Board Game Geek
Recent Additions
Road to Victory - Ep. 05 - Gavin vs Janine
Posted: Sun, 12 Jul 05:09:50
Posted: Sun, 12 Jul 05:09:50
A new episode has been added to the database:
Road to Victory - Ep. 05 - Gavin vs Janine
This Week in Geek History July 12 - 18
Posted: Sun, 12 Jul 05:05:02
/pic6325365.png)
July 12
July 13
July 14
July 15
July 16
July 17
July 18
I'm sure this list can be improved. Feel free to offer suggestions for this and upcoming weeks. If you want your birthday included just add it to this geeklist: RPG Geek Birthday List
Posted: Sun, 12 Jul 05:05:02
by Steve
July 12
100 b.C.- Roman leader Julius Caesar [microbadge=8140](maybe the 13th)
1817- American writer Henry David Thoreau [microbadge=22063]
1854- Photography pioneer George Eastman [microbadge=21284]
July 13
1940- Actor Patrick Stewart [microbadge=21333]
1942- Actor Harrison Ford [microbadge=7609]
1944- Hungarian Inventor Erno Rubik [microbadge=10135]
1956- The Dartmouth workshop is the first conference on artificial intelligence [microbadge=43544]
July 14
1918- Swedish film director Ingmar Bergman [microbadge=8933]
July 15
70- General (and future Emperor) Titus breaches the walls of Jerusalem [microbadge=34769] :star:
1779- Poet Clement Clarke Moore (A Visit from St. Nicholas ("'Twas The Night Before Christmas") ) [microbadge=43190]
1799- Rosetta Stone discovered [microbadge=30176]
1944- Actor Jan-Michael Vincent (Airwolf) [microbadge=7709]
1988- Die Hard released [microbadge=30315]
July 16
622- Muslim era begins with Muhammad's flight from Mecca to Medina [microbadge=15756]
1945- First atomic detonation (Alamogordo) [microbadge=10117]
2022- First marriage born on GeekQuestions: [user=notafish]notafish[/user] and [user=purplewurple]purplewurple[/user]
July 17
1889- Mystery writer Erle Stanley Gardner (Perry Mason) [microbadge=18241]
1899- Actor James Cagney [microbadge=8170]
1928- Robert Sheckley SF writer [microbadge=663] :star:
1952- American actor David Hasselhoff [microbadge=42367]
1955- Disneyland opens [microbadge=27426]
1959- Hitchcock's North by Northwest premieres [microbadge=13197]
July 18
64- Great Fire of Rome [microbadge=14939] :halfstar:
1911- Canadian Actor Hume Cronyn [microbadge=3833]
1921- Former astronaut and Sen. John Glenn, D-Ohio [microbadge=7778]
1937- Gonzo journalist/author Hunter S. Thompson [microbadge=4874]
I'm sure this list can be improved. Feel free to offer suggestions for this and upcoming weeks. If you want your birthday included just add it to this geeklist: RPG Geek Birthday List
Dice Funk S13: Part 02 - Take a Toe, Leave a Toe
Posted: Sun, 12 Jul 05:04:55
Posted: Sun, 12 Jul 05:04:55
A new episode has been added to the database:
Dice Funk S13: Part 02 - Take a Toe, Leave a Toe
PaizoCon Online 2026 009 – Impossible Magic with Josh Birdsong
Posted: Sun, 12 Jul 05:04:42
Posted: Sun, 12 Jul 05:04:42
A new episode has been added to the database:
PaizoCon Online 2026 009 – Impossible Magic with Josh Birdsong
New comment on GeekList List of Solitaire, Soloable and Cooperative rpgs.
Posted: Sun, 12 Jul 03:02:37
- Archwynd (Solo and Team Play capable)
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/418426/archwynd/
Posted: Sun, 12 Jul 03:02:37
by RPGbattles
You missed:- Archwynd (Solo and Team Play capable)
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/418426/archwynd/
Reply: Play by Forum:: Re: (Recruiting) The Crooked House (D&D 5.5)
Posted: Sun, 12 Jul 02:46:46
gonecase previously rolled 1d100 = 57 (Rolling)
Posted: Sun, 12 Jul 02:46:46
by gonecase
Missed this but if there's a space or alternate would love to.gonecase previously rolled 1d100 = 57 (Rolling)
New comment on GeekList 2026 GEN CON VIRTUAL FLEA MARKET
Posted: Sun, 12 Jul 02:40:42
I think the format of bgg vfms forums is reducing overall sales. It’s antiquated and inefficient. I have participated in my fair share of them over the years and they have lost their shine. In a recent con I attended DTE, they used a new system called virtualfleamarkets.com and it had over 100K in sales for a fraction of the size of GenCon. I myself found the system easier to use to sell and buy. I say this so that those who coordinate this one can look into the pros and cons of changing to a new system. If the issue is visibility and/or usability perhaps this new system can address those concerns. Just my two cents.
Can you elaborate on this platform? That is an impressive amount of sales. Is there some feature that makes sales easier/better/more efficient (credit cards, payment plans, better search)? Did Tom/Dice Tower promote sales through this platform at DTE?
EDIT: I do see, "The official marketplace for buying and selling board games at Dice Tower East 2026", but I see something similar for each con.
Thinking about this more...I don't think they had over 100k in sales on 1880 items. That means if every single item sold...it sold for an average of over $53. Maybe it was 10k, which would be very comparable proportionately to what happened with the VFM last year.
According to the creator, these were the stats for DTE:
Dice Tower East 2026 Virtual Flea Market (as of June 29)
**Marketplace**
• Listings sold: 5,776
• Total sold value: $104,609 🤯🤯🤯
• Still available: 3,895 listings — $90,646 in inventory
• Withdrawn: 2,456 • Total listings: 12,338
**Of 5,779 sold listings**
• Promo listings: 568 (9.8%) — $2,333 in revenue, avg ~$4.11 each
• Miscellaneous listings: 156 (2.7%) — $1,956 in revenue, avg ~$12.54 each
**People**
• Members: 590
• Participants (bought and/or sold): 446
• Sellers: 315 • Buyers: 389 • Did both: 258
**Prices**
• Average sale: $18.11 • Median: $10
• Sold under $10: 2,333 • under $20: 4,008
• Sold for $100+: 105 • Top sale: $525
**Price bands (listings sold)**
• Under $5: 1,135 • $5–9: 1,198 • $10–19: 1,675 • $20–34: 1,041 • $35–49: 306 • $50–99: 316 • $100+: 105
**Selling format (listings sold)**
• By type — Negotiable: 4,968 • Fixed: 610 • Auction: 198
• Sold individually: 4,484 • In a bundle: 1,292 (across 389 bundles, $15,373)
• Offers made: 5,686 • Auction bids: 592
**Catalog**
• Distinct game titles listed: 6,928
**Top-selling titles (copies)**
• Photosynthesis & Wingspan: 10 each
• Kingdomino: 9
• Azul, Brass: Birmingham, Pandemic, PARKS, Root, Santorini, SCOUT: 8 each
**Highest sales**
• Elden Ring: Realm of the Grafted King — $525
• Bloodborne: The Board Game — $500 • Project: ELITE — $450 • Return to Dark Tower — $350
**Momentum**
• First sale April 13 • New record day: 177 listings sold (June 25, $3,839)
Thank you for sharing this. I love the breakdowns. These numbers make more sense I just saw the current listing number. Almost 5800 sold listings is incredible.
Do they have any other on site market like the consignment store at DTE? I think at Gen Con it competes with VFM. By that I mean a lot of buyers and sellers don't realize that both (or either) exist, and if they do they pick one or the other.
I was talking to someone recently in my game group and they had no idea that the VFM had been active for two months or that the math trades (for all intents and purposes) have already happened.
Because Gen Con either doesn't acknowledge or promote/support either the VFM or math trade it makes it hard to reach a wider audience.
Posted: Sun, 12 Jul 02:40:42
by creagan
apaneto28 wrote:
creagan wrote:
creagan wrote:
apaneto28 wrote:
thorphin wrote:
How are people feeling about their VFM sales this year? I feel like mine are abysmal and I have been wondering if the 4 math trades are affecting people’s abilities to open their wallets 😅. Just curious and anecdotal. I know there are a lot of variables. Haven’t done a research study!
I think the format of bgg vfms forums is reducing overall sales. It’s antiquated and inefficient. I have participated in my fair share of them over the years and they have lost their shine. In a recent con I attended DTE, they used a new system called virtualfleamarkets.com and it had over 100K in sales for a fraction of the size of GenCon. I myself found the system easier to use to sell and buy. I say this so that those who coordinate this one can look into the pros and cons of changing to a new system. If the issue is visibility and/or usability perhaps this new system can address those concerns. Just my two cents.
Can you elaborate on this platform? That is an impressive amount of sales. Is there some feature that makes sales easier/better/more efficient (credit cards, payment plans, better search)? Did Tom/Dice Tower promote sales through this platform at DTE?
EDIT: I do see, "The official marketplace for buying and selling board games at Dice Tower East 2026", but I see something similar for each con.
Thinking about this more...I don't think they had over 100k in sales on 1880 items. That means if every single item sold...it sold for an average of over $53. Maybe it was 10k, which would be very comparable proportionately to what happened with the VFM last year.
According to the creator, these were the stats for DTE:
Dice Tower East 2026 Virtual Flea Market (as of June 29)
**Marketplace**
• Listings sold: 5,776
• Total sold value: $104,609 🤯🤯🤯
• Still available: 3,895 listings — $90,646 in inventory
• Withdrawn: 2,456 • Total listings: 12,338
**Of 5,779 sold listings**
• Promo listings: 568 (9.8%) — $2,333 in revenue, avg ~$4.11 each
• Miscellaneous listings: 156 (2.7%) — $1,956 in revenue, avg ~$12.54 each
**People**
• Members: 590
• Participants (bought and/or sold): 446
• Sellers: 315 • Buyers: 389 • Did both: 258
**Prices**
• Average sale: $18.11 • Median: $10
• Sold under $10: 2,333 • under $20: 4,008
• Sold for $100+: 105 • Top sale: $525
**Price bands (listings sold)**
• Under $5: 1,135 • $5–9: 1,198 • $10–19: 1,675 • $20–34: 1,041 • $35–49: 306 • $50–99: 316 • $100+: 105
**Selling format (listings sold)**
• By type — Negotiable: 4,968 • Fixed: 610 • Auction: 198
• Sold individually: 4,484 • In a bundle: 1,292 (across 389 bundles, $15,373)
• Offers made: 5,686 • Auction bids: 592
**Catalog**
• Distinct game titles listed: 6,928
**Top-selling titles (copies)**
• Photosynthesis & Wingspan: 10 each
• Kingdomino: 9
• Azul, Brass: Birmingham, Pandemic, PARKS, Root, Santorini, SCOUT: 8 each
**Highest sales**
• Elden Ring: Realm of the Grafted King — $525
• Bloodborne: The Board Game — $500 • Project: ELITE — $450 • Return to Dark Tower — $350
**Momentum**
• First sale April 13 • New record day: 177 listings sold (June 25, $3,839)
Thank you for sharing this. I love the breakdowns. These numbers make more sense I just saw the current listing number. Almost 5800 sold listings is incredible.
Do they have any other on site market like the consignment store at DTE? I think at Gen Con it competes with VFM. By that I mean a lot of buyers and sellers don't realize that both (or either) exist, and if they do they pick one or the other.
I was talking to someone recently in my game group and they had no idea that the VFM had been active for two months or that the math trades (for all intents and purposes) have already happened.
Because Gen Con either doesn't acknowledge or promote/support either the VFM or math trade it makes it hard to reach a wider audience.
Reply: The Tavern:: Re: What are you drinking right *now*?
Posted: Sun, 12 Jul 02:39:22
Posted: Sun, 12 Jul 02:39:22
by Karlsen
Coffee, real
Reply: RPGGeek Suggestions:: Re: This Week In Geek History - Discussion
Posted: Sun, 12 Jul 02:35:28
Posted: Sun, 12 Jul 02:35:28
by SeaofStars
I think I want to argue for Disneyland's includsion, I have found the Disney parks endlessly inspirational over the years. And these days, it is more geeky, then when I was first going as a child.
New comment on GeekList 2026 GEN CON VIRTUAL FLEA MARKET
Posted: Sun, 12 Jul 02:33:09
I think the format of bgg vfms forums is reducing overall sales. It’s antiquated and inefficient. I have participated in my fair share of them over the years and they have lost their shine. In a recent con I attended DTE, they used a new system called virtualfleamarkets.com and it had over 100K in sales for a fraction of the size of GenCon. I myself found the system easier to use to sell and buy. I say this so that those who coordinate this one can look into the pros and cons of changing to a new system. If the issue is visibility and/or usability perhaps this new system can address those concerns. Just my two cents.
Can you elaborate on this platform? That is an impressive amount of sales. Is there some feature that makes sales easier/better/more efficient (credit cards, payment plans, better search)? Did Tom/Dice Tower promote sales through this platform at DTE?
EDIT: I do see, "The official marketplace for buying and selling board games at Dice Tower East 2026", but I see something similar for each con.
Happy to share my experience as a user! I’d also be totally fine continuing the conversation through private DM if people want to discuss more, just to avoid filling up the comments here.
I don’t have any behind-the-scenes knowledge of how it works, but from a user perspective, I think the biggest improvements are around making the current BGG marketplace/forum experience smoother and easier to use.
A few things that I liked :
1. Search and filtering: Finding games is just a much better experience. Being able to filter by things like price, publisher, promos, BGG rating, etc., feels much more intuitive than digging through forum posts.
2. Making offers: The offer system is probably one of the biggest quality-of-life improvements. Instead of having a long back-and-forth in comments, the seller can just click accept, reject, or counter. It keeps the negotiation process much cleaner.
3. Price drop notifications: This is probably my favorite feature. When a seller lowers the price on their item(s), it shows up in your feed (basically like an updated comments/activity section). You can click on that user and quickly see which items dropped in price, which makes finding deals much easier.
4. Bundle offers: Another feature I really like is how easy it is to make bundle offers. You can pick multiple items from a seller’s list, set the total price you’d like to offer, and submit it. The seller can then accept, reject, or counter. It makes putting together larger purchases really simple.
Edit: it doesn’t process credit card payments or function like a traditional marketplace that handles the transaction. It’s still essentially like the current BGG forums where buyers and sellers work out payment and in person exchange themselves. The difference is that it organizes the experience and adds tools that make buying, selling, and negotiating much easier which I think leads to increased sales. This is just my experience so others who may have used it they can share their perspective.
Yeah, improved search and price drop alerts would be nice. Here you can only search by title. You can follow specific items, but not people.
I am sure this helps sales like, already bought something off of person x or I am interested in multiple items from person y.
Posted: Sun, 12 Jul 02:33:09
by creagan
apaneto28 wrote:
creagan wrote:
apaneto28 wrote:
thorphin wrote:
How are people feeling about their VFM sales this year? I feel like mine are abysmal and I have been wondering if the 4 math trades are affecting people’s abilities to open their wallets 😅. Just curious and anecdotal. I know there are a lot of variables. Haven’t done a research study!
I think the format of bgg vfms forums is reducing overall sales. It’s antiquated and inefficient. I have participated in my fair share of them over the years and they have lost their shine. In a recent con I attended DTE, they used a new system called virtualfleamarkets.com and it had over 100K in sales for a fraction of the size of GenCon. I myself found the system easier to use to sell and buy. I say this so that those who coordinate this one can look into the pros and cons of changing to a new system. If the issue is visibility and/or usability perhaps this new system can address those concerns. Just my two cents.
Can you elaborate on this platform? That is an impressive amount of sales. Is there some feature that makes sales easier/better/more efficient (credit cards, payment plans, better search)? Did Tom/Dice Tower promote sales through this platform at DTE?
EDIT: I do see, "The official marketplace for buying and selling board games at Dice Tower East 2026", but I see something similar for each con.
Happy to share my experience as a user! I’d also be totally fine continuing the conversation through private DM if people want to discuss more, just to avoid filling up the comments here.
I don’t have any behind-the-scenes knowledge of how it works, but from a user perspective, I think the biggest improvements are around making the current BGG marketplace/forum experience smoother and easier to use.
A few things that I liked :
1. Search and filtering: Finding games is just a much better experience. Being able to filter by things like price, publisher, promos, BGG rating, etc., feels much more intuitive than digging through forum posts.
2. Making offers: The offer system is probably one of the biggest quality-of-life improvements. Instead of having a long back-and-forth in comments, the seller can just click accept, reject, or counter. It keeps the negotiation process much cleaner.
3. Price drop notifications: This is probably my favorite feature. When a seller lowers the price on their item(s), it shows up in your feed (basically like an updated comments/activity section). You can click on that user and quickly see which items dropped in price, which makes finding deals much easier.
4. Bundle offers: Another feature I really like is how easy it is to make bundle offers. You can pick multiple items from a seller’s list, set the total price you’d like to offer, and submit it. The seller can then accept, reject, or counter. It makes putting together larger purchases really simple.
Edit: it doesn’t process credit card payments or function like a traditional marketplace that handles the transaction. It’s still essentially like the current BGG forums where buyers and sellers work out payment and in person exchange themselves. The difference is that it organizes the experience and adds tools that make buying, selling, and negotiating much easier which I think leads to increased sales. This is just my experience so others who may have used it they can share their perspective.
Yeah, improved search and price drop alerts would be nice. Here you can only search by title. You can follow specific items, but not people.
I am sure this helps sales like, already bought something off of person x or I am interested in multiple items from person y.
Friday updates on a Saturday
Posted: Sun, 12 Jul 02:13:42
Posted: Sun, 12 Jul 02:13:42
Today was spent mostly on Nine Tails. The Medallion/Element sides need a bit more refinement. I'm pretty happy with the Fox/Kitsune sides for the print-on-demand edition but have more work to do with respect to the print-and-plays. Yes, plural. See, to make Nine Tails function on The Game Crafter the cards had to get borders. They are necessary to ensure that no artwork is cut off. It's a look inspired by Lost Cities... and it works. That said, the borders are unnecessary for either print-and-play. Yep, I'm keeping both the full color and coloring book style print-and-plays. Both will utilize the new art, but keep the spirit of the original game. The existing print-and-plays... I'm torn. I may keep them available for free, I might not. Maybe only keep the low-ink coloring book original available for free? Anyway, I'm still fixing up the boxes and rulebooks so, I've got some time to decide. Thoughts?
The plan for The Game Crafter is two-fold:
1) A complete print-on-demand edition with a printed box that also includes access to both sets of print-and-play files.
2) A deluxe print-and-play option that includes both (full color & coloring book-style) sets of components, rules, and print & fold tuck boxes.
Including the print-and-plays with the print-on-demand is my way of recognizing the limits of printing with The Game Crafter. It also gives folks a way to share the game.
And that's where Nine Tails ended the day.
As promised:
Weekly Updates:
Challenge Updates:
:d10-1: 2023 Extreme Numerology Challenge / 2024 Extreme Numerology Challenge / 2025 Extreme Numerology Challenge: Wrapping up. Microbadges for 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 will be awarded, please stay tuned! 2026 is live: 2026 Extreme Numerology Challenge
:d10-2: Fire in the Library- Summer/Fall 2023 Solo Challenge- Extended!!: Done! Stay tuned for a new series of mini challenges that include some more Weird Giraffe-themed fan promos. COMING THIS MONTH! (2026)
:d10-3: 2025 Challenge: 25 un(der)played in 25: is Wrapped! If you spot errors or make updates, please geekmail me!
:d10-4: 2026 Challenge: 26 un(der)played in 26: is Active!
:d10-5: A special note on the Friday on Friday challenges: ALL owed microbadges should be system-awarded THIS YEAR. ALL microbadge reimbursements complete! Update: Stay tuned for progress on microbadges!
Designer's Corner:
Published Games:
:d10-1: Charge the Circle: Post-Contest (Revised Edition) Web-published to BGG. 2nd Edition & 2nd Edition (PNP) & 2nd Edition (Altar Decks ONLY!) coming to The Game Crafter in 2026! You can follow along with the ongoing graphic development here: A new edition coming in 2026!.
:d10-2:Eight Elephants: 2nd Edition now available on The Game Crafter! 2nd Edition, Print & Play also available on The Game Crafter! Original WIP thread: here!
:d10-3: Fireworks for the 4th: Semiquincentennial Edition: Now available on The Game Crafter! Update: There is now a Print & Play of the Semiquincentennial Edition! You can find it on The Game Crafter for just $1.99! Revised (Post Contest) Edition remains available here!.
:d10-4: Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice: 2nd Edition now available on The Game Crafter! 2nd Edition, Print & Play also available on The Game Crafter! Original WIP thread: here!
:d10-5: The United Cards of America: Now available on The Game Crafter! Update: There is now a Print & Play Edition! And you can find it on The Game Crafter for just $1.99!
:d10-6: Lincoln's Cat: Now available on The Game Crafter! Print & Play edition also available on The Game Crafter!
:d10-7: Liberty, DEATH, or TAXES: Now available on The Game Crafter! Update: There is also now a Print & Play! And you can find it on The Game Crafter for just $1.99!
Active Projects:
:d10-1: Finders Keepers: No new progress.
:d10-2: Bears love bows: Very Merry Trashmas edition: now available for playtesting AND formally entered in Bad Comet's Cozy Game Design Contest here on BGG! Still working on the video... I'm pants at videos...
:d10-3: Really Retail: No new progress.
:d10-4: Barricade Brigade: No new progress.
:d10-5: The Boxcats of Meowazon : No new progress.
:d10-6: Read the Runes: Check out the updated TTS! I need playtesters to help me continue refining this one. I like the current art direction, but this will need more if I decide to go The Game Crafter route... There's also the drift problem... As much as I hate to say it, this might have to stay a print-and-play for now...
:d10-7: 10 Minutes to Midnight: THIS WILL BE COMING TO THE GAME CRAFTER IN 2026!
:d10-8: Surfboard Stealin' Sea Otters: Contest complete! #2 Best Family Game and #8 Best Overall Game! Woot! Video still on the docket. Then I do plan on pitching the otters and seeing if I can catch some waves... and ... in the meantime, yes I am now committing to a Game Crafter release in 2026! Rules revisions continue! Box almost done!
:d10-9: Tricky Treats: Game considered complete and officially Ready for Pitching! I still need a video... no progress this week.
:d10-1::d10-0: Squirrelly (formerly Woodland Warriors) : Contest complete! #3 for Best Art! 2 mini expansions available! Ready for pitching! Video still on the docket...
:d10-1::d10-1: Composer's Cat: 2024 In-Hand Game Design Contest: 5th Best Multiplayer Game; 6th Best Innovative Mechanic; 7th Best Use of Theme; and 4th Best Low-Ink Printing! Major revision complete, new video live, Print & Play Assembly Guide now available, and while entered in the 2026 Cardboard Edison, it didn't place as a finalist. I got good feedback, but I'm not sure what's next for this kitty... I did take some more video footage for the Cat in May.. and I'm still seriously considering re-jigging things to at least get the original starter set on The Game Crafter...
:d10-1::d10-2: Librarian's Cat: formerly Palm Library. formerly Littlest Library. 2025 In-Hand Game Design Contest: contest is complete... but I've got plenty of unfinished business to see to and I intend to see it all through, eventually. Please stay tuned!
:d10-1::d10-3: Elements: Coming to The Game Crafter in mid-2026! New cards, done! New rules posted to the WIP thread, take a look and let me know what you think! Just waiting 'til I've got more proofs ready to order...
:d10-1::d10-4: Knick Knacks: Shaker Showdown : Contest complete! #3 Best Solo Game, #3 Best 2 Player Game, and #4 Best Family Game! Not bad, not bad at all, especially since I fell woefully behind on the comments... I do plan on addressing all of the feedback. And I do want to continue to refine and improve the game. No progress this week.
:d10-1::d10-5: Critter Calls: Ready for pitching! I'm happy with the TTS and sell sheet, but do want a video. Not a high priority for pitching, but if I see any calls for party games or icebreaker games I will 100% submit it for consideration :geek_grin:.
:d10-1::d10-6: Unlucky Spirits, Revised Edition: Uncooperative Spirits campaign in-progress. Revised Edition formally entered in 2026 Two-Player Game Design Contest, which is now complete. No wins for Unlucky Spirits , but that's okay. I'm keeping on keeping on. And that's why I need you, players to help me get this game off the ground! The PNP files are serviceable. The TTS is functional and up-to-date. I just need some players to help me put the base game through its paces while I continue to write the campaign!
:d10-1::d10-7: Abydos: Contest complete, game did not place... I'm disappointed, but I'm still committed to getting this game out there. And, yes, it is coming to The Game Crafter in mid-2026. I've figured out a way around the drift issue that works well for Abydos. Work continues. It's been slow, but it's getting there.
:d10-1::d10-8: Nine Tails: Ready for pitching! This one will be coming to The Game Crafter! Art for full color edition done! Art for coloring book version done! Still working on the print-and-play files, revised rules, and box!
:d10-1::d10-9: Put a bow on it! The new lease on life continues! The game got too complicated for Bad Comet's Cozy Contest... not sure where this one is going to end up, but I'm excited to see it through!
:d10-2::d10-0: Eighteen Eggs : Contest complete, game did not place. *sigh*. Rain, Rain Mini Expansion and Player Aids available. BGG page approved, 2nd Edition files pending. This is going to be released as a FREE Print & Play. Period. Last Leaves will function as a reimplementation (new art, new theme, more complexity) and WILL be released as both a Print & Play and a Print-on-demand via The Game Crafter this Fall.
:d10-2::d10-1: Snow Squall: In the vein of Eight Elephants and Eighteen Eggs, but a bit bigger, no timer, and more Game Crafter-friendly art. I may be shelving this idea. Last Leaves really accomplished what I wanted to do here and the theme/art fits better as well. That said, I may reuse the name for another project...
:d10-2::d10-2: Monk's Cat: The Book of [Pawprints]: The third game in the Cat Companion Card Game series, sequel to Composer's Cat and Librarian's Cat. Contest now complete! I'm happy! #1 Best Graphic Design for Visually Impaired Players; #8 Best Use of Theme; & #7 Best Low-Ink Printing! I've still got feedback to address and I'll get there- I promise! But, overall, I'm happy with the game, with its reception, and I'm looking forward to continue developing Monk's Cat... possibly for future publication on The Game Crafter... 😜
:d10-2::d10-3: Unnamed Puzzle Game: multi-level campaign puzzle game in the vein of Abydos, Read the Runes, and Charge the Circle. Fuzzball-inspired. Backburner. Tentative entry in this year's Solitaire Print and Play Game Design Contest...
:d10-2::d10-4: Nine Lives: I haven't heard anything, so I'm assuming this is a no-go. Still, I might revisit this idea down the road...
:d10-2::d10-5: Who's ready for the owlidays?: Might be my entry/one of my entries in this year's 54-Card Game Design Contest! No new progress this week.
:d10-2::d10-6: I sits!: Didn't make the FFF Contest, but watch this space!
:d10-2::d10-7: Caturday @ the cattery: Didn't make the FFF Contest, but will still happen. Eventually. Again, watch this space!
:d10-2::d10-8: Elements 2: Will be 1 of my entries in this year's Solitaire PNP Game Design Contest! Sequel to Elements, draws on the setting/visuals/narrative of Elements and builds on the gameplay of Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice with an added rock-paper-scissors-like overlap mechanic. Stay tuned! WIP will go live sometime this month...
:d10-2::d10-9: Time's up! : Probably my 2nd entry in this year's 54-Card Game Design Contest. Playtesting has gone well, now I'm fine-tuning things, actually locking down the rules, and starting work on the graphics. WIP thread will go live this month!
:d10-3::d10-0: Last Leaves: old name, new game. This is a cozy, cute, Game-Crafter-friendly solitaire matching game that builds on Eighteen Eggs. The original Last Leaves may still happen down the road, but it'll need a new name because the name fits this little game better :geek_grin:. Card done! Rules done! Box done! Now waiting with Elements for my next order of proofs.
:d10-3::d10-1: A Walk on the Beach: Solo-only, play-through-the-deck set collection game. Unsure if for Solo PNP Contest OR 54-Card Contest... Continuing to play around to figure out where this game needs to go.
Early Development:
:d10-1: The 7th Seal : A bit of progress :whistle:
:d10-2: Gator Glory! Simmering.
:d10-3: So, you want to be a mage......
:d10-4: Barricade Brigade: At the postern gate: A smaller version of the original. Similar story, setting, and mechanics, but more compact.
On Hold:
:d10-1: Contagion and Calamity: The Philadelphia Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793: formerly Philly Fever 1793
:d10-2: Rolling Runes
:d10-3: Defend your Dreams: (formerly Dreamcatcher Duty)
:d10-4: Trick or Treat
:d10-5:Last Leaves Needs New Name!: This was going to be my entry in the 2026 Children and Family Game Design Contest (family category), but I'm putting this on the back burner instead to concentrate on getting my shop pages up-and-running over on The Game Crafter. Development will continue later this year and you can expect to see this game in the 2027 Children and Family Game Design Contest.
:d10-6: Unnamed design: Involves the Titanic and Jenny the ship cat...
:d10-7: Nine Nopes
:d10-8: Book it!
:d10-9: History Heist
:d10-1::d10-0: Lost in the Labyrinth
:d10-1::d10-1: Dragon's Draw
:d10-1::d10-2: Push to the Peak
:d10-1::d10-3: Cardshop Caretaker
:d10-1::d10-4: Water always wins
:d10-1::d10-5: Sniper, take the shot!
:d10-1::d10-6: Puppy Pile: (formerly Dogpile)
:d10-1::d10-7: Compound It!
:d10-1::d10-8: My Little Fish Tank
:d10-1::d10-9: Knick Knacks: Lovely Lamps : Sequel to Knick Knacks: Shaker Showdown
:d10-2::d10-0: Triskell (or maybe Triskellion): name not final
:d10-2::d10-1: Cursed Cards (Traditional Deck Game)
:d10-2::d10-2: War of the Wilds
:d10-2::d10-3: Scratch-off
:d10-2::d10-4: Reverse the curse!
Professional Projects:
:d10-1: Explosion in the Laboratory/Fire in the Library (2nd edition): Weird Giraffe Games: Campaign wrapped! Campaign fulfilled! Campaign complete!
:d10-2: Dreams of Yesterday: Weird Giraffe Games: Campaign wrapped! Campaign fulfilled! Campaign complete!
:d10-3: In the Shadows: Resistance in France 1943 - 1944: GMT Games: Complete! I still haven't managed to get this back to my table. Gah! In the meantime... see A Solo Sunday Salute - First Impressions - In the Shadows for a preview.
:d10-4: Crumbs!: The Sandwich Filler Game: Minerva Tabletop Games: Initial feedback in. First impressions and some extra crumbs: Solo Sundays- First Impressions: Crumbs!: The Sandwich Filler Game and Solo Saturdays - Continuing to make Crumbs. More formal review posted: Rachel Reviews It- Crumbs!: The Sandwich Filler Game. Campaign funded! Campaign ongoing. Fingers-crossed that Minerva Tabletop Games comes through... it looks like this is finally in the process of fulfilling...
:d10-5: Crystallo expansions and miniature edition: Light Heart Games: Initial feedback in. Previews and additional adventures shared: A crystal cavern at the garage aka mini Crystallo is here!, First Impressions: Crystallo: Untold Fortune, Solo Saturdays- First Impressions: Crystallo: Den of Dragons, and Solo Stories- Playing with all of Crystallo. More formal review posted: Rachel Reviews It- Crystallo: Untold Fortune and Crystallo: Den of Dragons. Campaign funded! Campaign ongoing... AND there's GOOD NEWS: Crystallo lives!- Crystallo's new Gamefound
:d10-6: Lost Adventures: Belltower Games: First Impressions and continuing adventures shared: Two-Player Thursdays- First Impressions: Lost Adventures, Two-Player Tuesdays- Getting Lost with Mom, and Solo Stories - Lost Adventures. More formal review posted: Rachel Reviews It: Lost Adventures. Campaign wrapped! Campaign fulfilled. Campaign complete.
:d10-7: Quirky Bird Games: The zine campaign funded! That's a wrap! Congrats Beth and Angel! Fulfillment ongoing. Keep up the great work!
------------------------------------------------------------------
Tomorrow's plan: catch up on socials and finally finish off the next Mythic Monday report.
How about you? Any fun plans?
Happy Saturday and happy playing!
-Rachel
Thank you for reading my blog. If you liked it; then please click the green thumb [microbadge=23724] at the top of the page. If you really liked it; then please subscribe. And follow me across social media with my Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/rachelncarpenter
The plan for The Game Crafter is two-fold:
1) A complete print-on-demand edition with a printed box that also includes access to both sets of print-and-play files.
2) A deluxe print-and-play option that includes both (full color & coloring book-style) sets of components, rules, and print & fold tuck boxes.
Including the print-and-plays with the print-on-demand is my way of recognizing the limits of printing with The Game Crafter. It also gives folks a way to share the game.
And that's where Nine Tails ended the day.
As promised:
Weekly Updates:
Challenge Updates:
:d10-1: 2023 Extreme Numerology Challenge / 2024 Extreme Numerology Challenge / 2025 Extreme Numerology Challenge: Wrapping up. Microbadges for 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 will be awarded, please stay tuned! 2026 is live: 2026 Extreme Numerology Challenge
:d10-2: Fire in the Library- Summer/Fall 2023 Solo Challenge- Extended!!: Done! Stay tuned for a new series of mini challenges that include some more Weird Giraffe-themed fan promos. COMING THIS MONTH! (2026)
:d10-3: 2025 Challenge: 25 un(der)played in 25: is Wrapped! If you spot errors or make updates, please geekmail me!
:d10-4: 2026 Challenge: 26 un(der)played in 26: is Active!
:d10-5: A special note on the Friday on Friday challenges: ALL owed microbadges should be system-awarded THIS YEAR. ALL microbadge reimbursements complete! Update: Stay tuned for progress on microbadges!
Designer's Corner:
Published Games:
:d10-1: Charge the Circle: Post-Contest (Revised Edition) Web-published to BGG. 2nd Edition & 2nd Edition (PNP) & 2nd Edition (Altar Decks ONLY!) coming to The Game Crafter in 2026! You can follow along with the ongoing graphic development here: A new edition coming in 2026!.
:d10-2:Eight Elephants: 2nd Edition now available on The Game Crafter! 2nd Edition, Print & Play also available on The Game Crafter! Original WIP thread: here!
:d10-3: Fireworks for the 4th: Semiquincentennial Edition: Now available on The Game Crafter! Update: There is now a Print & Play of the Semiquincentennial Edition! You can find it on The Game Crafter for just $1.99! Revised (Post Contest) Edition remains available here!.
:d10-4: Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice: 2nd Edition now available on The Game Crafter! 2nd Edition, Print & Play also available on The Game Crafter! Original WIP thread: here!
:d10-5: The United Cards of America: Now available on The Game Crafter! Update: There is now a Print & Play Edition! And you can find it on The Game Crafter for just $1.99!
:d10-6: Lincoln's Cat: Now available on The Game Crafter! Print & Play edition also available on The Game Crafter!
:d10-7: Liberty, DEATH, or TAXES: Now available on The Game Crafter! Update: There is also now a Print & Play! And you can find it on The Game Crafter for just $1.99!
Active Projects:
:d10-1: Finders Keepers: No new progress.
:d10-2: Bears love bows: Very Merry Trashmas edition: now available for playtesting AND formally entered in Bad Comet's Cozy Game Design Contest here on BGG! Still working on the video... I'm pants at videos...
:d10-3: Really Retail: No new progress.
:d10-4: Barricade Brigade: No new progress.
:d10-5: The Boxcats of Meowazon : No new progress.
:d10-6: Read the Runes: Check out the updated TTS! I need playtesters to help me continue refining this one. I like the current art direction, but this will need more if I decide to go The Game Crafter route... There's also the drift problem... As much as I hate to say it, this might have to stay a print-and-play for now...
:d10-7: 10 Minutes to Midnight: THIS WILL BE COMING TO THE GAME CRAFTER IN 2026!
:d10-8: Surfboard Stealin' Sea Otters: Contest complete! #2 Best Family Game and #8 Best Overall Game! Woot! Video still on the docket. Then I do plan on pitching the otters and seeing if I can catch some waves... and ... in the meantime, yes I am now committing to a Game Crafter release in 2026! Rules revisions continue! Box almost done!
:d10-9: Tricky Treats: Game considered complete and officially Ready for Pitching! I still need a video... no progress this week.
:d10-1::d10-0: Squirrelly (formerly Woodland Warriors) : Contest complete! #3 for Best Art! 2 mini expansions available! Ready for pitching! Video still on the docket...
:d10-1::d10-1: Composer's Cat: 2024 In-Hand Game Design Contest: 5th Best Multiplayer Game; 6th Best Innovative Mechanic; 7th Best Use of Theme; and 4th Best Low-Ink Printing! Major revision complete, new video live, Print & Play Assembly Guide now available, and while entered in the 2026 Cardboard Edison, it didn't place as a finalist. I got good feedback, but I'm not sure what's next for this kitty... I did take some more video footage for the Cat in May.. and I'm still seriously considering re-jigging things to at least get the original starter set on The Game Crafter...
:d10-1::d10-2: Librarian's Cat: formerly Palm Library. formerly Littlest Library. 2025 In-Hand Game Design Contest: contest is complete... but I've got plenty of unfinished business to see to and I intend to see it all through, eventually. Please stay tuned!
:d10-1::d10-3: Elements: Coming to The Game Crafter in mid-2026! New cards, done! New rules posted to the WIP thread, take a look and let me know what you think! Just waiting 'til I've got more proofs ready to order...
:d10-1::d10-4: Knick Knacks: Shaker Showdown : Contest complete! #3 Best Solo Game, #3 Best 2 Player Game, and #4 Best Family Game! Not bad, not bad at all, especially since I fell woefully behind on the comments... I do plan on addressing all of the feedback. And I do want to continue to refine and improve the game. No progress this week.
:d10-1::d10-5: Critter Calls: Ready for pitching! I'm happy with the TTS and sell sheet, but do want a video. Not a high priority for pitching, but if I see any calls for party games or icebreaker games I will 100% submit it for consideration :geek_grin:.
:d10-1::d10-6: Unlucky Spirits, Revised Edition: Uncooperative Spirits campaign in-progress. Revised Edition formally entered in 2026 Two-Player Game Design Contest, which is now complete. No wins for Unlucky Spirits , but that's okay. I'm keeping on keeping on. And that's why I need you, players to help me get this game off the ground! The PNP files are serviceable. The TTS is functional and up-to-date. I just need some players to help me put the base game through its paces while I continue to write the campaign!
:d10-1::d10-7: Abydos: Contest complete, game did not place... I'm disappointed, but I'm still committed to getting this game out there. And, yes, it is coming to The Game Crafter in mid-2026. I've figured out a way around the drift issue that works well for Abydos. Work continues. It's been slow, but it's getting there.
:d10-1::d10-8: Nine Tails: Ready for pitching! This one will be coming to The Game Crafter! Art for full color edition done! Art for coloring book version done! Still working on the print-and-play files, revised rules, and box!
:d10-1::d10-9: Put a bow on it! The new lease on life continues! The game got too complicated for Bad Comet's Cozy Contest... not sure where this one is going to end up, but I'm excited to see it through!
:d10-2::d10-0: Eighteen Eggs : Contest complete, game did not place. *sigh*. Rain, Rain Mini Expansion and Player Aids available. BGG page approved, 2nd Edition files pending. This is going to be released as a FREE Print & Play. Period. Last Leaves will function as a reimplementation (new art, new theme, more complexity) and WILL be released as both a Print & Play and a Print-on-demand via The Game Crafter this Fall.
:d10-2::d10-1: Snow Squall: In the vein of Eight Elephants and Eighteen Eggs, but a bit bigger, no timer, and more Game Crafter-friendly art. I may be shelving this idea. Last Leaves really accomplished what I wanted to do here and the theme/art fits better as well. That said, I may reuse the name for another project...
:d10-2::d10-2: Monk's Cat: The Book of [Pawprints]: The third game in the Cat Companion Card Game series, sequel to Composer's Cat and Librarian's Cat. Contest now complete! I'm happy! #1 Best Graphic Design for Visually Impaired Players; #8 Best Use of Theme; & #7 Best Low-Ink Printing! I've still got feedback to address and I'll get there- I promise! But, overall, I'm happy with the game, with its reception, and I'm looking forward to continue developing Monk's Cat... possibly for future publication on The Game Crafter... 😜
:d10-2::d10-3: Unnamed Puzzle Game: multi-level campaign puzzle game in the vein of Abydos, Read the Runes, and Charge the Circle. Fuzzball-inspired. Backburner. Tentative entry in this year's Solitaire Print and Play Game Design Contest...
:d10-2::d10-4: Nine Lives: I haven't heard anything, so I'm assuming this is a no-go. Still, I might revisit this idea down the road...
:d10-2::d10-5: Who's ready for the owlidays?: Might be my entry/one of my entries in this year's 54-Card Game Design Contest! No new progress this week.
:d10-2::d10-6: I sits!: Didn't make the FFF Contest, but watch this space!
:d10-2::d10-7: Caturday @ the cattery: Didn't make the FFF Contest, but will still happen. Eventually. Again, watch this space!
:d10-2::d10-8: Elements 2: Will be 1 of my entries in this year's Solitaire PNP Game Design Contest! Sequel to Elements, draws on the setting/visuals/narrative of Elements and builds on the gameplay of Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice with an added rock-paper-scissors-like overlap mechanic. Stay tuned! WIP will go live sometime this month...
:d10-2::d10-9: Time's up! : Probably my 2nd entry in this year's 54-Card Game Design Contest. Playtesting has gone well, now I'm fine-tuning things, actually locking down the rules, and starting work on the graphics. WIP thread will go live this month!
:d10-3::d10-0: Last Leaves: old name, new game. This is a cozy, cute, Game-Crafter-friendly solitaire matching game that builds on Eighteen Eggs. The original Last Leaves may still happen down the road, but it'll need a new name because the name fits this little game better :geek_grin:. Card done! Rules done! Box done! Now waiting with Elements for my next order of proofs.
:d10-3::d10-1: A Walk on the Beach: Solo-only, play-through-the-deck set collection game. Unsure if for Solo PNP Contest OR 54-Card Contest... Continuing to play around to figure out where this game needs to go.
Early Development:
:d10-1: The 7th Seal : A bit of progress :whistle:
:d10-2: Gator Glory! Simmering.
:d10-3: So, you want to be a mage......
:d10-4: Barricade Brigade: At the postern gate: A smaller version of the original. Similar story, setting, and mechanics, but more compact.
On Hold:
:d10-1: Contagion and Calamity: The Philadelphia Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793: formerly Philly Fever 1793
:d10-2: Rolling Runes
:d10-3: Defend your Dreams: (formerly Dreamcatcher Duty)
:d10-4: Trick or Treat
:d10-5:
:d10-6: Unnamed design: Involves the Titanic and Jenny the ship cat...
:d10-7: Nine Nopes
:d10-8: Book it!
:d10-9: History Heist
:d10-1::d10-0: Lost in the Labyrinth
:d10-1::d10-1: Dragon's Draw
:d10-1::d10-2: Push to the Peak
:d10-1::d10-3: Cardshop Caretaker
:d10-1::d10-4: Water always wins
:d10-1::d10-5: Sniper, take the shot!
:d10-1::d10-6: Puppy Pile: (formerly Dogpile)
:d10-1::d10-7: Compound It!
:d10-1::d10-8: My Little Fish Tank
:d10-1::d10-9: Knick Knacks: Lovely Lamps : Sequel to Knick Knacks: Shaker Showdown
:d10-2::d10-0: Triskell (or maybe Triskellion): name not final
:d10-2::d10-1: Cursed Cards (Traditional Deck Game)
:d10-2::d10-2: War of the Wilds
:d10-2::d10-3: Scratch-off
:d10-2::d10-4: Reverse the curse!
Professional Projects:
:d10-1: Explosion in the Laboratory/Fire in the Library (2nd edition): Weird Giraffe Games: Campaign wrapped! Campaign fulfilled! Campaign complete!
:d10-2: Dreams of Yesterday: Weird Giraffe Games: Campaign wrapped! Campaign fulfilled! Campaign complete!
:d10-3: In the Shadows: Resistance in France 1943 - 1944: GMT Games: Complete! I still haven't managed to get this back to my table. Gah! In the meantime... see A Solo Sunday Salute - First Impressions - In the Shadows for a preview.
:d10-4: Crumbs!: The Sandwich Filler Game: Minerva Tabletop Games: Initial feedback in. First impressions and some extra crumbs: Solo Sundays- First Impressions: Crumbs!: The Sandwich Filler Game and Solo Saturdays - Continuing to make Crumbs. More formal review posted: Rachel Reviews It- Crumbs!: The Sandwich Filler Game. Campaign funded! Campaign ongoing. Fingers-crossed that Minerva Tabletop Games comes through... it looks like this is finally in the process of fulfilling...
:d10-5: Crystallo expansions and miniature edition: Light Heart Games: Initial feedback in. Previews and additional adventures shared: A crystal cavern at the garage aka mini Crystallo is here!, First Impressions: Crystallo: Untold Fortune, Solo Saturdays- First Impressions: Crystallo: Den of Dragons, and Solo Stories- Playing with all of Crystallo. More formal review posted: Rachel Reviews It- Crystallo: Untold Fortune and Crystallo: Den of Dragons. Campaign funded! Campaign ongoing... AND there's GOOD NEWS: Crystallo lives!- Crystallo's new Gamefound
:d10-6: Lost Adventures: Belltower Games: First Impressions and continuing adventures shared: Two-Player Thursdays- First Impressions: Lost Adventures, Two-Player Tuesdays- Getting Lost with Mom, and Solo Stories - Lost Adventures. More formal review posted: Rachel Reviews It: Lost Adventures. Campaign wrapped! Campaign fulfilled. Campaign complete.
:d10-7: Quirky Bird Games: The zine campaign funded! That's a wrap! Congrats Beth and Angel! Fulfillment ongoing. Keep up the great work!
------------------------------------------------------------------
Tomorrow's plan: catch up on socials and finally finish off the next Mythic Monday report.
How about you? Any fun plans?
Happy Saturday and happy playing!
-Rachel
Thank you for reading my blog. If you liked it; then please click the green thumb [microbadge=23724] at the top of the page. If you really liked it; then please subscribe. And follow me across social media with my Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/rachelncarpenter
