three scrolls on his mobile phone, he is out and moves on to the next project.

If you focus on making your page visually appealing without first knowing what messages you want your audience to absorb about your project, you will lose the attention of potential backers scrolling your page. Give the following information on your page as clearly and early as possible using text with supporting imagery:

• What your game is – boldly – in as few words as necessary (six words is ideal).

• What is the theme?

• What makes it stand out?

• What is the playtime/player count?

A great way to find inspiration for your Kickstarter page layout is to review and study the campaigns you backed yourself, or successful projects similar to yours. When reviewing projects like this, ask yourself, “Why did I back this game? What on the page gets me excited? How would I improve this page?”

Want to level up your marketing?

If you have a project launching this year, consider joining our Crowdfunding Nerds Academy to level up your skills with our hyperspecialized crowdfunding courses. We have three courses on design, running Facebook Ads, and email marketing that are each based on our firsthand experience running the marketing for more than 200 tabletop crowdfunding campaigns.  Check out crowdfundingnerds.com/academy to unlock your next campaign’s full potential!

Aiming for a Modern Classic How Last Shot Went From Concept to Completion

by Katie Duffy, Marketing Manager, Steve Jackson Games

Whatmakes a game fun? This question is something every game designer must face. The best games feature a delicate balance of theming, mechanics, timing and luck – each working in concert to create an exciting experience for players. It was this curious alchemy that prompted designer Ryan Whisenhunt to start experimenting with a new card game that combined unique mechanics with themes of intrigue and spycraft. The result was Last Shot, the latest release from Steve Jackson Games.

A fruitful experiment

“Making the gameplay deep but understandable and approachable was a core design goal for this project,” Whisenhunt said. “My regular game night group runs the gamut from casual to serious strategy, and I wanted to make a game that they could all enjoy playing together.” With that goal in mind, Whisenhunt began experimenting at home, using homemade components as he sought to create a game focused on “cards that manipulate other cards.”

With his prototype solidified, Whisenhunt headed to DragonCon to present Last Shot at a game design workshop hosted by Steve Jackson and Bill Fawcett.

Teaming up with Steve Jackson

Last Shot wowed the workshop panelists, as well as Steve Jackson himself. “I liked its theme, its speed of play, its nearly infinite replayability at different levels of challenge, and the way it drew some essential elements of constructed-deck games and CCGs while presenting a whole new experience,” Jackson said. “Ryan’s presentation was fascinating, and I told him two things afterward. First, that Steve Jackson Games might be interested in this game, and second, that he was under no circumstances to jump at my interest immediately – and to explore other publishers. But I am very glad that in the end, he chose us.”

“I paired these cards with the simplest game concept I could think of – there is a special card that lets you eliminate other players, last player standing wins – and tried it out with my family,” he explained. Whisenhunt continued working on the experimental game on and off for two years, adding new cards, revamping rules and refining the play experience. When it came time to decide upon a theme, he realized that Cold War spycraft offered an intriguing, evocative motif that would draw in both new and veteran tabletop players.

B oth Whisenhunt and Jackson have high hopes for Last Shot based on its winning combination of theme, speed of play and replayability. “Starting is easy,” said Jackson. “Being the agent to get in that Last Shot, that is harder. But the playing time is so short that you can always try again. I like that a lot.”

“I hope people do enjoy it,” said Whisenhunt. “The greatest part of making this game has been playing it with my friends at our game nights and seeing them play in ways that I would’ve never seen coming. Getting to play this game with them has been the most rewarding part of developing this project, and I hope everyone who plays Last Shot gets to feel the same way.”