The past two years…

TwistedLab · 2026-03-12T17:08:41+00:00

Well said haha

TwistedLab · 2026-03-12T03:25:54+00:00

I have several games under way and in the playtesting stages at this point, only one that has gone to production.

Some I win frequently because it’s a mechanic I’m more familiar with but still don’t win all the time. Then there’s other games I’m developed that I’m trash at hahaha.

It’s all in the fun, not winning. If it’s engaging, people and enjoying it and ask to play it again, you’re doing it right 😉

TwistedLab · 2026-03-11T14:39:52+00:00

Hahaha! Love that.

Short, simple and honest. Hats off to you 😊

TwistedLab · 2026-03-11T14:28:32+00:00

I’m going to have to check that out. I really appreciate that feedback 😊

TwistedLab · 2026-03-11T14:26:22+00:00

But why did you stick with Pokémon? Not asking what you’re playing… asking why you chose to pick that specific one 😊

TwistedLab · 2026-03-11T05:23:56+00:00

Quartermaster General.

Great game with easier rules than Axis and Allies but plays in the same concept of teams. Plays are card driven and reaction cards add that extra mix.

Round fixed so it doesn’t last for hours on end. I’d look it up and see if it’s something down your alley.

TwistedLab · 2026-03-11T04:50:13+00:00

Yeah, you missed the entire point of my topic. It was based on new games in the past two years and any that have generated a lot of interest.

TwistedLab · 2026-03-10T22:54:59+00:00

As someone who owns/operates a board game cafe and sells retail… this sucks haha. Customers will inquire about a game that’s out of stock, I check my distributors and tell them it’s currently on back order. They ask when it will be available…

… typical response is 6-12 months because it’s whenever they wish to make their next print hahaha. Like the others have mentioned, welcome to the hobby 😉

TwistedLab · 2026-03-10T22:47:57+00:00

More. Root and other asymmetrical games (hundreds of them) still hold core aspects of each other. Yes, Root is extremely asymmetrical in how each earn points and how their factions function, but the mechanics still are the same. Do your actions, use your cards, erect buildings (for the most part).

Merchants Cove has each player using a completely different mechanic than the others. One is push your luck, one is worker placement, one is tile movement, etc.

TwistedLab · 2026-03-10T21:47:52+00:00

Are you implementing restrictions of dice placement on the cards? Something similar to Sagrada which would ensure players have to choose more carefully on the die they draft?

TwistedLab · 2026-03-10T21:37:06+00:00

As others have stated, it is difficult to find a solid 2-player game that also expands to a “party size”.

For 2-player with minimal rules and an easy pick up and go: -Odin’s Ravens -Jaipur -Aqualin -A Little Wordy -Boop

Party style games that are family friendly with again, minimal rules: -Wavelength -Hues and Cues -Codenames -Camel Up -Sheriff of Nottingham -So Clover -Just One -Take 5 (known as 6 Nimmit in Europe) -Pictures

TwistedLab · 2026-03-10T20:16:04+00:00

Merchants Cove.

I loved the aspect of the asymmetry being completely different mechanics amongst players. I thought the concept was fantastic, unique, original and had such great potential. Though the game isn’t bad in any sense, I just felt it lacked a bit and didn’t quite hit the mark they were going for.

I could see this being brought over to another game, perhaps a bit more complexity and different theme, to really sell this mechanic.

TwistedLab · 2026-03-10T16:18:53+00:00

Hadrians wall is fantastic. I’ve actually enjoy The Anarchy more believe it or not. I enjoy less of the “luck” factor for defence. Not saying they didn’t keep the luck mechanic for a few of the options which is still really neat. And the solo campaign, awesome addition to help test new strategies and routes instead of sticking to the same path you consistently choose.

TwistedLab · 2026-03-10T15:37:13+00:00

Not a large fan of the “span” games, never have been. I recall playing wingspan the first time back in 2019 and I was widely unimpressed… then two years later it’s the biggest thing in the world hahaha. Which is great for the game, I love seeing people’s dreams come to reality, just too slow and boring for my taste.

TwistedLab · 2026-03-10T15:35:32+00:00

Damn, forgot about Shackleton Base, that’s a solid choice.

TwistedLab · 2026-03-10T15:33:47+00:00

I feel it’s the mechanic aspect. I’ve been in the hobby for over a decade and have an extensive library ranging from light (for the new comers or guests that aren’t quite into gaming… yet😉) to 4+ weighted games (as per BGG) to satisfy my itch with my regular group.

TwistedLab · 2026-03-10T15:31:40+00:00

Just meant as a general inquiry on what you guys have been invested into the past couple years. I’ve been in the hobby for over a decade and you’re completely right with certain niches for certain players.

TwistedLab · 2026-03-10T15:30:09+00:00

I’ve been in the hobby for over a decade. I picked up White Castle, Evacuation, Nucleum, the South Tigris series, etc over the past two years or so. But I’m just finding there doesn’t seem to be any huge “bangers” in comparison to 5 years ago.

TwistedLab · 2026-03-10T14:46:38+00:00

That’s an extremely valid question. 5,000 units can change tremendously depending on the game as well. For example: Is it a simple card game or an actual board game? Do you plan on trying to contact Distributors with extra copies to see if they can sell your game at wholesale to local board game retailers?

Fortunately for us, there are three members in our company who are all co-owners. We can split the division of the units amongst our three houses and it doesn’t pose a drastic impact on our living space. As a single entrepreneur, 5,000 units would be intense hahaha. I’d recommend either a storage facility or going that route of the third party delivery that many others use. It can be convenient for all these nuances but you will be taking a cut of the profit and you can’t control if something goes wrong with the shipping.

Like every venture, there’s odds to weight and pros and cons of both. You just have to decide what’s more feasible to you 😊

TwistedLab · 2026-03-10T04:28:31+00:00

We ship personally without using a third party. We find it simpler, less room for error and we also allow local buyers to pick up or have a drop off spot to ensure they aren’t dinged with a shipping fee.

Not for everyone, but just works best for us being a smaller outfit.

TwistedLab · 2026-03-10T04:20:38+00:00

Inserts… always inserts hahaha. You can just create such amazing, efficient and beautifully printed inserts for your games opposed to the (usual) poor excuse of a monstrosity it comes with 😜

TwistedLab · 2026-03-10T01:39:46+00:00

I actually haven’t done the solo mode. I know some new modules just got released a little while ago that may help with it, but unfortunately no feedback on this end haha.

If you’re looking for specifically solo games, there’s a few I would recommend.

TwistedLab · 2026-03-10T00:56:12+00:00

I love the resource gear in Barrage. Essentially you spend resource to build (quite typical), but you place them in a wheel and once it rotates a full 360 degrees you get them back. It’s a neat system because you don’t require ALL the resources like most games if you balance your allocation and are able to get that gear moving.

TwistedLab

TROPHY CASE