It’s almost that time of year again: time for a new Star Wars film!
Big Alhambra
Dice Tower News reports that Alhambra is getting the big box treatment later this month. “In true Queen Style they are releasing a new Big Box for Alhambra that will house the base game and all expansions, but also the games Granada, Alhambra the Card Game, Alhambra the Dice Game, and the Gardens of Alhambra.”
Source: http://www.dicetowernews.com/alhambra-is-getting-a-bigger-box/33675
Braintopia
Asmodee announced Braintopia, a game “made up of eight fast-paced challenges that will keep you on your toes as you race to refocus your mind and solve each puzzle before your opponents. … A correctly identified tactile card or a pair of any other challenge card will earn you a piece of the brain. The first player to four brain pieces wins the game.” No official date yet, but it should be in stores early next year.
Source: http://drafts.asmodee.us/en/news/2016/11/10/braintopia/
Meduris
Due out this month is Meduris from 7 Wonders illustrator Miguel Coimbra. According to ACD Distribution Meduris is a “medieval-inspired challenge for 2-4 players ages 10-99 with an approximate play duration of 75 minutes.”
Source: http://acddistribution.blogspot.com/2016/11/meduris-from-haba.html
Blood Bowl
Our friends at tabletopgamingnews.com tell us that Games Workshop is now taking pre-orders for Blood Bowl. “There’s several different sets you can get. There’s just the base game. There’s the base game plus the first expansion that details 7 extra teams as well as expanded tourney/league rules. There’s a new Skaven team. There’s dice. There’s everything.”
Source: http://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/games-workshop-taking-pre-orders-for-blood-bowl/
Digital Explosion
Potion Explosion fans can now look forward to an iOS and Android app next month. The Asmodee Digital press release states that it’ll be good to go early next month.
Our review of Potion Explosion: http://s802022855.onlinehome.us/featured/review-potion-explosion/
Magnifico
CMON Limited and Cranio Creations are joining forces and will publish Lorenzo il Magnifico. “In Lorenzo il Magnifico, players control prominent families during the Italian renaissance, aiming to become the most influential among the other players.”
NFL Magic
After his Magic: The Gathering collection valued between $20,000 to $25,000 was stolen, Seattle Seahawks linebacker Cassius Marsh received a care package from the Wizards of the Coast Magic headquarters. According to ICv2.com, the company tweeted, “ lots of the product in that care package came from the personal collection of WotC employees who wanted to help out” and that they are “donating a gift of equivalent retail value to a Seattle-based children’s charity.”
Source: http://icv2.com/articles/news/view/36043/football-players-magic-plea-shows-sports-gaming-compatible
Games Growth
Although there is no mention of hobby gaming, the NPD Group predicts that games and puzzles are expected to grow 16 percent for the year, with much of it from strategy board games. According to ICv2.com, NPD tracks POS data from major retailers and analyst Juli Lennett said, “The trend in games is definitely one to watch, and it will continue to flourish as families look for more together time.”
Source: http://icv2.com/articles/news/view/36030/npd-reports-16-growth-games-year-date
Upcoming Board Game Conventions
November 25-27. Chessiecon. Timonium, Maryland.
January 27-29, 2017. Polar Vortex Convention. Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
February 17-20. Orccon 2017. Los Angeles, California.
February 20-26, 2017. PrezCon 2017. Charlottesville, Virginia.
April 7-9, 2017. Gaming Hoopla. Gurnee, Illinois.
May 26-29, 2017. Gamex 2017. Los Angeles, California.
September 1-4, 2017. Gateway 2017. Los Angeles, California.
Visit casualgamerevolution.com for more convention listings.
