Around the Table Q2 2025

Q2 2025

The 2025 Power Retail Awards Inspirations Awards Meet the 2024 Recipients

A Heavyweight Euro Experience in a Featherweight Box

by Tom Mattson, President, Orange Nebula

V

estige takes everything players love about the critically-acclaimed Vindication – the depth, the strategy, the virtually unlimited replayability – and distills it into a streamlined experience with a lower price point, a smaller shelf space and gameplay that accommodates up to six players. It’s rich with strategic tension, packed with variation and includes a robust solo mode right out of the box. Designed for board gamers.

Optimized for retailers.

Vestige – a crunchy, combo-driven, highly replayable delight Vestige is a highly-strategic one- to six-player competitive modern euro that you can play in an hour. It is built around

a resource alchemy system modeled on the color wheel that offers great depth but can be understood almost instantly. It’s eminently replayable, with a modular game board, variable end-game conditions and a card tableau enginebuilding heart.

Each turn, you move around a randomly generated map of locations, each offering a unique action or effect.

By visiting these locations you unlock your potential, spread your influence, attain survival attributes, build your network of contacts across three factions (smugglers, mercenaries and lawmakers) and then work with that network to complete jobs your contacts are suited for (unearthing artifacts, claiming bounties

and developing augmentations).

Through action selection, card-driven combo building, area control and careful resource management, you seek to gain more leverage than your opponents, all while the powers-that-be use any and all insidious tricks at their disposal to keep you down where they want you: powerless and insignificant. But they will not define your story. You defy the world’s plan for you. You have your own plans. You call yourself to something more.

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Upgrade Your Roll

CyberLink Dice

Launching on Kickstarter

by Sophii Jones, Marketing Director, Misty Mountain Gaming

4

AROUND THE table • Q2 2025

G

et ready to roll into the future with CyberLink Dice, the latest high-tech dice collection from Misty Mountain Gaming – coming to Kickstarter this April.

Inspired by the neon glow and digital grit of cyberpunk worlds, CyberLink Dice are engineered for precision, performance and style. Each set features sleek designs etched with circuit-like patterns and glowing inlays, bringing a futuristic edge to every roll. Whether you’re diving into a sci-fi campaign or upgrading your tabletop arsenal, these dice are built to enhance the immersion.

The CyberLink Kickstarter campaign will feature multiple colorways, oversized d20s, exclusive accessories and limitededition bundles available only to backers.

Supporters will also help unlock stretch goals, new designs and digital content inspired by the CyberDrive RPG universe.

This launch marks more than just a product drop – it’s a celebration of storytelling, style and tabletop innovation.

From glowing trays to cyber-themed playmats, the entire collection is crafted to transform your game night into a full-on experience.

Can’t join the Kickstarter? CyberLink Dice will also be available on Misty Mountain Gaming’s website after the campaign concludes – though exclusive items and early-bird pricing will only be available to Kickstarter backers.

Don’t miss your chance to upgrade your table.

Q2 2025 Features

20 The 2025 Power Retail Awards GAMA is thrilled to announce the winners

66 Inspiration Awards The 2024 Recipients

72 Tournament of Pieces

Join us for one of the largest puzzle events in the Midwest!

Departments 9

GAMA Board and Staff

11

Letter from the President

82

GAMA News

88

Index of Advertisers

14, 32, 33, 42, 52, 53, 74

Adverstories Information to help retail stores sell games, written by the following companies Arcane Tinmen ApS..............................................................................34 Archon Studio.......................................................................................56 Ares Games SRL....................................................................................28 Avantris Entertainment........................................................................12 Bezier Games........................................................................................26 Brotherwise Games, LLC......................................................................58 CGE (Czech Games Edition)..................................................................10 Crazy Aaron Enterprises Inc.................................................................54 Floodgate Games.................................................................................76 Flying Frog Productions.......................................................................38 Gale Force 9..........................................................................................46 Ghost Galaxy.........................................................................................18 Japanime Games..................................................................................30 KessCo..................................................................................................36 KTBG/Burnt Island Games...................................................................68 Level 99 Games.....................................................................................15 Magpie Games......................................................................................70 Mighty Boards.......................................................................................16 Misty Mountain Gaming.........................................................................4 Next Level Web.....................................................................................89 North Star Game Studio.......................................................................78 Old School Dice & Accessories.............................................................64 Onyx Path Publishing...........................................................................40 Orange Nebula........................................................................................3 Paizo Inc.......................................................................................... 44, 80 Peachstate Hobby Distribution LLC.....................................................50 Pegasus Spiele North America.............................................................22 Renegade Games..................................................................................75 Steve Jackson Games..........................................................................90 The Op Games - USAopoly Inc....................................................... 24, 60 Warlord Games.....................................................................................62 Woodland Scenics................................................................................48

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AROUND THE

Q2 2025

®

A Publication by the Game Manufacturers Association

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS

GAMA STAFF

PRESIDENT Nicole Brady SAHM Reviews Director – Media & Events VICE-PRESIDENT Meredith Placko Turbo Dork Director – Publisher

John Stacy EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Julie Yeager EVENT DIRECTOR

Chris Materni OPERATIONS & FINANCE DIRECTOR

john.stacy@gama.org

julie.yeager@gama.org

chris.materni@gama.org

SECRETARY Monica Rasso Meeples at Sea Director – Media & Events INTERIM OUTGOING TREASURER Garima Sharma Skybound Entertainment

DIRECTORS

Paul McGraw EVENTS MANAGER

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

Doug Shute EXHIBITOR MANAGER doug.shute@gama.org

Gregoire Boisbelaud EVENTS COORDINATOR

David Ableson EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

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

Grace Willson TECHNOLOGY & PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Bryan Borgman MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTOR

paul.mcgraw@gama.org

bryan.borgman@gama.org

Matt Fantastic Forever Stoked Creative Director - Creative Radek Gronus FABRYKA KART Director - Production Jamie Mathy Red Raccoon Games Director – Retail

greg.boisbelaud@gama.org

david.abelson@gama.org

Danny O'Neill Hammerdog Games Director – Wholesale

Tiffany Reid Southern Hobby Distribution Director – Wholesale John Stephens Total Escape Games Director – Retail Anton Torres Pegasus Spiele North America Director – Publisher Drew Wehrle Wehrlegig Games Director – Creator Will Niebling Emeritus Director

Chelsea Wood OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR chelsea.wood@gama.org

grace.willson@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

PUBLISHED BY

171 Reed Street, Geneva, NY 14456 P 800-344-0559

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

2025

Eric Price Meijia Board Game Factory Director - Production

Issue Deadline Q3 July 11 Q4 September 26

Mailing Date August 15 October 31

Q2 2025 • AROUND THE table

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Galaxy Trucker: Do What?!

An Expansion That Redefines “Ship Happens”

By Shelby Hudson, North American Marketing, CGE

J

ust when you thought Galaxy Trucker couldn’t get any more chaotic, the universe had other plans. Galaxy Trucker: Do What?! is the second expansion for the second edition of CGE’s beloved fan-favorite, Galaxy Trucker. With new gameplay modules, outrageous mechanics, and delightfully destructive surprises, this game is a must-have for all fans of Galaxy Trucker - new and old alike!

In this new expansion, players will get three new modules that can be used in various combinations, all together, or alone. It’s up to the players to tailor the game experience to what they want each time.

Galaxy Trucker: Do What?! Includes: Missions, where you get challenging

10

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orders and quests that usually include delivering various types of hazardous cargo, or dealing with super nasty Supercards. Or both. (To those who knew the original edition, most missions are based on the Mission expansion, but reworked with new “Oops”) VIP Astronauts introduce highmaintenance passengers who offer lucrative bonuses - if players can meet their (very reasonable) requirements.

They know what they want - and are willing to jump ship if they don’t get it.

A clear view? A private cabin? Escorting these high-profile passengers to their destination safely can rack up the space bucks.

For players who might want to bypass the adrenaline (or panic) sweats during

ship-building, this expansion introduces a turn-based mode. This is a nice option for new and casual players or anyone who wants to forgo the frenzy of simultaneous ship construction.

However, Galaxy Trucker: Do What?! doesn’t stop there. The expansion also includes Supercards (phantom asteroids or black holes, anyone?) and new cargo tiles. Regardless of which components players choose to use in their game, the expansion is bound to add new challenges and light years of fun to any game of Galaxy Trucker.

Something that makes this expansion amazing is that it’s been designed so that each piece or mechanic can be introduced gradually or all at once, allowing players to tailor each game’s complexity and chaos to the group they’re playing with. Galaxy Trucker: Do What?! adds an abundance of replayability and variance while still maintaining the humor and charm that makes Galaxy Trucker, Galaxy Trucker.

Galaxy Trucker: Do What?! Requires Galaxy Trucker (Second Edition) base game to play, and is compatible with Galaxy Trucker: Keep on Trucking.

Galaxy Trucker: Do What?! Is available now for preorder through our retailer portal at cge.as/retailerportal.

FROM THE president

GAMA Members,

A

s an industry based around publication, you understand the timeline from creation to the finished product being in the hands of consumers. The same holds true about this magazine. When I first submitted my President’s Message for this issue, it was right after GAMA EXPO, and I was sharing thoughts about how successful it was including fantastic presentations and incredible networking among other things. It was a heartfelt article that I was quite proud of as it was a much-needed acknowledgement of the many people who made the event amazing: the staff and volunteers as well as supportive sponsors.

But then… tariffs. As you all know, the demands have been changing by the day (and sometimes, hour) and I’ve witnessed so many industry professionals rightfully panicking about whether their businesses could survive the weight of this crisis. Projects are being cancelled or delayed, staff are being let go, products are being abandoned at ports and companies are shuttering

their doors. That original article about GAMA EXPO, despite the positive nature, felt tone deaf in the moment. So here I am just days before the drop-dead magazine deadline, revising my messaging. As I type, I wonder how many iterations of the tariffs we will see before you are reading this. Worse, how many of our peers have succumbed to the wounds inflicted.

The main reason I rushed to craft a revision is because these types of events are what a trade association is created to address.

I am here to emphasize that GAMA leadership has taken advocacy efforts seriously, and with even greater focus over the past year. The first time many of you may have noticed was during the recent port strike. GAMA provided updates as well as letter-writing samples to encourage members to participate in grassroots efforts.

Our preliminary advocacy discussions were in motion even before the “Liberation Day” that sent our industry scrambling to find solid footing on the rapidly shaking ground. When the announcements were made, the Board of Directors became (continued on page 13)

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO START ROLEPLAYING NOW!

Everything that a parent, teacher, or therapist needs to start roleplaying with KIDS, all in one ready to play box.

Join the VENTURE SOCIETY for fun, positive games that kids love!

Q2 2025 • AROUND THE table

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What Lurks Within?

An Introduction to The Crooked Moon

by Chris Samson, Sales Director, Avantris Entertainment

“S

omewhere, lost in the shrouded realms of death, lies a land of endless night where long‑forgotten

horrors are revealed to those who travel through the mist…

Now is the time to brave the dark wood, beware the witching hour and weave your own dreadful folktale underneath the Crooked Moon.”

These haunting words mark the beginning of The Crooked Moon, a 632-page tome that brings folk horror to 5e, drawing inspiration from eerie folklore, legendary horror films and classic Halloween aesthetics. The book features a mysterious campaign setting, new character creation options, 85 new monsters based on folklore and a 350-page adventure for levels 1-13!

What makes The Crooked Moon unique, and an instant draw for new fans and veteran players alike? Simply put, the genre of folk horror has been underserved in the TTRPG community.

Cosmic horror, Gothic horror and even slasher horror are easy to find. The Crooked Moon provides a new unique flavor of terror that will thrill and excite both players and DMs. Folk horror has haunted cinema for decades, with recent hits like Midsommar, Hereditary and The Witch. There’s a new suite of themes, tropes, aesthetics and iconography to dive into this book: landscape and environment as character, isolation, skewed moralities, threats and danger in the form of the supernatural, the superstitious and the occult.

The Crooked Moon is home to a mysterious and thrilling campaign setting called Druskenvald - a demiplane of endless night where the living and dead coexist. In Druskenvald, the sun never rises. The land itself, in the shape of a crescent moon, is home to 13 major provinces that form a unique and bizarre patchwork quilt of lands, societies, and cultures.

What new character creation options are there to look forward to? The Crooked Moon boasts 13 Halloween-inspired species, and 15 folk horror subclasses. Want to play as a spooky and haunted treefolk? Look no further than the Gnarlborn, creatures resembling crooked trees with glowing faces peering 12

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from their barkskin. Are you a fan of scarecrows? Now you can play a stalking construct of sticks and straw as a Harvestborn!

Pair these with our unique subclasses for endless permutations of new characters.

What beasts await you in the dark woods? Perhaps you will encounter the Hypnovulfen, a massive wolf with unnaturally large orange eyes and a giant maw. Those eyes have the power to weave illusions – all the better to distract and eat you and your memories. This is but a small morsel of the unique and terrifying monsters you can add to your own campaign!

This incredible tome will be available to sell on your shelves in Q3 2025! Want to find out more about The Crooked Moon?

Interested in learning about our RPG accessories as well? Visit avantris.com/retail or contact us at sales@avantris.com for more information.

FROM THE president (continued)

engaged in multiple, ongoing conversations regarding these concerns. We ramped up, exploring all paths that might provide support (or relief) for the tabletop game industry such as: • Joining coalitions with other trade associations • Joining lawsuits to overturn or invalidate the tariffs • Providing white papers to help businesses understand possible exemptions • Creating messaging campaigns so members and consumers can join grassroots efforts • Spreading the word to consumers via media blitzes These broad bullets points involve aligning with various organizations, including some that many might be discouraged to see us working alongside. I’m not going to expand on them here as those efforts and our participation will continue to evolve. If you’re curious about the status of the various initiatives, I encourage you to read the GAMA newsletters and keep tabs on social media for the most up-to-date information.

Please know that these decisions were not made lightly. The pros and cons were heavily discussed, and we sought feedback from knowledgeable industry professionals in places we felt there may be conflicts.

While I can hold onto hope that things will be better, I cannot predict what the tariffs will be as you read this article.

But rest assured, GAMA has prioritized advocacy efforts and will continue to work to support our members. Are they perfect choices? No. But we have been faced with a very abnormal situation, and it would be negligent not to explore every option.

The aftermath of current changes in legislation may mean evaluating other places our members need our assistance. This extends well beyond just education and networking.

If you want to be part of the solution to the many challenges our industry faces, find a relevant GAMA committee, workgroup or volunteer opportunity where you can lend your time and talents. As Aristotle said, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Together we can make a difference.

Nicole Brady President GAMA Board of Directors

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Urban Shadows from Magpie Games is an urban fantasy tabletop roleplaying game in which mortals and monsters vie for control of a modern-day city in a political battleground. magpiegames.com/collections/ urban-shadows

HunterxHunter: The 287th Exams from KessCo challenges players to experience the journey of earning a hunter license. Take calculated risks, face setbacks and develop characters as you overcome the trials.

Vestige from Orange Nebula is a sandbox euro with tableau building, an intuitive resource mechanic based on the color wheel, and a nemesis system that makes solo play a natural, compelling part of the game.

Distributed by GTS and ACD

orangenebula.com/retailers

The Crooked Moon – Core Book from Avantris Entertainment draws inspiration from folklore, folk horror films and classic Halloween aesthetics! Includes a mysterious campaign setting, character creation options and a 350-page adventure for levels 1-13. avantris.com/retail sales@avantris.com

Super Boss Monster from Brotherwise Games lets one to four players compete to build the ultimate side-scrolling dungeon. Draft room cards, play spells and lure in hapless adventurers. brotherwisegames.com

More New Products on pages 32, 33, 42, 52, 53, 74 14

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FIRE AT WILL!

by Todd Rowland, Marketing Director, Level 99 Games

T

he Bullet series of games from Level 99 recreates the experience of SHMUP, or Shoot-Em-Up arcade games wildly popular in Japan. These games, sometimes referred to as “Bullet Hell,” challenge you to survive as long as possible against an increasing onslaught of fire.

Bullet, the board game, has you assume the role of a powerful heroine as you settle disputes with each other through excessive firepower. Each round, an increasing number of bullet tokens will be drawn from a communal bag; these colored and numbered tokens fall into columns on your board, pushing tokens in their same color column closer to the bottom. If a token reaches the bottom, you take a hit! Too many hits, and you are out of the game.

However, you are in charge of your destiny! Use your actions to form patterns unique to your heroine and clear your board of bullets. However, you have to act fast, as each round is only three minutes long, and any bullet tokens you had to draw at the start of the round that have not been played to your

board will all hit you at once if the timer runs out. Level 99 has provided a unique soundtrack for Bullet with different tracks themed after each heroine that play as three-minute timers. These are available on Spotify, YouTube and even on collector vinyl.

Any bullet tokens you did manage to clear during the round will be sent to the opponent to your left. When the round is over, all players draw more tokens from the communal bag for the next round and then also add in any that were sent to

them by the player to their right. Not only will smart play keep you in the game, it will make it tougher on your opponents!

Each heroine wields a different power that changes how you experience the game. Control fireworks, zombies, the news and more! With many expansions available now, there is endless variety.

Bullet also has four unique ways to play the game. You can have a free-for-all with two to four players. In the standard method of play, attempt a solo run in score attack mode, form two player teams, or fight each heroine’s dangerous boss mode by yourself or together with others!

In boss mode, after players have chosen their heroine, you flip another heroine over to their boss side. Will you be able to defeat each of the unique boss challenges?

Bullet Heart and Bullet Star are the two base games for Bullet.

Each features eight unique Heroines. Expansions such as Bullet Fan, Bullet Paw, and Bullet Orange bring four new heroines each.

Get ready to dodge and return fire faster than ever before in the Bullet Universe!

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Fateforge: Chronicles of Kaan The Co-Op Action Adventure That Respects Your Time

by Eveline Foubert, Marketing Manager, Mighty Boards

“L

ike so many of you, we love how games can immerse you in another world, and there’s something special about becoming part of that world yourself, session after session. But some of us rarely have time to play these kind of campaign games. Life, friends, kids, work – everything can get in the way. This is why we made Fateforge: Chronicles of Kaan.” - Gordon Calleja, designer

Free boss miniature set with your order

Fateforge is a cooperative, actionadventure campaign game designed to respect your time. It’s quick to set up, it packs away easily but still gives you that deep immersive experience you love about RPGs and dungeon crawlers. With a Seal of Excellence and a Golden Geek Nomination, Fateforge: Chronicles of Kaan is the next essential addition to your store!

Fateforge: Chronicles of Kaan

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For a limited time, with each base game and Clash of the Immortals expansion you order, you’ll receive a free set of high-quality boss miniatures – an exciting bonus that adds instant visual appeal and real value, whether you use it for in-store demos or as an upgrade for your customers.

Fateforge: Chronicles of Kaan offers a story full of choices leading to entirely different outcomes, combat that feels like you’re in the middle of an action movie and map quests that let you discover Easafir street by street. This creates a fantasy adventure you will never forget and, best of all, that you will actually finish.

Alone or with friends, you can comfortably play through one or two scenarios in one hour and then pack it away in just five minutes. Overall, you can take on more than 25 hours of thrilling adventure.

And that’s just

in your first playthrough! Yes, there are multiple endings…

The game is approachable for newcomers, but layered enough to satisfy experienced players and RPG veterans alike. The production values are top-tier: beautiful art, custom illustrated map tiles, and detailed miniatures – including four bosses to take on in combat.

Fateforge expansions

The Clash of the Immortals expansion is the first expansion for Fateforge: Chronicles of Kaan containing a new campaign, a completely new gameplay mechanic and a new hero, the Enchantress, among other things. The new campaign sees our heroes move out of Easafir and its environs, where the campaign of the base game takes place, and journey across Kaan. The expansion adds a new gameplay feature: party skills. These are powerful skills that the whole party can contribute to in order to unleash group moves that add a new level of coordination and complexity to the game!

A second expansion, Kin of the Wild, which adds playable pet companions, is set to release Q3 2025.

Reach out to michelle@mightyboards.com to place your order now – this offer is available while stock last!

Fateforge: Chronicles of Kaan is a co-op action adventure for 1 to 4 players. Easy to learn and set up, the game can be played in sessions ranging from 60 minutes to as long as you like. The 30+ hours campaign features an evolving ruleset that is unlocked as you progress through the story.

Fateforge blends the fast-paced action of a video game with the rich narrative of a fantasy novel. The combat mimics cinematic fight scenes with its innovative fast-paced system that allows for a multitude of character builds. The map exploration and story scenes will draw you into a rich world inhabited by characters that react to your actions and greatly influence how the branching story unfolds.

Whether you win or lose a combat, the story adapts and takes you down a different path, eventually resulting in a variety of possible endings.

ORDER NOW

+ Base Game

Expansion

FREE

Boss Miniature Set

contact: sales@mighty-boards.com

Find us at GAMA booth 388 or order via sales@mighty-boards.com

Fulfill the Prophecy Embrace Your Fate

by Jeremy Culver, Marketing Coordinator, Ghost Galaxy

I

n the innovative, unique deck game KeyForge, every deck comes complete and ready to play right out of the wrapper.

Each procedurally generated deck becomes your personal key to unlocking the secrets of the Crucible. With every new set, fresh mechanics or ideas shake things up – from new houses to the token creature mechanic introduced in KeyForge: Winds of Exchange. Yet through all that innovation, one rule has remained constant: players only act during their own turn. Never their opponent’s.

Until now.

Enter KeyForge: Prophetic Visions, the ninth official set and the first to let players shape the game even when it’s not their turn.

This set introduces an entirely new card type: prophecy cards. Each KeyForge: Prophetic Visions deck includes two double-sided prophecy cards, giving players four unique prophecies to work with each game.

These allow you to set traps and predict future events that might – or might not – come true.

At the start of a match, players set their prophecies aside. During the game, they may activate one by moving it into the play area and placing a card facedown beneath it. A player may have up to two prophecies activated 18

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at a time. Each prophecy describes a possible game event, such as an opponent forging a key or shuffling their discard pile. If the described event occurs, the prophecy triggers and the facedown card is revealed. If it includes a fate effect, that effect resolves, potentially shifting momentum on a key turn.

This mechanic introduces an all-new layer of strategy. Players must think not only about their own actions, but how their opponent might trigger – or avoid – prophecies in play. The result is a more dynamic back-and-forth where every turn

holds the potential for a twist.

For retailers, this set provides a great talking point and an easy in-store demo opportunity. Prophecy cards offer visual anticipation and interaction that draws in spectators and new players alike. And because KeyForge: Prophetic Visions is fully compatible with all previous sets, existing players don’t have to start from scratch to enjoy it.

That flexibility makes it ideal for stores looking to build regular play nights or run casual leagues. Whether someone picks up a deck for the first time or adds to an existing collection, KeyForge: Prophetic Visions gives them something truly new to explore.

And, as always, KeyForge delivers a completely unique deck experience every time. No two are the same, no boosters required and no deckbuilding barrier to entry. It’s pick-up-and-play fun with real competitive depth – and a perfect fit for hobby game shelves.

Whether your store is full of seasoned Archons or curious newcomers, KeyForge: Prophetic Visions offers something for everyone. Get ready to embrace your fate – and bring a new vision to your game night.

KeyForge: Prophetic Visions arrives in hobby retail stores Summer 2025.

Y E C H P O R P H E T F ULFILL E YO UR FATE !

AC

ing dbreak n u o r g in the r of est set w e e powe n h re e t h s t s e is s rn ict futu a n d h o i e l s r il i p w V s them hetic layer their e: Prop . This time, p hanic that lets g r o F during y n e c e e Ke m v da a e m Deck G a brand-new ate effects… cted twists, an e u iq n U s— lF pe owerfu s, unex cy card Prophe and unleash p y for bold play ry. ck es ad and victo one de o ly t n h outcom ’s turn! Get re o learn t O t a . y y p s r la a u p g, e o t n in and ame is forge y k-buildin g in c o oppone e e jo t h d y o T t t a . u r s ew w playe witho rchon whole n for any he greatest A s collectibility alike! y s a e es it ffer ers en t ter. It o rd game play ge mak ed to rival ev r s a o F m y d e K an boa eed explore rd game and yer is n o t s ie g per pla a c te trading ich stra offers r appealing for it making

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AVAILABLE TO HOBBY RETAIL STORES IN SUMMER 2025

LEARN MORE AT KEYFORGING.COM

The

2025

Power Retail Awards

T

he Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA) is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025 Power Retail Awards, which celebrate excellence in the tabletop game retail sector. These awards recognize exceptional brick-and-mortar game stores for their commitment to the tabletop game community, innovative retail strategies, and exceptional store design. The winners were honored during GAMA EXPO, February 23 to 27, 2025, in Louisville, KY. The Power Retail Awards (PRAs) highlight the remarkable impact of local game stores in driving the growth of the tabletop game industry and fostering vibrant game communities. GAMA is proud to recognize the following winners for their extraordinary contributions:

Innovation in Gaming Games Unlimited Recognized for their innovative approaches to marketing, Games Unlimited has consistently shared information about tabletop games and the industry itself. Jay Mason-Grant, GAMA Retail Chair, shared, “Kylie and the team at Games Unlimited do an amazing job 20

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with their marketing, especially with their game- and industry-focused videos on TikTok. Through consistent digestible content, Kylie shares information about top games, new releases, and the game industry as a whole - including advice for those considering opening their own shop! The videos are modern, splashy, and are sure to attract interest to their shop and to the games industry itself.”

Outstanding Contribution to Games Industry (Retail) Eclectic Games Eclectic Games has been an essential advocate for tabletop games, using their platform to educate and engage the public while fostering a deep sense of community. Jay Mason-Grant added, “Darrell and Becky have been regular names at industry shows and in retailer forums and groups for years - which is even more notable because their shop, Eclectic Games, is in the United Kingdom. From the streets of their town to regularly representing the industry on the BBC, they have contributed in so many ways over the years. Winners of many local awards because of their

excellent reputation, and community support, we at GAMA are proud to add our voice to those congratulating Eclectic Games for their outstanding contribution to the games industry on both sides of the pond!”

Outstanding Store Design Meta-Games Unlimited The design of Meta-Games Unlimited sets it apart, combining clean and modern design that unifies all elements of their store. According to Jay MasonGrant, “Meta-Games Unlimited has clear branding that fills the space and is used prominently on feature walls. The collection of game-related art draws the eye upwards, giving you the sense that you’re in a museum honoring the hobbies you love. Their large and clean gaming space is capped off by a delightful wall of pinball machines which reassures shoppers that this is a place for fun. Any gamer would be delighted to play or shop in a space like this.”

Retailer of the Year Games Unlimited Winning the Retailer of the Year

award, Games Unlimited is recognized for their outstanding achievements in innovation, contributions, and design.

“While it was their excellent marketing that earned them their Innovation award, Games Unlimited racked up points in all three categories,” explained Jay MasonGrant. “From their contributions to GAMA in the past and their promotion of the game industry itself, to their beautiful store design featuring amazing live wood demo tables, brick facades, and beautifully organized merchandise, Games Unlimited

is an incredible example of what a game store can be - a true jewel in the city of Pittsburgh. Congratulations to Games Unlimited, our pick as this year’s Retailer of the Year!”

John Stacy, executive director of GAMA, expressed his excitement about the 2025 winners: “The impact that these retailers have on the tabletop game industry cannot be overstated. Through their dedication, creativity, and passion, they are shaping the future of gaming. We are proud to celebrate their remarkable

contributions and look forward to honoring them at GAMA Expo.”

The Power Retail Awards are part of GAMA’s continued effort to recognize and promote the businesses that are integral to the growth and vibrancy of the tabletop game community. These awards showcase the vital role that the stores play in keeping the industry alive and thriving.

Nominations for the 2026 Power Retailer Awards will open in Q4 2025.

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Jurassic

Party Animals

by Anton Torres, Marketing Manager, Pegasus Spiele North America

T

he menu is set and decorations in place. Party planning is nearly complete … the only thing you need now are guests! Will this be a night to remember?

Welcome to Roaring 20s, a game where partyloving socialite dinosaurs are searching for the hottest events to attend. To be sure you can draw the snazziest dinos to your party, players will offer fabulous food, spectacular drinks, amazing desserts – and maybe even a few shiny baubles – to make sure their event is the hottest ticket in town.

The goal of the game is to score the greatest number of victory points by accumulating dino guest cards of high value, in addition to collecting sets of these guests as pairs, triplets and in numerical sequence. You can win a dino guest to your party by placing the highest bid of food items that matches their taste

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preference, or by dazzling them with an equal number of gems.

Each game round begins by revealing a single dino guest, plus a number of bid cards based on player count. The round ends once every player has won a single card. The dino cards display how many points it is worth at the end of the game, the specific snacks that guest is looking for, and a card value from 1 to 10. Each bid card represents a certain number of drinks, skewers, lava cakes or gems.

As the bidding continues around the table, each player has a choice to make, either increase the bid to try and

lure the dino guest or pass and claim one of the bid cards on display. As this is the only way to get new bid cards, a savvy player must always consider whether it is best to compete for that specific dino guest or to pass early and claim a desirable bid card.

After all the dinos have found parties to attend, players tally up the points value of their guests, plus add bonus points for any pairs, triples or consecutive sequences of dino cards.

The winner is the player with the highest score, who has thrown a party that will be remembered for all time!

From the clever mind of Leo Colovini, Roaring 20s is a fast-playing bidding game where players entice trendy dino guests to show up at their festive celebration. With delightful illustrations

by Annika Heller, Roaring 20s is for three to five fun-loving card players ages 8 and up, and can be played in 20 to 30 minutes.

The Forest is Calling You Back…

The sacred forest is once again in peril from the treacherous flames of Onibi and it is up to you to stop him.

In this delightful two-player version of the Spiel des Jahres winner, the spirits of Summer and Winter race towards one of four victory conditions by building alliances with guardian animals, planting sacred trees, extinguishing flames, and using the natural power of the seasons!

Living Forest Duel PNA51239E $32.99 Available June 2025

For 2 players ages 10+ Play time: 20 minutes Designer: Aske Christiansen Illustration: Apolline Etienne

Play With Purpose Connecting Through Board Games in a Noisy World

by Brian Greenwald, Director of Marketing, The Op Games

M

ister Rogers once said, “The connections we make in the course of a life – maybe that’s what heaven is.”

In an age of overwhelming entertainment choices, options are plentiful but fleeting. However, board games stand as an enduring beacon of affordable entertainment, a lasting way to bring people together.

Whether it’s the laughter of a silly party game or the palpably tense strategy game, these options share a common thread of having the unique power to create shared memories and moments that stick. Now more than ever, we as an industry must highlight that power and champion the importance of connection.

As the cost of living and experiences continue to rise, people are searching for meaningful, affordable ways to unwind.

Board games offer one of the best returns on investment – call it a return on entertainment.

For the same price as a night out at

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AROUND THE table • Q2 2025

the movies or a fancy dinner, a family can bring home a game they’ll return to again and again. A great game doesn’t just fill time, it grows relationships and creates lasting memories.

We all have memorable stories of playing games with a grandparent or a group of close friends. The individual games may all blend together, and the final win-loss tally long forgotten, but the laughter, the stories, and the connection?

That’s what we will always remember.

At The Op Games, we believe deeply in that mission and strive to create opportunities for lasting memories with every title we make. Whether it’s the fast-paced fun of Flip 7, the refreshed Telestrations, or the immersive experiences of Tea Witches, Hutan and Fountains, we’re creating games that don’t just entertain – they bring people closer.

Games invite people to pause the scrolling, close the laptops and gather around the table. Our goal is to show that

games aren’t just fun, they’re essential.

They remind us how to be together.

And we know we’re not alone in this goal.

Across our industry, publishers, designers and retailers are working to create, promote and share experiences that matter. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. This is our moment to lean into the heart of what we do.

So, let’s keep innovating and elevating. Let’s lead with purpose and passion. Let’s keep the table open for all, offering players of every background and budget a seat. Because no matter what the world throws at us, a little laughter, a little strategy and a whole lot of connection never go out of style.

Now is the time.

Games are more than paper, cardboard and components – they represent joy, laughter and lifetime memories. And that is truly incredible.

WELCOME TO THE ELEGANT CITY OF FLORIMELLE! Fountains is a light strategy competitive tile-laying game where players become master Fountaineers working to build a magnificent fountain in the city of Florimelle.

Select Fountain tiles, add various features, and gain bonuses to earn the most points and be celebrated as the best Fountaineer!

10+

1-5

30-45 ©2025 USAopoly, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Rebellion Begins at Home

by Jay Bernardo, Marketing Manager, Bézier Games

I

t may not feel like it at times, but most board games don’t get expansions.

Even fewer board games get sequels.

Trick-taking card games never get both … until now. Bézier Games is leading this rebellion, but why we’re doing this is where the story takes a turn.

In 2023, Spanish publisher ZombiPaella released Rebel Princess at Essen Spiel, and gamers went wild for it.

There was so much demand, ZombiPaella raffled off the last few copies. Fortunately for us, we knew people who were able to snag a copy.

By the end of 2023, Bézier Games had picked up the license. If we wanted to release our version by Gen Con 2024, we would need to conduct a crash course in development. Getting copies manufactured and ready to go takes months, not leaving us much time.

Over the course of only a few weeks, we developed what would become Rebel Princess Deluxe Edition, which sold out at Gen Con 2024.

We immediately began work on creating an expansion. We noticed that every publisher licensing Rebel Princess would add a princess from their own culture or folklore. Since we are the Werewolf publisher, how could we not choose Red Riding Hood?

In February we announced Rebel Princess Deluxe Edition: Happily Never 26

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After will be released at Origins Game Fair 2025. On April 1, we announced Zombie Princess, the sequel to Rebel Princess.

As Rebel Princess was based off the classic card game of Hearts, Zombie Princess is based off the classic game of Spades. Up to six players can play cooperatively or competitively and bid on how many hordes of zombies they plan to eliminate … er… save.

But why give a trick-taking game so much love?

Trick-taking games don’t often get expansions because they typically don’t sell as well as traditional board games, weren’t designed to expand, and don’t often create loyal enough fan bases.

Rebel Princess changed all that, and we felt it the very first time we played it. There was something about the familiarity of the gameplay, the familiarity of the princesses, the catty yet ruthless playfulness of the gameplay.

Rebel Princess eventually took on a life of its own. More and more people were discovering this little gem of a game that felt like a charming visit down memory lane. People fell in love with the messaging and the idea of rebellious ladies rejecting princes. How could you not love this theme?

We wanted to play more princesses and tell more stories within this universe.

Everyone wanted to include a different princess and have her go on an epic rejection adventure. A game like this hadn’t existed before, and we wanted to tell this story.

Along the way, we discovered there was a large audience of people who love trick-taking games. Rebel Princess was a success for them as well. Some even told us they bought Rebel Princess just so they could play Hearts with six players.

We heard so many comments inquiring about Spades and Rebel Princess, we asked ourselves what if the ladies went off on another adventure?

We’ve had games about werewolves, vampires and aliens. It was about time we had a zombie game. Who could resist Sleeping Beauty teaming up with Thumbelina to defeat the zombie horde?!

Every game tells a story, but not all games have a message. Rebel Princess reminds us that we’re not defined by others – we define ourselves. Choose an epic life for yourself and adventure will always be around the corner.

Jay publicly celebrates Bézier Games during the day, plays board games in the evenings and creates content for his YouTube channel, Cardboard East, in all the hours in between. He also eats tacos – all the tacos.

Quartermaster General: South Front New game of QMG 2-player series brings the WWII Mediterranean to life

By Ian Brody, Quartermaster General Designer and President, Griggling Games

Q

uartermaster General: South Front is the latest addition to Quartermaster General series of light, card-driven wargames, published by Ares Games.

The series appeals to euro-gamers and historical gamers alike, with both quick pacing and plenty of meaningful decisions. This front-level game focuses on the conflict in the Mediterranean during World War II. The game is designed for two players, one playing the Axis and the other the Western Allies. The game is played in under two hours and is of moderate complexity (low complexity for a wargame).

Quartermaster General: South Front takes its rules set from Quartermaster General: East Front, which was released last year. The major addition to this release is the inclusion of a robust naval game; however, the naval combat rules are very similar to those of land combat, so players familiar with East Front should be ready to play in just a few minutes.

The game starts in Summer 1940, 28

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with Italy’s entry into the war, and ends in Spring 1944, when (historically) the Allies entered Rome. Most victory points are earned by controlling certain spaces during annual scoring rounds.

There are five types of pieces: infantry, tanks, airplanes, fleets and aircraft carriers. On your turn, you’ll move your pieces, play a card and then move some of your pieces again, like fleets and tanks. The cards have two parts: the top part is used when played, the bottom may be used during combat resolution.

Combat is quick but dramatic.

Success usually relies on good hand management – making sure you have the right cards in hand to stop or continue a battle. Players need to get into the habit of stockpiling the right cards in anticipation of combat.

Even more than any prior quartermaster general title, this game lives and breathes supply. Much of the early game will center around the Axis constructing a centralized mesh of fleets

and airplanes. The gamble for the Axis is knowing when you’re ready to stretch that web to strike into the Middle East or Gibraltar!

For the Allies, it is not enough to hold tight and wait for the Americans to show up. First and foremost, you’ll have to put the Axis on the defensive at sea, as well as take opportunities to stabilize your position in the Eastern Mediterranean – including suppressing the rebellion in Iraq, which you may want to do pre-emptively! Once the United States enter the war, their plentiful resources will certainly throw the Axis onto the defensive – but will the Allies have enough time to make it to Rome before the game ends?

South Front is the second of three complementary games planned, which will all join together to form a two to five player “mini-monster.” Quartermaster General: West Front, due in 2026, will complete the triad, containing everything needed to combine all three games.

From Operation Barbarossa to the Fall of Berlin, refight the largest military campaign of WW2 in this 2-player game based on the popular Quartermaster General mechanics.

Axis and Allies wrestle for naval supremacy in the Mediterranean, while war rages across North Africa and South Europe.

A new 2-player, standalone game in the “Front” series.

Designed by Ian Brody SKU ARTG024 | SRP 49.90 USD | Release Available

SKU AREU026 | SRP 49.90 USD | Release 09/2025

Find out more about our games writing to sales@aresgames.eu

Visit our Website © 2023, 2025 Ares Games Srl. © 2023, 2025 Ian Brody. Quartermaster General and Quartermaster General: East Front are trademarks of Ian Brody. All rights reserved.

Subscribe to our Newsletter © 2025 Ares Games Srl. © 2025 Ian Brody. Quartermaster General and Quartermaster General: South Front are trademarks of Ian Brody. All rights reserved.

Two Epic Journeys Await: Unleash Your Imagination with Cloudbreaker Alliance & Perfect Draw!

by Mikael Yang

T

he world of tabletop roleplaying games is about to get even more thrilling.

With the release of Cloudbreaker Alliance and Perfect Draw!, Japanime Games is expanding its RPG line to offer something for every player.

Whether you’re craving high-flying adventures through a fantastical sky or the strategic intensity of anime-inspired card battles, these games promise rich experiences filled with collaboration, strategy and endless possibilities.

In Cloudbreaker Alliance, players journey through a world of floating islands, airship battles and political intrigue, where the fate of entire civilizations is in your hands. Inspired

by Final Fantasy and Star Trek, this game offers a counter-apocalyptic adventure where you fight against sky pirates, ancient beasts and dark forces threatening to tear the world apart. With a unique 2d6 system, Cloudbreaker Alliance emphasizes collaboration over combat, focusing on problem-solving and teamwork. The morale-based enemy system adds depth to combat, 30

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encouraging players to manipulate enemy morale for tactical advantage. The resource management system, featuring spirit tokens and spirit bursts, requires strategic thinking and teamwork to succeed​.

Meanwhile, Perfect Draw! brings the excitement of animeinspired card battles into the RPG world.

Powered by the Powered

By The Apocalypse framework, Perfect Draw! allows players to craft their own decks, where each card represents their beliefs, character journey and role in the fight for justice.

Inspired by anime classics like Yu-GiOh!, Duel Masters and CardFight!

Vanguard, Perfect Draw! blends card strategy and narrative-driven gameplay, making each session unique.

The customizable deck-building mechanics add layers of strategy,

while story-driven encounters ensure every card drawn impacts the storyline​.

As Japanime Games continues to expand its RPG line, we are committed to offering innovative and inclusive experiences for all players. Both Cloudbreaker Alliance and Perfect Draw! are designed to be accessible, making it easy for both new players and seasoned RPG veterans to dive in and enjoy. These games represent the best of tabletop RPGs: dynamic gameplay, rich storytelling and endless opportunities for creativity and collaboration.

Embark on thrilling adventures with Cloudbreaker Alliance and Perfect Draw! Whether you’re navigating skies in a high-stakes world of airships and magic or battling rivals with powerful card decks, both games offer unique experiences.

Perfect for fans of deep storytelling and dynamic combat, these RPGs are designed to offer something for everyone. Get ready to unleash your creativity and strategy – the adventure begins now!

Embark on Epic Adventures!

With Cloudbreaker Alliance and Perfect Draw!

Two exciting RPGs.

Whether you’re exploring skies or battling with card decks, both games offer unique gameplay and endless storytelling! www.JapanimeGames.com

sales@japanimegames.com

Light Speed: Arena from Ares Games is a fast-paced real-time tabletop shooter game. Two to four players take control of a fleet of spaceships and engage in intense intergalactic battles. aresgames.eu

Test your knowledge of the FBI with How Much Do You Really Know? from Elephants & Flowers. This trivia card game features 500 cards with law enforcementrelated terms, acronyms, and trivia questions.

Push your luck with Flip 7 from The Op Games, one of the hottest card games around. Can you flip all seven cards without busting? Now available in tuckbox size packaging and lower price-point.

faire.com/direct/elephantsflowersllc

sales@usaopoly.com

Forged from black labradorite, Nordic dice from Misty Mountain Gaming echo the legendary Bifrost bridge – linking Midgard to Asgard with every roll. Mysterious, radiant and rooted in Norse myth, they channel the magic of ancient Norway. mistymountaingaming.com/ products/nordic-blacklabradorite-stone-dice-set

Explore epic adventures with Cloudbreaker Alliance and Perfect Draw! from Japanime Games. One offers sky-high battles and strategic teamwork, while the other combines anime-inspired card battles with rich storytelling. MSRP $49.95 and $29.95, respectively. japanimegames.com

More New Products on pages 14, 42, 52, 53, 74 32

AROUND THE table • Q2 2025

Gothic Sector: Eldar is the latest edition to GF9’s critically acclaimed Battlefield in a Box range of pre-painted, resin terrain that is compatible with all Heroic scale games, such as Warhammer 40,000. battlefrontgroup.com/battlefield-in-a-box/gothic-sector/ heroic-scale

Venture Society from 9th Level Games is an all ages TTRPG that builds social skills while having fun as a family.

Everything you need to start roleplaying now! MSRP $59.99 9thlevel.com

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.

They Came from the Cyclops’s Cave! from Onyx Path Publishing sees characters ranging from heroic swordsmen and cunning sorceresses to charming minstrels and agile scoundrels, embarking on quests.

warlordgames.com/intro

studio2publishing.com/collections/onx-onyxpath-publishing

In Sellswords: Olympus

by Level 99 Games, unleash heroes and monsters to conquer the battlefield.

Place tiles to combat and flip the opponent's tiles to your side. Control shifting allegiances to rule Olympus! level99store.com

Q2 2025 • AROUND THE table

33

Nestled in the Boards

by Chase Eisenmenger, Trade Marketing, Dragon Shield

T

he crackle of dry logs filled the cozy cottage with warmth, each snap and pop from the hearth weaving a blanket of comfort through the room. The soft glow of firelight danced across the wooden floors and stone walls, casting long, flickering shadows. Ollie and Randi moved about with excitement, their chatter lively as they set up the table in the center of the room. It had been a long week, and they both knew there was no better way to unwind than with a quiet evening spent playing their favorite board games.

Laughing and trading playful jabs about who might win tonight, they drifted toward the tall shelf tucked beside the hearth. It was crammed with wellworn boxes, corners softened from years of use. They quickly pulled down one of their favorite games, a go-to for evenings like this, and carried it to the table.

But as they began setting up the pieces, something felt off. The game board was faded in spots they didn’t remember, and many of the pieces and resource cards were missing altogether.

Confused, they dug deeper into the box – and that’s when they noticed it. Tiny claw-like tracks ran along the bottom, almost too small to believe. Ollie and Randi exchanged bewildered looks. In all their years of playing, they had never 34

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seen anything like this.

Curiosity flared stronger than confusion. They moved quickly to check the other boxes stacked on the shelf.

One by one, they found similar oddities: missing tokens, torn cards, tiny piles of shredded scraps tucked away in the corners. A few boxes even had faint scorch marks along their edges, as if someone – or something – had singed them with a flash of heat.

It wasn’t until they slid open the lid of the last box that they discovered the truth. Nestled within, coiled protectively among the torn scraps of cards and tiny paper fragments, was a dragon no bigger than a chess rook. Its scales shimmered faintly in the firelight, soft hues of gold and bronze peeking through its slumbering form. Curled tightly against the dragon were three even smaller whelps, each no larger than a thimble, sleeping soundly without a care in the world.

Randi’s initial shock softened almost immediately into quiet awe. She could see it now – the missing pieces, the shredded paper, the charred edges – they had been gathered and crafted with care to build the perfect nest for this tiny, resourceful mother. There was no anger in her heart, only wonder at the sight before her.

Without a word, Randi gently placed the lid back onto the box, careful not to disturb the resting family. The loss of a few game pieces suddenly seemed insignificant in the face of something so magical.

Later that evening, as Ollie tended the fire, Randi sat nearby with her sketchbook open, pencil moving thoughtfully across the page. She wasn’t designing new boxes this time – instead, she carefully crafted ideas for card sleeves, ones strong enough to protect their treasured games but flexible enough to still feel special. Maybe, she thought with a small smile, she could even leave a few sleeves softer and warmer, in case any future little visitors needed the perfect material for a nest.

By the hearth, a small pile of freshly shredded paper sat ready, a quiet welcome for anyone small and magical who might find their way to the little cottage once again.

Dragon Shield has more than 25 years of experience keeping games safe and helping players relax and enjoy worry-free game nights. With our brand-new Dragon Shield for Board Games line, we want to use that experience to make board gaming even more awesome!

FOR BOARD GAMES

New collection of premium board game sleeves Crafted using our 25+ years of experience keeping games safe and helping players enjoy worry-free game nights. nights .

CLEAR side

NON-GLARE side

Available in 10 different sizes, ensuring that almost any game can be sleeved. Each box contains 100 sleeves, designed to fit board game cards while allowing for easy storage and organization.

American Mini

European Mini

American Standard

European Standard

AT-60201 | MSRP: $ 4.99

AT-60202 | MSRP: $ 4.99

AT-60203 | MSRP: $ 6.50

AT-60204 | MSRP: $ 6.50

Common Standard AT-60205 | MSRP: $ 6.50

For cards up to 41 41× ×63 mm

For cards up to 45 45× ×68 mm

For cards up to 57×89 mm

For cards up to 59 59× ×92 mm

For cards up to 63 63× ×88 mm

Grand Standard

Extra Large

Square

Tarot

Oversize

AT-60206 | MSRP: $ 7.50

AT-60207 | MSRP: $ 6.50

AT-60208 | MSRP: $ 8.99

AT-60209 | MSRP: $ 8.99

AT-60210 | MSRP: $ 8.99

For cards up to 65 65× ×100 mm

For cards up to 70 70× ×70 mm

For cards up to 70 70× ×120 mm

For cards up to 80 80× ×120 mm

For cards up to 88 88× ×126 mm

Available from GTS Distribution WWW.DRAGONSHIELD.COM/DISTRIBUTOR

Hunter X Hunter

The 287th Exams Succeed Together or Fail Alone

by Courtney Flint, Marketing Manager, KessCo

H

unter X Hunter: The 287th Exams is a challenging game of cooperation, dice management and strategically taking damage to keep the whole group moving forward. Do you and your team have what it takes to earn your hunter’s license?

Bursting out of the fantastic world of classic anime Hunter X Hunter, this game invites players to take on the roles of Gon, Killua, Kurapika, Leorio and Hisoka as they fight through all five phases of the 287th exam, facing and felling increasingly challenging foes.

Gameplay

In Hunter X Hunter: The 287th exams, each player starts with a dice pool specific to their chosen character.

Dice are allocated to power up character-specific abilities and challenge your enemies.

The more dice a player uses, the more likely they are to succeed, but each die only has a single use. Resetting the dice pool gives the character an unhealable wound, and four wounds means failure.

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The dice management mechanic is paired with the examiner, a card that adds both a buff and debuff to the players, but is only in play until the deck refreshes and a new examiner is revealed. Players are thrown into a fast-paced challenge where changing strategy when the board updates is more than smart – it’s the only winning move.

Working together

Potential hunters who only pay attention to their own skills and fights are bound to fall behind and, ultimately, to fail. Character powers that are unlocked

through dice allocation and defeating enemies allow players to share a host of reroll abilities, dice mitigation skills and other bonuses that make the nearimpossible phase four and five enemies something that can be faced together.

Fans of the Hunter X Hunter anime will see Leorio’s knack with healing, Hisoka’s ruthlessness, Killua’s well-honed abilities, Kurapika’s strength of spirit and Gon’s unending support of his allies.

Players will need to be strategic with all of these skills and work together to succeed against the exams and earn their hunter licenses.

Preorder your stock today

Kess Entertainment is the creator of award-winning and highly-rated games One Piece: Luffy’s Bento Panic and Sonic Roll. Retailers can order all Kess games through their distributor.

For more information about games, email questions to sales@kess.co or visit kessentertainment.co.

Fortune and Glory Revised Edition This fan-favorite is back in stock!

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

I

f you missed it when it was first released last year, have no fear, the wildly popular adventure board game Fortune and Glory: The Cliffhanger Game – Revised Edition is once again back in stock!

Selling out within months of its initial release, this revised edition features everything players know and love about the original fast-paced game of high adventure, vile villains, edge-of-your-seat danger and cliffhanger pulp action. It also comes with a more compact box size, streamlined rulebook and more than a decade’s worth of polish and errata worked in. Players will travel the globe in search of ancient artifacts, fending off dangers and villains at every turn in this ultimate version of this classic game.

Each player takes on the role of a pulp adventure hero, hunting down ancient artifacts around the world. There are two resources in the game: fortune and glory.

Heroes collect glory by defeating enemies and overcoming dangers like a car chase 38

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or quicksand, and then spend that glory to heal wounds and buy gear, allies and items. They collect fortune by recovering artifacts and selling them in cities, completing secret missions and sneaking aboard the war zeppelin of their foes.

In the competitive game, players race against one another to be the first to collect 15 fortune. In the cooperative game, all of the heroes work together toward a larger collective fortune total as they race against a vile organization played by the game itself.

This new revised edition of Fortune and Glory has a revised rulebook, including updated rules for temples, errata and FAQs from more than a decade of play since the original was released. Some card layouts have been revised, making small text easier to read; we completely redesigned the game box and vac tray for a better size and aspect ratio to fit on your game shelf (and the new tray can hold a lot of additional material). To accommodate this new box size, the game board has

been updated to a “six-fold” style.

Other updates include new die-cut tokens for fortune and glory which stack easily and are more clearly defined in size between the one-piece and five-piece coins, as well as handsome new deluxe 16mm dice in pearl gold and pearl steel colors.

It’s important to note that this new edition is fully compatible with previous expansions and card supplements. We’re happy to have been able to restock this cherished game so both new and longtime fans can once again add it to their game library, as we believe that this edition is the best version of the game to date.

Fortune and Glory: The Cliffhanger Game – Revised Edition is available now at your local retail store. So, strap on your adventure boots and goggles, fire up the engines on the seaplane and grab some extra ammo for your revolver – in this race for fortune and glory, there’s no prize for second place!

They Came from Onyx Path Publishing!

New Cinematic RPGs by the Masters of Storytelling

by Matthew Dawkins, Creative Strategist, Onyx Path Publishing

F

rom espionage, assassinations and spycraft to swords, sorcery, myth and legend, come the two newest They Came From RPGs: They Came from [CLASSIFIED]! and They Came from the Cyclops’s Cave!

The They Came From series of games is known for its speed, humor and stunning art.

But what might you find within these two games?

“It’s a handicap, isn’t it? Being so obviously American?” – Illya Kuryakin, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. They Came from [CLASSIFIED]! is Onyx Path Publishing’s leading game of spies, conspiracies and explosive adventure. A cinematic game where every action, quip and gadget counts, They Came from [CLASSIFIED]! styles your characters as operatives for the Agency: an international group designated with halting the malevolent forces of PHANTOM along with a vast array of villainous masterminds and their mercenary henchpeople.

In They Came from [CLASSIFIED]!, players can choose from between five playable archetypes: the adventurer, detective, operative, provocateur and quartermaster. Each Archetype comes loaded with their own powers: trademarks and tropes. These may allow a character to make a stunning trickshot, have just the gadget they need in a briefcase or be able to seduce the most hardened of megalomaniacs before they launch the nuke to end it all.

“Hear my curse, for it seals your doom. Those who harm us shall be driven mad. Terror shall be in your hearts. And before dawn, you will plead with us for your very lives!” – Sokurah the Magician, The 7th Voyage of Sinbad They Came from the Cyclops’s Cave! is Onyx Path Publishing’s bold dive into the realm of fantasy cinema, drawing on inspirations of the mythological epics of Ray Harryhausen and the sword and sorcery stylings of Conan, Hercules and Xena. In They Came from the Cyclops’s Cave!, you play adventurous heroes with a bevy of magical 40

AROUND THE table • Q2 2025

abilities, powerful weapons and must face off against vile necromancers and their wicked armies.

In They Came from the Cyclops’s Cave!, players can choose from between six playable Archetypes: the champion, dreamer, inhuman, puppet, sage and scoundrel. Each archetype in the game has their own range of powers; what’s more, as with all They Came From games, they can be crossed over with each other and into other They Came Froms. So, if you want your scoundrel appearing in They Came from Beneath the Sea! or your inhuman appearing in They Came from [CLASSIFIED]!, you’ll find everything you need to do so in this game.

“The more identities a man has,” Smiley says, “ the more they express the person they conceal.”

John le Carré, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy Included in both of these games is the full Storypath system. The Storypath system utilizes 10-sided dice for conflict and challenge resolution: just add the number of dots you have in a character Skill to the number of dots you have in a character Attribute and roll that number of D10s – all 8s, 9s, and 10s are hits!

Integrated within the Storypath system are the cinematic features for which the They Came From series is known, including powers that enable you to add special effects to your “movies,” summon stuntmen to replace your characters when they’re vulnerable or delete scenes when things aren’t going the way your protagonists would like.

“I will allow you to live as long as you serve me. Betray me, and I will joyfully send you back to rot in hell.” – Titus Cromwell, The Sword and the Sorcerer They Came from the [CLASSIFIED]! and They Came from the Cyclops’s Cave! contain masses of new abilities (from Tropes to Quips to Cinematics) and both games contain a new host of antagonists with which your stars can clash.

All They Came From RPGs promise a wealth of roleplaying fun.

Get prepared for the cinematic RPG experience of a lifetime!

KeyForge: Prophetic Visions from Ghost Galaxy is the newest set of the world’s first unique deck game. Predict future actions with new prophecy cards and unleash powerful fate effects. sales@ghostgalaxy.com

Paizo's Starfinder Era of the Eclipse from Hugo Award winning author Tim Pratt lets you experience firsthand the days after the Gap when history disappeared… Join Starfinder’s iconic characters as they rush to uncover the galaxy’s greatest mystery!

Galaxy Trucker: Do What?! From CGE adds modular chaos with wild missions, demanding VIP astronauts, a relaxed turnbased mode and unpredictable supercards.

Offer fans fresh ways to mix, match and hilariously dismantle their ships. cge.as/GT3-retailers

https://paizo.com/products/ btq09man?Era-of-the-Eclipse-aStarfinder-Novel Rival Cities from Pegasus is a two-player strategy game by Andreas Steding set in 16th century Germany.

This fierce competition between Hamburg and Altona is a multi-faceted battle of wits. pegasusna.com

Vibrant silicone dice from Old School Dice & Accessories are perfect for DnD, Pathfinder and more! Slightly oversized (18-23mm), balanced for fair rolls and made from a durable silicone blend that bounces with energy. oldschooldice.com/silicone

More New Products on pages 14, 32, 33, 52, 53, 74 42

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Adopt sad pets and make them happy!

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Grow your vegetables, manipulate the market, and make a fortune in Vegetable Stock! But beware, the market could crash at any moment!

UPC: 850039564482 | SKU: AWG DTE16VS | MSRP: $14.99

Inner Sea Countries Clash in Pathfinder Hellfire Crisis!

by Rue Dickey, Marketing and Media Specialist, Paizo

I

n the aftermath of the Godsrain and War of the Immortals, conflicts bubbled up across Golarion. Old enemies have begun preparing their armies, and the threat of full-blown war looms over Pathfinder’s Inner Sea. When war breaks out between the democratic nation of Andoran and the hell-worshipping monarchy of Cheliax, rippling effects will change the world of Golarion forever!

Like the War of Immortals meta event of 2024, the Hellfire Crisis will feature books across Pathfinder’s product lines, including rulebooks, adventures, a new novel and more!

Pathfinder Battlecry!

The pillar rulebook for this meta event is Pathfinder Battlecry!, a combatfocused rulebook with two new classes: the commander and the guardian. The commander is a strong leader, capable of granting actions to their companions outside of their turn by giving combat orders. The guardian is the most tank-like class yet in Pathfinder Second Edition, a master of shields, armor, and defensive tactics.

In addition to these new classes, Pathfinder Battlecry! introduces mass combat mechanics to Pathfinder Second Edition, bringing tactical wargaming to the Pathfinder table. In mass combat, players will control not only their own character, but also one or more troops, which share a turn and can take group actions. Pathfinder 44

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and infiltration are the names of the game in this adventure which pits heroes against devils, good against evil and underdogs against power!

Keep your eyes and ears open for a second Adventure Path set in the Hellfire Crisis, with more news coming later this year!

Battlecry! outlines a variety of new troops, joining the ones introduced in Pathfinder NPC Core, as well as rules for building your own troops!

Rounding out this rulebook is a collection of archetypes, new rituals, siege engines, and more – everything you need to stage a war of epic proportions at your table!

Pathfinder Adventure Path: Hellbreakers Kick off 2026 with a bang and join the Hellbreakers!

The first of two Adventure Paths tied in to the Hellfire Crisis, Hellbreakers takes players underground and undercover in an organization trying to bring down Cheliax’s hellish monarch, Abrogail Thrune.

Subterfuge, sabotage

Pathfinder Operation Hellmouth A new Pathfinder novel set in the thick of the Hellfire Crisis, Pathfinder Operation Hellmouth follows Valeros, the iconic fighter, from the front lines of Andoran to the depths of a Chelish prison. Seeking his long-lost daughter and desperate to prevent the opening of a new Hellmouth, Valeros joins forces with the Twilight Talon’s to stop a dragon’s diabolical plot.

The Battle for Hellknight Hill Take part in the opening conflict of the Hellfire Crisis at Gen Con 2025 with The Battle for Hellknight Hill! This special Organized Play event will preview the mass combat mechanics of Pathfinder Battlecry! and give players the opportunity to be a part of the Hellfire Crisis’ opening action!

Retailers that are registered Paizo Organized Play locations can request PDFs of The Battle for Hellknight Hill after its debut at Gen Con. Pathfinder’s Hellfire Crisis launches the world into global conflict at Gen Con 2025!

STARFINDER SECOND EDITION LAUNCHES INTO THE COSMOS THIS AUGUST! STOCK YOUR SHELVES WITH EVERYTHING NEEDED TO DELVE INTO PAIZO’S PREMIER SCIENCE-FANTASY ROLEPLAYING SYSTEM —FULLY COMPATIBLE WITH PATHFINDER SECOND EDITION!

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NEW! GOTHIC SECTOR: ELDAR Battlefield In A Box: Gothic Sector offers tabletop-ready painted terrain, allowing you to bring the grim vestiges of a battle-torn galaxy to life with haunting architecture that echoes with the whispers of fallen heroes.

Create your arena of war using the entire Eldar range to engage in combat across the galaxy and forge enduring legends.

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Under the Matte

by Chase Eisenmenger, Trade Marketing Manager, Dragon Shield

T

ime after time, merchants and tradesmen whispered of the dense, stubborn fog that clung to the jagged cliffs of the northern mountain range.

It was a fog unlike any other, thick as velvet, refusing to lift no matter how fiercely the sun burned or how wildly the winds howled. Travelers often cursed its presence, calling it a burden that slowed their journeys, forcing them to take longer, safer roads around the mountains rather than through the perilous passes.

To many, it was nothing more than a natural hazard, another trick of the wild northern lands.

But those who listened more closely, those who paid attention to the old stories and the warnings murmured over flickering campfires knew the truth. No ordinary mist lingered in those peaks. The fog was not a trick of weather or terrain, but a sign, a shield, and a warning.

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Hidden within the highest crests and deepest ravines of the range lay the ancient nesting grounds of the dragons. Creatures of earth and mountain, these dragons were unlike any others spoken of in songs and sagas. Their scales shimmered like polished granite, their talons struck with the force of avalanches, and their eyes gleamed like molten ore beneath a hardened shell.

Even the sharp, towering peaks of the mountains seemed small when set against the sheer size of the oldest among them.

The fog was their veil, woven by magic older than any human memory. It wound between the crags and cliffs, curling through narrow passes and tumbling into hidden valleys, cloaking the dragons from the curious eyes of the world below. No arrow could pierce it, no call could carry through it. Those who dared to enter uninvited often found themselves hopelessly lost, turned around by shifting trails and endless walls of stone. Few ever returned, and those who did spoke of the eerie silence broken only by the distant rumble of what might have been shifting rocks or the low, slumbering breath of something far more ancient.

Legends told that when the world was young, the dragons had shaped the mountains themselves, clawing

deep ravines and raising sheer cliffs as easily as a child might shape clay. Tired from their labors, they retreated into the cradles they had carved, hidden by the fog they spun from the breath of the earth.

There they slept in great brooding nests, their bodies so still that moss grew over their backs and vines tangled between their scales.

It was said that once every century, when the fog grew thin for a single day, a traveler might glimpse a colossal form shifting behind the mist a glimpse of wings that shimmered like marble, or a

tail that coiled around a mountain peak.

And for those lucky or unlucky enough to see them, the sight would never be forgotten.

To this day, the northern fog remains blanketing the mountain in its thick matte cloak. A silent sentinel, a living memory, and a quiet warning: that even in the age of iron and fire, there are still places where the earth remembers the old, wild powers that once shaped it.

An excerpt from Dragon Shield Lore showcasing Matte. Our Matte textured back has been a fan-favorite for over a decade, but its legacy extends through time.

Protection worthy of dragons A shuue-feel like no other Colors as bold as your deck

A fan-favorite for over a decade Available Now! Order Now at Portal.PHDGames.com PHD is a proud distributor of Dragon Shield.

In Endeavor: Deep Sea in KTBG, lead a crew of environmental specialists fighting to preserve the fragile balance of the ocean. It’s easy to learn and can be played cooperatively or competitively. kidstablebg.com

Rebel Princess: Happily Never After from Bezier Games is the first expansion to Rebel Princess Deluxe Edition.

This time, they’ll have more princesses, more round cards, and hopefully no princes!

The Dungeons & Lasers line from Archon Studio is filled with countless miniatures to explore.

Dragons made with HIPS plastic injection offer stunning detail and easy assembly. adrianna.k@archon-studio.com

Get ready for even more laughs with the new editions of Telestrations from The Op Games – the telephone game sketched out. Featuring new artwork, more content and endless laughs!

Available in eight- and 12-player editions. sales@usaopoly.com With a Seal of Excellence and Golden Geek nomination, Fateforge: Chronicles of Kaan from Mighty Boards is the cooperative, actionadventure you seek.

It offers that deep immersive experience you love. mighty-boards. com/12/49/products/ Fateforge-Chronicles-ofKaan

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The Munchkin Big Box from Steve Jackson Games is the ultimate collector’s edition.

Includes more than 700 cards, two gameboards, wooden meeples, bookmarks, Kill-O-Meters, dice, a Spyke enamel pin and more! munchkin.game/bigbox

The Angelic Warfare board game returns with Deliverance: Council of the Fallen from Next Level Web. Can you safeguard the saints of Fallbrook and hold off the encroaching darkness long enough to emerge victorious?

Operation Hellmouth from Paizo promises an unforgettable adventure of infernal plotting and family drama on the high seas, set in the award-winning Age of Lost Omens setting for the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game.

playdeliverance.com/cotf

MSRP $29.99 https://paizo.com/products/ btq0ayx2?Operation-HellmouthA-Pathfinder-Novel

Fortune and Glory: The Cliffhanger Game from Flying Frog is back with a brand-new revised edition!

A fast-paced game of high adventure, vile Villains, edge-of-your-seat danger and 1930’s cliffhanger pulp movie action. sarah@flyingfrog.net Hedge Mage from Floodgate Games is a wizard versus wizard prank war, in a neighborhood of powerful hedge mages, each with two powers: grow shrubs and animate garden gnomes. floodgate.games

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Innovation Meets Imagination

by Aaron Muderick, Owner/ Founder of Crazy Aaron’s

C

razy Aaron’s specialty retail partners hold a special place in my heart. From day one, you’ve helped bring my most imaginative creations to life. Your early support and honest feedback shaped our products and packaging into what they are today – thank you!

One of our first retail partners proudly placed our iconic yellow display stand front and center, complete with a “Crazy Aaron’s Sold Here” window sticker. It caught the eye of every passerby and drove sales. Over time, we introduced tools to keep that magic going – fresh signage, video screens and even a compound bar for hands-on interaction. But that store didn’t adopt the updates. Sales declined. Slow movers lingered, eating up display space. Eventually, the display got pushed aside, was cluttered with other products and our presence faded. Sales dropped further, and the owner assumed Thinking Putty had run its course. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

Behind the scenes, Crazy Aaron’s was growing! We ramped up new product launches and built huge awareness online; our Crazy Aaron’s content garnered more than 250 million views last year alone! The stores seeing that same success in their sales have

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Foot Traffic Follows been the ones evolving with us. Kids and parents alike are drawn to excitement, branded experiences and hands-on engagement. All of this drives foot traffic.

Because we’re made in the USA, we can pivot quickly and offer dynamic tools to keep momentum high. Amongst our peers, Crazy Aaron’s boasts one of the highest repeat purchase rates across all age groups – and we’re eager to help you leverage that into more customer store visits.

This year, we have fresh signage and vibrant new experiential displays like the show-stopping Liquid Glass Tower, traveling Putty Puller Machine, Thinking Putty waterfalls, giant Slime Charmer blobs and more. These create the “wow” moments customers love to share on social media.

Want to energize your front window or create an in-store experience zone? We’ve got you covered. Our growing marketing team maintains a Dropbox full of current lifestyle images, videos and social content.

Need something custom? Just ask! I’m happy to make personalized videos for store anniversaries, customer birthdays or community events. Our Mix Mart, where customers create their own slime or putty, has been a smash hit. With a single, quickly trained staff member, you can pre-sell tickets, bring in foot traffic, boost sales and deliver an unforgettable experience.

Depending on your layout, our mobile Mix Mart Stand or Play Day kits can roll into your store for a weekend, deliver the magic and head out when it’s over. We don’t need to monopolize your square footage or ask for a capital investment with a permanent installation.

I love solving creative problems – and I know you do, too.

Stop by Booth #1500 at Astra Marketplace & Academy to see our latest tools in action. I’m eager for your feedback. Working together, we can take your Crazy Aaron’s business to the next level together! Reach us at 866-578-2845 or customercare@ crazyaarons.com to get started.

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THE

Next Generation

by Jillian Schumacher, Marketing Manager, Brotherwise Games

B

rotherwise Games started in the board game industry a little more than years ago with a game you might have heard of: Boss Monster. Inspired by retro video games, Boss Monster pits two to four players in a competition to build the ultimate side-scrolling dungeon. This card game was crowdfunded on Kickstarter in 2013, and shortly after, it became a best-selling hit that produced six expansions and spin-offs like Overboss and Dungeon Kart.

Even though the Boss Monster series has sold more than a million copies, the team at Brotherwise heard plenty of critical feedback about the game from hobby gamers and fans. So, a Reddit post was born on the r/boardgames subreddit in 2022.

Old boss, new tricks

Johnny O’Neal, Boss Monster designer and co-founder of Brotherwise Games, wanted to hear from customers in the board gaming hobby about their experience with Boss Monster … and boy, did he get a lot of feedback! The critiques crystallized many things that the team already knew: the original Boss Monster felt too random and didn’t offer enough player agency. At the same time, a surprising number of folks chimed in to say that they like how Boss Monster delivers big, exhilarating moments.

Along with Brotherwise CEO, Chris O’Neal, and Lead Developer, Hayden Dillard, the team at Brotherwise set two major constraints in the design for Super Boss Monster: Retain the core mechanisms, that is, building your “dungeon” tableau and “bidding” for heroes with treasure. Any new mechanisms should reinforce those elements.

Ensure backward compatibility with Boss Monster and all of its expansions. We wanted to enhance the experience, not invalidate the original game.

Getting on board

Super Boss Monster is truly the next generation in the Boss Monster universe. One to four players compete to build the ultimate side-scrolling dungeon by drafting room cards, playing spells and luring in hapless adventurers. The game is supercharged with a central town board that introduces new mechanics, such as card drafting and player action selection.

You’ll have to be ruthless; if too many heroes stack up in town, they’ll overflow into the town’s special landmarks, gaining boosts that make them tougher to slay. But you’ll also need to be clever; your minion can activate landmarks not occupied by heroes for game-changing strategies that can make or break your turn.

Draft rooms, build your dungeon, draw in heroes and slay them! Only the most sinister boss can win at Super Boss Monster! Available now.

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1-4 Players | 30 Minutes | Ages 13+ The next evolution of Boss Monster, the board game that’s captured the hearts of board gamers for over a decade, is here! In this dungeon-building card game, players will draft rooms and spells, slay heroes, and sabotage opponents in the pursuit of being the best Boss Monster in the land.

12 NEW BOSSES!

An all-new Town Board introduces new mechanics to the classic card game. Send your Minion meeple to Town to recruit Heroes to your dungeon, and draft Room and Spell cards!

AVAILABLE NOW! www.brotherwisegames.com

Tea Witches

By Manny Vega, Designer

W

elcome to the wonderful world of Tea Witches, brought to you by the amazing art of Sandara Tang and the magical mind of Manny Vega. Take on the role of a mystical tea vendor and serve lines of thirsty witches by sending out your adorable animated Tea Pups to gather the perfect brews. Maintain your loyal customers, impress some celebri-teas and improve your special tea hut to earn prestige and win the Teaquinox Faire!

Inspired by her love of tea and cute little creatures, Tang created a series of drawings with animated teapots that would later become the Tea Pups. As soon as they were posted online, people went wild for them, so, of course, our plans for a game featuring them began. We knew that the pups needed to fill their tummies with tea, so the spinning fountain and “fillable” meeples became our focus. Once we had the basic fill-and-serve mechanics, it was time for the shops to take shape. Luckily, there are plen-tea of puns available and giving each location its own personali-tea and abili-tea gave the game the flexibili-tea we were looking for (OK, I’ll stop). Of course, every player had to have their deck of unique witchy customers to line up and place orders, but something was still missing.

One night (morning for Tang), we were talking about a better way to store tea and add upgrades that players could use. I offhandedly suggested we needed a walking chicken hut that could serve as a kind of food truck that could store everything. She called me crazy, we laughed

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about it and I went to sleep soon after. The next morning, there’s a fully colored image in my DMs of a witch with her Tea Pups serving tea out of a magnificent chicken-legged tea hut! This gave us the engine-building aspect we needed, and the game fully came into focus.

Tea Witches has been an amazing experience from the very beginning, and we are both so excited for everyone to dig into all the gorgeous details and silly stories we have lovingly crafted. The presentation is top notch, and the central fountain is so satisfying to spin, especially when you can score the perfect tea service and to-go order combo!

Get ready to serve some tea at GenCon 2025!

Welcome to The Teaquinox Faire!

The Tequinox Faire is heating up in Britewitch and the contestants only have four days to prove their kettle has the mettle to win!

From the Designer and Illustrator of Flamecraft

DELUXE UPGRADE KIT AVAILABLE!

12+

2-4

30 Min. Per Player

©2025 USAopoly, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

BOLT ACTION

Band of Brothers

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

A

t Warlord Games, history comes to life on the tabletop. Whether organising Roman legions into battlelines, refighting Waterloo with Napoleonic armies or storming the beaches of Normandy, our games invite players to refight iconic moments from across military history. With beautifully crafted miniatures and intuitive, fastpaced rules, we make it easy for hobbyists of all experience levels to dive in and test their tactical acumen in thrilling, fastpaced games of tabletop combat.

As Bolt Action, our award-winning World War II game, now in its third edition, continues to thrive, we wanted to make it accessible as possible for new players. Bolt Action covers the entirety of World War II, with many theatres and armies available to choose from.

Enter the newly enhanced Band of Brothers starter set, an ideal introduction to the world of Bolt Action themed around the famous actions on D-Day, 1944. More than just a simple relaunch, this new set has been thoughtfully designed to equip new players with everything they need to get started.

Building on the success of both the previous edition of Band of Brothers and the recent Bolt Action Starter Set, this new version now includes a double-sided paper gaming mat, dice bag and a bespoke 62

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version of the Bolt Action Field Manual tailored to the contents of the set, perfect for learning the game.

Inside the box, players will find two balanced forces: U.S. Airborne for the Allies and German Grenadiers for the Axis, supplemented with a German Sd.Kfz 251/1 half-track, a U.S. M3A1 half-track, custom order dice, tokens and an A5 version of the full rulebook – the perfect next step for learning the rules after completing the training missions from the Field Manual.

The Bolt Action Field Manual is the cornerstone of this experience for newcomers to Bolt Action.

It guides readers through every facet of the hobby – from assembling and painting miniatures to learning the core game mechanics and building a full army. Six

streamlined “Introductory Missions” take players through the fundamentals of gameplay step by step, gradually introducing core game mechanics such as movement, shooting, pinning and armored warfare.

By the end of these missions, players will not only grasp the essentials of Bolt Action but will have clear guidance on how to build a full army and dive deeper into the rich world of historical wargaming.

Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a returning general, the Bolt Action: Band of Brothers Starter Set is a perfect gateway into exploring the exciting battlefields of World War II. If you’re interested in stocking the Bolt Action: Band of Brothers Starter Set or other Warlord Games products, please get in touch. Email us at newbusiness@ warlordgames.com or call +44 (0) 115 978 4202.

WAGE WORLD WAR II ON YOUR TABLETOP!

BAND OF BROTHERS The Bolt Action: Band of Brothers 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 Airborne in their iconic D-Day uniforms. You’ll also find a double-sided 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!

Bolt Action: Band of Brothers Starter Set RRP/MSRP: £95 / €114 / $152

For 2 players Play time 30-60 minutes per session Ages 14+

Contents: 64 page Full Colour Handbook, 1 A5 Bolt Action: Third Edition Rulebook, 24 Plastic Miniatures (12x German Grenadiers, 12x US Airborne), 1 German Half-track, 1 US Half-track, 1 Plastic Ruined Farmhouse Terrain Piece, Double-sided Playmat, Plastic Gaming Tokens, 10 Bolt Action Order Dice, 10 Dice and a Dice Bag.

®

The finest miniatures in history!

NOT YET A STOCKIST? GET IN TOUCH TODAY!

EMAIL - NEWBUSINESS@WARLORDGAMES.COM CALL - +44 (0) 115 978 4202

Old School Dice and Accessories

A Fresh Take

on Wholesale Dice Distribution

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

I

n a rapidly growing tabletop gaming market, it’s not just about having quality products—it’s about having the right partner. That’s where Old School Dice & Accessories stands out. With a steadfast focus on serving retail partners, game stores and e-commerce sellers, Old School Dice has built its reputation by redefining what it means to be a dependable B2B supplier.

Service that feels personal – because it is

While many companies promise excellent customer service, Old School Dice delivers it in a way that’s tangible.

Each wholesale partner is assigned a dedicated account representative – no call centers, no bots and no handoffs.

Whether it’s a question, a pre-built order or an inventory check, their team is ready and willing to assist. It’s about building relationships, not just filling orders.

And when things go wrong? Old School Dice prides itself on resolving issues fast and fairly. A quick call or message is all it takes to get things back on track – often in the same day.

An expansive, ever-evolving product catalog

One of the company’s greatest strengths is its commitment to innovation.

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With more than 900 SKUs and new items released monthly (sometimes even weekly), Old School Dice ensures that their partners always have something fresh to offer their customers.

From classic sets to themed collections and trending styles, the catalog is a dynamic mix of core bestsellers and exciting new additions.

Better yet, product development isn’t done in a vacuum. Many ideas are sourced directly from wholesale partners, ensuring the catalog reflects real demand from the front lines of retail.

Wholesale first, always

Unlike many competitors, Old School Dice is not retail-first. Their business is – and always has been – structured around the needs of wholesale customers. Policies, pricing, packaging and promotions are all designed with store owners and resellers in mind. Every product comes ready to display, barcoded and shelf-ready right

out of the box.

This focus means you’re never competing with your supplier, and you’re always getting the attention you deserve.

Built for convenience

From onboarding to restocking, Old School Dice has made every part of the buying process as easy as possible.

Wholesale partners enjoy: Low free shipping minimums No order size or frequency requirements Streamlined online ordering Fast, responsive support Whether you’re looking to fill a few gaps in your inventory or seeking a primary dice supplier, Old School Dice & Accessories is built to work with you.

If you’re ready to work with a dice supplier that puts your business first, visit oldschooldice.com or connect with them on Facebook and Google. With Old School Dice, you’re not just buying products – you’re gaining a partner that’s invested in your success.

Inspirations Inspiring individuals deserve The Inspiration Award recipients for 2024 include:

Peter Petrusha

Peter Petrusha, a publisher, community leader and organizer in the tabletop gaming community Pete Petrusha (he/him) is an ENNIE Award-winning indie game designer, tabletop RPG publisher and the creative director at Imagining Games. He is the driving force behind the storybuilding promise of Dreamchaser: A Game of Destiny, the ridiculous roommate roleplaying of Rest in Pieces and the foodie crime drama of CHEW: The Roleplaying Game. As the Midwest Sales Affiliate for Indie Press Revolution and an avid convention booth exhibitor (Imagining Games), Pete promotes tabletop RPGs nationwide, curating selections for RPG enthusiasts and newcomers alike. He actively fosters diverse gaming communities by speaking at universities, mentoring designers, and going the extra mile to bring RPGs to players wherever they are. Pete has hosted the Indie Groundbreaker Awards, served in leadership roles in the Indie Game Developer Network, organized Games on Demand and led the charge behind the Metatopia Diversity Sponsorship.

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Gamescape

Gamescape, a leading retail store based in San Francisco, CA This born and raised San Franciscan grew up in a multiracial family, owned several retail game stores in the Bay Area. A 90s kid who spent most of their childhood playing video and card games while watching a lot of Nickelodeon. Joined Gamescape in 2009 with the primary roles as a buyer, marketer, accountant and administrator. Assisted the store in obtaining legacy status with the city of San Francisco in 2020. Former president and treasurer of the Divisadero Merchants Association. Currently, advocating for small business interests within the county with the primary focus of community engagement and inclusive practices within the workplace.

Awards inspiring awards and recognition

GAMA’s DEI Committee started the Inspirations Award to help recognize some of the most creative and determined people in the board game industry who seek to not just grow their business - but also take the time to help grow others.

Rose Gauntlet Foundation

Rose Gauntlet Foundation, a groundbreaking nonprofit promoting DEI Isaac Vega (left) and Lindsey Rode (right) are the visionary cofounders of Rose Gauntlet Entertainment, a publishing company established in 2020 to craft immersive and inclusive tabletop gaming experiences. Having both worked in tabletop games for more than 10 years, each have developed and contributed to many successful projects for companies such as Plaid Hat Games, Fantasy Flight, Pretzel Games and Wyrd Games. As they developed their company and reflected on their experiences, they became deeply committed to fostering diversity and community within the gaming industry. In 2023, they launched the Rose Gauntlet Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting underrepresented individuals in tabletop gaming.

The foundation's initiatives include the BIPOC Lounge at Gen Con, which provides a welcoming space for gamers of color to connect and network.

Pam Walls

Pam Walls, game designer and founder of the online community Board Game Besties Pam Walls is a board game designer based in Vancouver, British Columbia, renowned for her innovative contributions to the tabletop gaming community. Pam is a member of the Board Game Besties, a group committed to supporting and mentoring emerging game designers. Through this platform, she collaborates with peers to provide guidance resources, and encouragement to those entering the field. Her involvement shows her dedication to fostering If you would like to make a vibrant and inclusive a nomination for the 2025 board game design Inspiration Awards, please scan community. the QR code by July 30, 2025. The honored recipients will be announced in Q1 2026.

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C

AS

I

n the deep reaches of space, lightyears from Earth, an incredible discovery has been made. The planet Alarria is the first we’ve encountered that can sustain complex life. Even more exciting, it’s home to a diverse variety of creatures, both docile and dangerous. The potential knowledge we could gain from studying the fauna of this distant planet is limitless, so when an asteroid was detected hurtling towards Alarria, saving the planet became priority number one. The only question is how?

In How to Save a World, players are tasked with averting an impending disaster. There are three projects in place, each with their own pros and cons. A laser with the ability to destroy the asteroid before it ever arrives is being constructed.

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An energy shield capable of changing its trajectory is being raised. As a last resort, plans for a planetary evacuation are under way. It’s up to players to decide which project has the best chance of success and to contribute the most to that effort.

How to Save a World is an exciting new game from Burnt Island Games, the publisher of Endeavor: Deep Sea, In the Hall of the Mountain King and In Too Deep. This exciting adventure game combines mechanisms that hobby gamers will be familiar with unique new goals and execution. One of the most iconic components is the giant asteroid marker that acts as a timer for the game marching forward towards the planet, spelling out certain doom unless something is done.

Actions in the game are driven with worker placement and card play. Some cards will give players new actions, others will boost actions that they take. Species cards represent the different animals native to Alarria like quiblets, Ravenous riverhorses, and sentient rocks. Collecting species cards earns players end game points.

DE

by Sean Jacquemain, Marketing Director, KTBG/Burnt Island Games

RI

How to Save a World I-FI THRILL

How to Save a World is played over a series of rounds. As time ticks by, the asteroid creeps forward representing the looming danger that players face. Will they be able to complete their goals before time runs out? As players contribute to different projects, cubes representing advancement are added to a bag. At the end of each round, cubes are drawn. Some will add to the advancement of the three projects, but black cubes will advance the asteroid ever faster towards Alarria. Not only does this ratchet up the tension for players, but they never know when the last round is going to come.

Each decision they make carries critical weight, as the impact could occur at any moment.

In a sea of strategic games, How to Save a World stands out with novel execution and theme right out of a sci-fi movie. Players feel the consequences of their decisions in real time and the fate of an entire planet rests in the moves that they make. It plays one to four scientists in about 30 minutes for each player. Look for this thrilling adventure game in retail Q3 of 2025.

AVAILABLE FOR RETAIL END OF Q2 KIDSTABLEBG.COM

AVAILABLE FOR RETAIL END OF Q2 BURNTISLANDGAMES.COM

The Great Sea Awaits!

by Valerie Osbourn, Director of Internal Resources, Magpie Games

M

agpie Games, the publisher behind Avatar Legends, Urban Shadows and Masks: A New Generation, is preparing to launch its next major title: Rapscallion, a pirate-themed tabletop roleplaying game built on the popular Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA) system. After more than five years of development – including extensive playtesting, writing, design and illustration – the game is slated for full release on August 20.

Funded in part by a successful Backerkit campaign that raised more than $185,000, Rapscallion invites players into the unpredictable, myth-laden world of the Great Sea. Here, crews of daring pirates navigate ever-shifting waters, confront magical phenomena and chase treasure and freedom through narrativedriven adventures. At its core, Rapscallion is a story about chaos and choice, in a world that refuses to be tamed.

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In fact, the game introduces players to a realm where the sea itself is in constant flux – one voyage might reveal a cove of sirens, another a haunted storm or a chasm into the underworld.

Each playthrough begins with a sparse map that grows and evolves as players explore, shaping their own version of the Great Sea over time. This setting flexibility, combined with high-concept piratic elements, sets Rapscallion apart from more grounded pirate fare.

Character creation centers around distinctive playbooks that define a player’s archetype, abilities and narrative hooks.

Players might portray a captain possessed by vengeful ghosts, a sea-sorcerer bound by dark bargains or a navigator who’s literally stolen the heart of the ocean. In addition to 10 character playbooks, the game includes three ship playbooks which represent not only the crew’s vessel but also its personality, strengths and potential narrative complications.

The full product line launching this August includes a 6- by 9-inch, 250-plus page, full-color core book featuring the full ruleset, rich lore and striking illustrations. Magpie Games is also releasing a Rapscallion dice pack emblazoned with salty skulls, a dice tray with full colored illustrations and a GM screen designed to provide quick-reference tools and immersive artwork at the table. All products will be available in retail stores upon the game’s official release!

With its bold tone, evocative setting and dynamic mechanics, Rapscallion offers something new for both veteran game masters and players hungry for high-seas drama. Weigh anchor and make way! In the name of freedom, family, adventure, and most importantly – treasure!

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Crack open the fun with Egg-Cellent Thinking Putty®— winner of several 2025 awards, including Creative Play’s Best Sensory Toy! Find the best fidgets for all ages at Crazy Aaron’s®.

Fun for everyone is just a stretch away! crazyaarons.com

With the All Game Terrain In-Store Clinic from Woodland Scenics, teach up to 10 gamers to easily create realistic environments on a miniature base. Includes scenery products for forest, desert or muddy terrain.

573-346-5555 sales@allgameterrain.com

North Star Game Studio's Nature is a strategy board game by the designer of the award-winning Evolution series. In Nature, you will try to grow the population of your species in a dynamic ecosystem where food is scarce and predators lurk. Give your species traits like Tusked to help them find food, Fast to outrun predators, or Clawed to hunt other species. Every game brings new species and new challenges.

Welcome to Nature, where every game brings a new world to explore!

Coming to retail August 2025.

NorthStarGames. com

Players return to Matte Sleeves from Peachstate Hobby Distribution for their durability, feel and style. With legendary toughness, a supremely smooth shuffle feel and vibrant color choices, Matte Sleeves are a must-have. portal.phdgames.com

Dragon Shield Board Game Sleeves from Arcane Tinmen are acid- and PVC-free, with a reinforced thickness that are clear on one side and non-glare on the other.

Available in 10 sizes. gtsdistribution.com

More New Products on pages 14, 32, 33, 42, 52, 53 74

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The Battle for All Time Continues in 2025!

by Sophia Gambill, Marketing and Sales Coordinator, Renegade Game Studios

H

eroscape Organized Play found great success upon its launch in 2024 with players and stores around the world! The program kicked off at Gen Con 2024 with hundreds of Heroscape players ready to join the battle. Heroscape found its home in friendly local game stores with events featuring special prize support kits for players. We have even bigger plans for 2025 cooked up! Find out what we have in store and how you can get involved in Organized Play this year.

We started releasing free monthly scenarios in 2024 and will continue to release these throughout 2025. Our scenarios provide players with dynamic and interesting content to shake up their games of Heroscape. These scenarios are available for download at renegadegamestudios.com/heroscapebonus-content. Run these scenarios in your store for free!

Those interested in Prize Support Kits will be happy to know that we will continue releasing kits for approved Heroscape Battle Network events! These kits will feature new figures every few months, with the current

Spring 2025 Kit featuring Thyraxis Dragoon, released in February 2025.

Prize kits are available to event organizers for three months before those figures become available for purchase. Shiori and Cornelius Breech went on sale on February 21.

Want to order Prize Support Kits for your store? You can order kits on the Heroscape Battle Network! To sign up, head over to playheroscape. renegadegamestudios.com and create an account for your store.

Once approved, you’ll be able to order kits and list your store events for players all over the world to see! Take advantage of all the Heroscape Battle Network has to offer and create an account for your store today!

This year will kick off the Heroscape Store Championships! Players will battle for glory, exclusive prizes, and a coveted spot in the 2025 Heroscape World Championship in these events. Interested in getting your store involved in these events? Here’s what you need to know: Dates: May 2 to June 29, 2025 Locations: Hosted at Heroscape Battle Networkapproved game stores worldwide.

Prizes and rewards: Unique prizes for participation, top eight players, champions and organizers, which include special figures, foil army

cards, and exclusive order markers.

Applications: Heroscape Battle Network Organizers can apply to host a store championship.

How to apply: Any game store in good standing with the Heroscape Battle Network is eligible to host. Submit your application on the Heroscape Battle Network at playheroscape. renegadegamestudios.com/event-survey.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible global event! Apply now and stay tuned for more updates.

We have more coming for premierlevel Heroscape organized play in 2025, including the World Championship at Gen Con and Valkyrie Trial Events, which will kick off in June. More information on those will be released this quarter, so make sure to subscribe to our Retailer Newsletter to stay updated. Sign up at retailers.renegadegamestudios.com/ retailers.

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It’s a Lot to Wrap Your Hedge Around

by Nathan Thornton, Wordsmith, Floodgate Games

E

very board gamer loves the feeling of introducing a new game to their group. But what we really love is being the one who shows up to game night with something that’s completely new and truly unique – popping the lid off a game that’s like nothing our friends have seen before.

Cut to you, rolling into the party with Hedge Mage and giving this pitch: Ok, we’re all wizards who are nextdoor neighbors. Stay with me here. And we’re sneaking into each other’s yards to steal back the enchanted garden gnomes that our neighbor stole while simultaneously building a hedge mage in our own yards to prevent our other neighbor from taking back the garden gnomes that we stole.

It’s like playing two games at once: one where you’re building and defending and one where you’re sneaking and attacking. It’ll all make sense after, like, two turns. And look how cute the pieces are. Come on, let’s play!

Hedge Mage is designed by Connor Wake and illustrated by Josh Nelson, and it’s a game like no other. It’s a polyomino puzzle, simultaneous action, engine building, pick-up-and-deliver game for two to four players that clocks in at under

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an hour. But wait till you see the way all these elegant systems come together.

Play offense and defense at the same time

You’re moving your wizard around a board while it’s being built by your opponent. And your other opponent is moving on the board you’re building. And everybody’s looking over both shoulders in an ever-escalating race to grab your gnomes while trying to impede, block and barricade your neighbor who’s doing that exact same thing.

It’s got yards and yards of player interaction and the strategy doesn’t let up for even a second.

Sneak around a constantly shifting puzzle When you place polyominoes to

build your maze, you’ll create an evermore-complicated labyrinth for your opponent to make their way through.

And as you do, you’ll gain movement points that you’ll use to strategically sneak around in your neighbor’s yard that’s also twisting and turning with new paths and dead ends.

With a playing field that changes every single turn, switch up your tactics to stay one step ahead.

The perfect balance of complete order and total chaos

Don’t let the enchantingly cute components fool you. There’s a powerful strategic challenge underneath those little mushroom heads. Line up your tiles to maximize your movement points. Use your movement points to move your mages. Move your mages to wake up your gnomes. Wake up your gnomes to get them home.

Use left-brain strategy to build on one side and right brain creativity to move on the other. It’s a lot!

We can say without hesitation that Hedge Mage is the world’s very first game that…does all this. To stock this totally unique game, or learn more, visit floodgate.games.

Creating Our First Biodegradable Board Game:

NATURE

by Sam Sanders, Operations Manager, North Star Game Studios

I

t’s no secret that board games often contain plastic. For our newest game, Nature, we decided to flip that convention on its head.

Nature, which launches at Gen Con 2025 with five expansion modules, is completely biodegradable. The crowdfunding campaign for Nature, which received more than $1 million in funding through Kickstarter and Backerkit, has become North Star Games’ biggest campaign ever.

It was a risky choice to make our biggest game ever our first biodegradable one, but after a lot of work and rework, we are thrilled with the results.

Why we chose to become biodegradable

While playing Nature, you must use trait cards to adapt to a changing environment, grow the population of your species and thrive in a dynamic ecosystem where food is scarce and predators lurk. It is hard not to be reminded that in the real world, species and food sources are often damaged by the impacts of climate change and plastic production.

If we wanted to be champions of a game about nature, we knew it was important to lead by example, even if it meant an increase in cost. We wanted to be part of a larger climate solution by taking the little steps we could in our position to make a positive impact.

Making the trays plastic free

For the Big Box and Big Box Deluxe versions of Nature, our storage solution is made of pulp. This is the first time North Star Games, Blackform Trays or our manufacturer has worked with pulp.

Pulp molds are less flexible than plastic. With plastic, you can often create small skinny dividers, sharp corners or even embossed complicated text or images. With a pulp mold’s more limited capabilities, we came up with a storage method that included stacking, similar to Legos, to keep pieces and cards in place.

We worked with our manufacturer to create complex designs 78

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for our paper trays in all other versions of Nature that allowed dedicated spaces for cards and other components.

Paper storage instead of plastic bags

Instead of plastic bags, we designed custom drawer boxes to hold components. This has two unique advantages. First, it reduces the plastic in the game. Second, the drawer boxes allow you to slide the drawer out and place it on the table during gameplay, allowing for easy, organized access to components.

Specialty pins on spinners and dice

We worked on our spinners with the manufacturer to source pins that were environmentally friendly without sacrificing functionality. Ultimately, we opted for spinner pins that were made from biodegradable polylactic acid, which when tested, allows the spinners to turn freely.

For dice, we opted for a luxurious feel. We made our dice out of zelkova wood, native to East Asia; this wood is prized for its beauty, durability and resistance to decay.

Removing shrink wrap

The last step was removing the shrink wrap, which was a bit more complicated than expected. Games are sometimes closed with a “lid lift.” This means that the box is not flush when it is shrink-wrapped because of cardboard punchouts. Once someone buys the game and punches out the punchboards, the box will close perfectly flush.

We used stickers to close the box, which requires a perfect flush when packing. This meant we had to design our tray with extra care to be functional and firm with or without the cardboard punchouts in the box.

Adapt to �e Changing Envir�ment

NSG 760 MSRP $34.99 10+

1-4

30-45

Grow the population of your species in a dynamic ecosystem where food is scarce and predators lurk.

Give them traits like Tusked to help find food, Fast to outrun predators, or Clawed to hunt other species.

Welcome to Nature, where every game brings a new world to explore!

NSG 761 MSRP $19.99

NSG 762 MSRP $24.99

BLAST OFF WITH

Starfinder SECOND EDITION

by Rue Dickey, Marketing and Media Specialist, Paizo

A

fter an extensive and fruitful playtesting period, Starfinder Second Edition is launching in earnest at Gen Con 2025! The Starfinder Team has been hard at work bringing the system and setting into the future and are excited to invite players new and old to explore the stars!

Starfinder Galaxy Guide Start prepping your stellar campaigns with the ultimate guide to Starfinder’s science-fantasy setting! Starfinder Galaxy Guide is your ticket to the cosmos, detailing all of the major planets, space stations and celestial bodies in Starfinder Second Edition! This book is designed with both GMs and players in mind – organizing the locales into types of adventures and offering a host of ancestries, backgrounds and other player options! Whether you’re looking for high tech, horror, fantasy or dystopian flavor for your game, Starfinder Galaxy Guide will lead you on your journey into the stars!

Starfinder Galaxy Guide is available in standard hardcover, special edition

faux-leatherette and retailer exclusive retro game-inspired hardcover, with a softcover pocket edition to follow!

Starfinder Player Core The core rulebook for Starfinder Second Edition, Starfinder Player Core gives you everything you need to start playing!

Starfinder Player Core contains full rules for eight classes, six ancestries and countless backgrounds, feats and customization options! Plus, game masters can find a basic guide to running Starfinder Second Edition within this book’s 464 pages.

For more in-depth rules on custom worlds, subsystems and cinematic starship combat, mark your calendars for September, when Starfinder GM Core will expand the game master’s toolset!

Starfinder Player Core launches in standard hardcover, special edition fauxleatherette and retailer exclusive retro game-inspired hardcover, with a softcover pocket edition to follow!

Starfinder Murder in Metal City Deluxe Boxed Adventure Delve into a high-tech murder mystery with Starfinder Murder in Metal City. This deluxe boxed adventure comes with everything you need to run an immersive, in-depth first level adventure spanning multiple sessions of play. Murder in Metal City sets players off to investigate the murder of an android on Aballon, the planet of machines! With only an ominous message and a trail of clues to follow, the adventurers must hunt down the murderer – or be hunted themselves!

Starfinder Murder in Metal City

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comes complete with pre-generated characters, a double-sided flip-mat featuring key adventure locations, handouts and more!

Starfinder Society Second Edition Organized Play hosts and players alike, start your engines! Starfinder Society Second Edition is launching alongside the new system launch at Gen Con! Paizo’s Organized Play team has revamped Starfinder Society for this new edition, ensuring a smooth onboarding process for new and transitioning players! With shorter scenarios, tighter level ranges and more consistent rules content, these adventures are sure to be a hit for game night. Plus, Starfinder Society Second Edition will be well-stocked, with two scenarios releasing every month for the first year!

Interested in becoming an Organized Play retailer? Check out paizo.com/paizo/ retailers to get started.

Look up to the stars – Starfinder Second Edition is ready for take-off!

FACE YOUR MYTHIC DESTINY AND PREPARE FOR ALL-OUT WAR! THIS FALL, PATHFINDER ENTERS A NEW META EVENT THAT WILL CHANGE THE FACE OF GOLARION FOREVER!

PATHFINDER BATTLECRY - PZO12008 - $64.99

SIGN UP FOR OUR RETAILER NEWSLETTER!

MYTH-SPEAKER AP THE ACROPOLIS PYRE - PZO15216 - $29.99 DEATH SAILS A WINE-DARK SEA - PZO15217 - $29.99 TITANBANE - PZO15218 - $29.99

PATHFINDER NOVEL OPERATION HELLMOUTH PZO18005 - $29.99

© 2025, Paizo Inc. Paizo, the Paizo golem logo, Starfinder, and the Starfinder logo are registered trademarks of Paizo Inc.; and the Starfinder Roleplaying Game are trademarks of Paizo Incv

GAMA news

O

ORIGINS TRADE DAY

rigins Trade Day 2025 is a daylong educational event for industry professionals, held at the start of Origins Game Fair. The event kicks off with a low-key reception for GAMA members at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18 and continues through the day with educational sessions till 5:30 p.m.

This year, you will find more than a dozen presentations targeting retail members, along with several product sessions from publishers and sponsors. We also have dedicated programming targeting designers, content creators and event managers! All members are welcome to attend these sessions.

Trade day continues into the night, with a publisher-led game demo event from 7 to 9 p.m. where retail and media members will have a chance to view hot and new games and accessories. This is also a great opportunity to network with fellow industry professionals.

The complete schedule will be posted online.

Highlights include: • Registration open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Media First Look/Game Night 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 20 Early Exhibit Hall Admission 9 to 10 a.m., with a staging area near the Hall A Entrance. GAMA Members and attending media are allowed into the exhibit hall an hour early on

Thursday. Please line up near the front entrance to Hall A starting at 8:30 a.m. You must have your show badge and member ribbon or media badge to enter during this time.

GAMA staff and security personnel will be on hand to check badges and answer questions.

Trade Day registration GAMA members can attend Origins Trade Days for free.

Each company receives two complimentary badges as a benefit of membership. Please note, these badges are in addition to badges exhibitors receive for being in the exhibit hall. Trade Day attendees are welcome to stay for the rest of Origins as part of their badge at no additional cost! You must register in advance to participate in this program.

GAMA Member’s Lounge The GAMA Member’s Lounge will be open throughout Origins to provide a space for members to network, conduct business and hang out during the show. Please note that this area is designated as alcohol free to provide an alternative to the Big Bar on 2 for industry members to conduct business.

Thank you, Trade Day sponsors!

ORIGINS TRADE DAY SCHEDULE

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GAMA news

INTRODUCING

the new GAMA Resource Hub GAMA RESOURCE HUB TRUSTED SOURCE FOR TABLETOP INDUSTRY EDUCATION Transform your online learning with GAMA’s new industry resource platform featuring videos, documents and on demand educaton.

JOIN NOW

HUB.GAMA.ORG

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GAMA news

GAMA Membership Announces Results of

BOARD OFFICER ELECTIONS The Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced the results of their Board Officer elections, which took place on April 17, 2025, at the monthly Board of Directors Meeting.

For the 2025-26 term, Nicole Brady from SAHM Reviews was reelected president, Meredith Placko from Turbo Dork became vice president, and Monica Rasso from Meeples at Sea was elected secretary. The treasurer position was left temporarily open and is being filled on an interim basis by outgoing Treasurer Garima Sharma from Skybound Entertainment. The new GAMA Board and its Board Officer positions line up as follows:

Board Officers • Nicole Brady PRESIDENT – Media & Events Director from SAHM Reviews

Board Directors • Matt Fantastic Creator Director from Forever Stoked Creative • Radek Gronus Production Director from Fabryka Kart • Jamie Mathy Retailer Director from Red Raccoon Games • Danny O'Neill

• Meredith Placko VICE PRESIDENT – Publisher Director from Turbo Dork

Wholesaler Director from

• Monica Rasso SECRETARY – Media & Events Director from Meeples at Sea

Hammerdog Games

• Garima Sharma INTERIM OUTGOING TREASURER from Skybound Entertainment

• Eric Price Production Director from Meijia Board Game Factory • Tiffany Reid Wholesaler Director from Southern Hobby Distribution • John Stephens Retail Director from Total Escape Games • Anton Torres Publisher Director from Pegasus Spiele North America • Drew Wehrle Creator Director from Wehrlegig Games • Will Niebling Emeritus Director Danny O’Neill, Meredith Placko, Tiffany Reid, and John Stephens were newly elected to their director positions and started their terms on April 1, 2025.

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GAMA news

2025 SPECIAL GUESTS

We’re delighted to have the following individuals as special guests at Origins Game Fair this year. More special guests may be added as we approach the show, so check back often!

GAME DESIGNERS & ARTISTS NATE LOVETT TIMBO SULLIVAN

MUSICIANS & PODCASTERS HEYWOOD BANKS MCELROY BROTHERS THE STEREOFLOWERS TOM VASEL

AUTHORS CHRISTOPHER D. ABBOTT LAURA VANARENDONK BAUGH DONALD J. BINGLE CSE COONEY KEITH RA DECANDIDO KELLI FITZPATRICK SARAH HANS JUSTINA IRELAND ADDIE J. KING KAYDEN PHOENIX

CAT RAMBO AARON ROSENBERG JENIFER PURCELL ROSENBERG CHRISTOPHER D. SCHMITZ AMY SCHNEIDER

COSPLAY NICK PORTERFIELD TOOTHLESS THE PUPPY

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GAMA news

Applications for 2025 Cohort Opening This Summer!

The GAMA Horizons Fellowship is an accelerator program for prospective and newly established tabletop game publishers and retail store owners!

It was created by GAMA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to help address the needs of communities that have been historically underrepresented in the tabletop industry and we will be opening the application process this summer around Origins 2025!

Please keep an eye out on the Horizons Fellowship page on the GAMA.org main website, and a newer page announcement coming soon to the official Origins Website!

Presenter Applications Open for GAMA EXPO 2026 Call for Seminar Presentations: GAMA EXPO 2026!

We are excited to announce that applications are now open for seminar presentations at GAMA EXPO 2026! This is your chance to share your expertise, insights, and innovative ideas with industry leaders and peers.

The dates for GAMA EXPO 2026 are March 1 to 5, 2026 in Louisville, KY.

Why Present at GAMA EXPO 2026?

Showcase Your Knowledge: Present your cutting-edge research, strategies, and solutions.

Network: Connect with professionals from around the globe.

Influence: Shape the future of our industry with your contributions.

How to Apply:

Prepare Your Proposal: Include a brief summary of your presentation topic, objectives, and key takeaways.

Submit Online: Visit our application portal to submit your proposal.

Deadline: Ensure your application is submitted by June 29, 2025.for initial round of consideration.

Need Assistance? Our team is here to help! If you have any questions or need support with your application, please contact Education Manager David Abelson at david.abelson@gama.org Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of GAMA EXPO 2026 and make a lasting impact. We look forward to your submissions!

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GAMA news

GAMA Expo was held in Louisville, KY on Sunday, February 23 - Thursday, February 27, 2025.

We had another record-breaking year with 3,422 attendees from 40 countries and over 200 seminars and premiere presentations throughout the week.

GAMA Expo returns to Louisville on Sunday, March 1 - Thursday, March 5, 2026. We hope to see you there!

Q2 2025 • AROUND THE table

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INDEX OF advertisers adverstory page................ ad page

9th Level Games...................................................................................11 Arcane Tinmen ApS......................................34.....................................35 Arcane Wonders...................................................................................43 Archon Studio...............................................56.....................................57 Ares Games SRL............................................28.....................................29 Atomic Mass Games .............................................................................73 Avantris Entertainment................................12.......................................6 Bezier Games................................................26.....................................27 Brotherwise Games, LLC..............................58.....................................59 CGE (Czech Games Edition)..........................10.....................................FC Crazy Aaron Enterprises Inc.........................54.....................................55 Elephants & Flowers.............................................................................13 Floodgate Games.........................................76.....................................77 Flying Frog Productions...............................38.....................................39 Gale Force 9..................................................46.....................................47 Ghost Galaxy.................................................18.....................................19 Japanime Games..........................................30.....................................31 KessCo..........................................................36.....................................37 Koplow Games......................................................................................86 KTBG/Burnt Island Games...........................68.....................................69 Level 99 Games.............................................15.......................................8 Magpie Games..............................................70.....................................71

Company

adverstory page................ ad page

Mighty Boards...............................................16.....................................17 Misty Mountain Gaming................................4........................................5 Next Level Web.............................................89.................................... BC North Star Game Studio...............................78.....................................79 Old School Dice & Accessories.....................64.....................................65 Onyx Path Publishing...................................40.....................................41 Orange Nebula...............................................3.................................... IFC Paizo Inc.....................................................44, 80............................ 45, 81 Peachstate Hobby Distribution LLC.............50.....................................51 Pegasus Spiele North America.....................22.....................................23 Steve Jackson Games..................................90................................... IBC The Op Games - USAopoly Inc..................24, 60............................ 25, 61 Warlord Games.............................................62.....................................63 Woodland Scenics........................................48.....................................49 AROUND THE

®

A Publication by the Game Manufacturers Association

2025

Company

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

Issue

Deadline

Mailing Date

Q3 Q4

July 11 September 26

August 15 October 31

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 david.abelson@gama.org 88

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Invite fans into a community

How to Build an Online Community

Before a Crowdfunding Launch

by Andrew Lowen, CEO, Crowdfunding Nerds

T

o launch a successful tabletop game on Kickstarter or Gamefound, you need more than great art and clever mechanics – you need a crowd of excited fans ready to back your project on launch day. This is where pre-marketing comes in.

At Crowdfunding Nerds, we’ve helped publishers like Modiphius Entertainment or Magpie Games, and indie creators like Kinson Key Games (Galactic Cruise) or Paverson Games (Distilled) raise more than $30 million through Kickstarter. We leverage a proven system called the Virtuous Cycle – and here’s how you can use it to rally your own community.

Target the right gamers

Use Meta (Facebook/Instagram) ads and organic posts to attract potential backers. Target interests like “Kickstarter,” “tabletop games,” and your game’s genre (e.g., sci-fi, fantasy, RPG).

Here are some best practices for ads: Send traffic to a custom landing page (not Meta’s lead forms).

Showcase your game’s best art and theme—make people feel the world.

A/B test imagery and headlines.

Strong ad metrics: CPC ~$0.20, CTR ~2%, Lead Cost ~$2.50.

If your results are off, adjust your visuals, message or target audience. If engagement remains low, revisit your game concept or positioning.

Build a killer landing page

Your landing page’s job is to educate first, then get the email. Make sure: The first email form is above the fold (no scrolling required).

Scroll-down content explains the game and what makes it special.

Art and theme are front and center – immersive, not cluttered.

It’s mobile-optimized.

No outbound links – just email capture.

Gathering emails work best when fans subscribe based on their excitement about your game. You made something amazing, so be sure to share all the important details!

After email capture, use automation to immediately invite subscribers into a private Facebook group where you share game updates, art, polls and sneak peeks.

Keep it short: introduce yourself, share your vision and encourage engagement.

Pin your pre-launch Kickstarter link at the top and ask members to follow it and share with friends. Gamers love being part of something early – lean into that.

Email like a pro

Send emails monthly and increase frequency to weekly during launch.

Re-send emails to non-openers to create more engaged fans (those who open).

Content ideas include: • Behind-the-scenes development updates • Early looks at components or mechanics • Community shoutouts or playtest feedback • Top-performing Facebook posts turned into email stories

Make development a shared adventure

Let your fans weigh in on pledge tiers, stretch goals or character names.

Use polls in your group and ask openended questions. Then, before launch, be sure to share your Kickstarter preview link and gather feedback. These things don’t just lead to improvements in your game—it gives fans ownership, making them more likely to back and promote it!

Final thoughts

Great games don’t sell themselves – you need a crowd to crowdfund. By using the Virtuous Cycle – ads, emails, community engagement – you can build a passionate tabletop community that rallies behind your game from day one.

This method works for newcomers and veteran publishers alike. And if you ever need a hand, the Crowdfunding Nerds team is here to help you roll that natural 20 on your Kickstarter launch.

Visit crowdfundingnerds.com to get in touch!

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Wanderhome and Eye-Catching Games

by Jay Dragon, Lead Game Designer, Steve Jackson Games

A

good game is a lot like a river. You cannot break a river down into just its parts; you cannot sell the water without thinking about the boats, the shores, the birds, the fish and the stones.

When we began work on Wanderhome in 2020, we decided to make a game that was just as holistic. You can read the text of Wanderhome, but that won’t give you a full picture of the game. I can tell you the rules – they’re simple and made as close to freeform RP as possible – a perfect introduction to the act of roleplaying. You can look at Wanderhome online or pirate a PDF off some seedy site, but that won’t tell you the whole story.

When I demo Wanderhome at stores, I need a copy of the book with me, because it’s the book itself that sparks the imagination. You cannot separate Wanderhome from the art and visual design of the game. Every illustration is lavish and lush, pulling you into its world. I could spend a while explaining what a “small and forgotten god” is, or I can show you the Parade of Small and Forgotten Gods by Jennie Lindberg, dancing from one end of the opening pages to the other. As a combat-free ruleslight RPG, there’s nothing like it on any shelf.

When someone walks into their game store, their eyes will be caught by a game that’s nothing like anything they’ve seen before. The world of games is changing, and Wanderhome calls out to a new audience of gamers: people who have bounced off the violence of Dungeons & Dragons, people who got into gaming through non-violent board games and booktok.

A good game is like a river – it’s a holistic object. Every part of Wanderhome speaks to its audience, and you’ll find it catches your eye, too.

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AROUND THE table • Q2 2025