Welcome to the link tree for our November 2021 Monthly Mailer! Before we get started, if you want to get more involved in the community and check out our artwork, head on over to our Facebook group:
Our blog really started to hit its stride a few months ago, and in October brought in 3000 unique readers! Here are the articles that most resonated with people. We always love to hear feedback on the blog, or if there is any content that you’d like us to cover.
Overstuffed - Inserts, Punchboard & Freight: We sat down with box insert designer Matt Healey where I got a crash course in box insert design and process. The article highlights one idiosyncratic element of the process - namely why some games ship with the plastic insert flush with the inner box (and so the lid lifted) whereas others are depressed to accommodate punch board.
RFQ - The Importance of Shopping Around & RFQ Tips & Tricks: We wrote two articles on the RFQ process (Request for Quote), talking about why pricing varies across manufacturers and how to best find a manufacturing partner.
What I’m playing - I was fortunate to play a lot of board games in October. Here are some that really stand out.
Arboretum: Chelsea and I broke this out for some quick games with a friend who was visiting. It’s a lovely little game where you draft cards, and build paths of trees in your arboretum. It is a great combination of easy to learn, but with some real strategic depth.
Ankh: Gods of Egypt: Made by CMON games, this is a big box miniature game. I’m usually a little hesitant on games that lean heavily on miniatures, but this one really delivers on gameplay. It’s an added bonus that a good friend of mine went all in on the Kickstarter, and on some after market components. The game has a really nice flow, and most of the thinky bits are simultaneous (the crunchiest part is choosing the cards you play in battle), so it flows really nicely. There’s also some really nice design elements in the game, such as a catch-up mechanic where the players in last combine forces (like syncretism in Egyptian mythology!). [For the Neil Gaiman fans out there - the flavor of how gods are forgotten will also really resonate with you].
Lost Ruins of Arnak: I am a sucker for drafting/deck building games that have an added layer (like Dune: Imperium with worker placement, and Clank! with a dungeon crawl). Arnak is another game in that vein with worker placement, and a bit of engine building. The game is fun, flavorful, and not too tricky - but with a lot of interesting decisions. It also has a great mod on tabletop simulator which makes it a joy to play remote.