New Game Releases and Announcements

It’s been an eventful week in the board game world! We’ve seen everything from announcements of new games to exciting upcoming expansions that we should all keep an eye on. Here’s a roundup of what’s hot right now:

Earthborne Rangers

So, you’ve got a taste for adventure and storytelling, right? Check out Earthborne Rangers, an intriguing TTRPG-like card game that lets you build your character in a sprawling wilderness of the far future. This game flips the narrative and encourages players to explore at their own pace. Whether you decide to follow the main storyline or carve out your own destiny, this one seems packed with potential for clever interactions. The exploration of mysterious ruins and fauna in a lush world promises to bring engaging gameplay.

To learn more, click here.

Blood Rage: Valhalla

The Blood Rage series is getting a new expansion with Blood Rage: Valhalla. Set after Ragnarök, this game promises to deliver gameplay similar to the original but with a fresh twist in Valhalla. Designer Eric M. Lang hints at exciting new battle mechanics and miniatures for combat. There’s even a module for back-to-back play with the original Blood Rage! This one is definitely on my wishlist.

For more details, click here.

Innovation 4th Edition

Innovation, the card-driven civilization builder, is back with a shiny new 4th edition. Adding ten new innovations for a total of 115 cards, this version promises to keep the core gameplay intact while refreshing the experience. You’ll still be building your civilization and shaping outcomes based on your strategic use of cards. Can’t wait to see how it evolves!

For more info, head to this link.

Game Market Spring 2025

The annual Game Market Spring 2025 in Japan drew a whopping 27,000 attendees this year. Over 1,200 exhibitors showcased their latest board games, including numerous intriguing titles across genres like trick-taking, auction, and thematic games. This event reinforces how vibrant the board game community is and shows there’s always something new around the corner. If you’re on the lookout for unique indie games, don’t miss out on the highlights from this market!

Get the full scoop by clicking here.

Insights from Designers and Creators

Designer Diary: Wolf Street

Britton Roney shares the journey of developing Wolf Street, a lively real-time negotiation game for large groups. Inspired by real-life experiences and the chaotic atmosphere of trading floors, this game encourages loud bargaining and strategic thinking. With its return to print and thematic toys, this edition promises to amplify the fun even further. For those who enjoy high-energy games, this is one to explore.

Read the full story here.

Designer Diary: King and Peasant

Poon Jon reveals his design process for King and Peasant, an 18-card game filled with medieval themes of revolt against the crown. His insights into balancing gameplay between the king and the peasant provide a fascinating look at the complexities of game design. The blend of bluffing and action in limited moves is sure to intrigue fans of strategic card games, especially with the added drama of power struggles.

Check it out here.

Upcoming Events and Trends

The board game community is buzzing with anticipation for major events like Gen Con and other local game fairs happening around the world. With continued innovations in gameplay mechanics and a solid focus on indie designers, it’s a good time to jump in and discover new games to add to your collection.

Stay tuned for more updates, and remember to keep supporting your favorite designers and publishers as they craft their next great titles. Until next time, may your games be strategic and your moves clever!

About the Author

Jordan’s been deep into the hobby for over a decade, with a taste for midweight strategy games, clever card mechanics, and anything asymmetric. He loves games that reward smart plays and subtle interaction, especially ones where outthinking your opponents matters more than flashy components. His writing style is direct and opinionated, and he's not afraid to challenge popular picks or champion overlooked gems. If a game makes you bluff, adapt, or quietly pull ahead while everyone’s distracted, chances are Jordan’s already a fan.

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