Gateway Games Grand Opening

Tonight I attended the grand opening of a new game store in Cincinnati: Gateway Games & More. It's a small store, but it's tidy and sharp-looking. I got run a few nice demos and meet lots of new people. Here is a shot of my setup:

We played two 5-player games of Revolution! with the Palace expansion. Everybody seems really into it. I also got to play about five games of Tiger Stripes with the kid from the next store over. If only his mom had been there, I'd have closed that sale . . .

 

Here's one of the more interesting patrons. I'm about 40% sure there was a costume contest going on during the grand opening. Sometimes it's hard to tell with this crowd--but I love 'em.

Several other were being played during my few hours at the store. Thanks to Todd (the owner) for letting me come and demo/pass out flyers. He sold his only copy of Revolution! and I got to sign it. :) It's amazing to me how many people have still never heard of Revolution! but end up really enjoying it. I need to hire Randy to make another nation-wide tour . . .

Beyond Monopoly at the Library

Today I had the opportunity to do a board games program at my local library (Green Township, for you locals). I'd like to thank the staff, and especially Natalie Fields, for smooth and flawless logistical support! I also need to thank my brother-in-law, Aaron and two of my daughters for their help teaching all the games. We had around twelve tweens/teens/parents for this two-hour event (called Beyond Monopoly: An Introduction to Eurogames). As you can see from the pictures, everyone had a blast.

 This was my first group. We played 7 Wonders twice, and the girl in the red won both times (and I was playing in the second game)! They loved it!

 These girls had just finished a spirited game of Carcassonne. They really got into it.

 Aaron led a game of Revolution!, losing pretty badly to one of the little girls pictured (he did come in second, but I couldn't resist the dig)! This game was also a big hit.

 My group then moved on to The Settlers of Catan. They caught on almost immediately and just ate it up. While they didn't quite finish this one, they all said they really enjoyed it.

 Another group formed to tackle Forbidden Island. Amazon currently has this for 13.00--what a steal! This game also didn't get finished, which was probably good. Things were not looking good for our intrepid explorers!

Finally, Isabel got in quite a few plays of her Tiger Stripes game. She even made a sale to one of the librarians! BTW, Isabel is now officially past the break-even point and into the black! Sweet success!

We just had an amazing time introducing these wonderful games to a very enthusiastic group of library patrons. Perhaps more of these opportunities will show up in the future . . . For those interested, here are a few more fantastic games we didn't get a chance to try: Tobago, Dominion, Pandemic & Ticket to Ride.

Kingdom of Solomon Tops $10K on Kickstarter!

The Kickstarter campaign has come to an end. What an amazing adventure! All the pledges more than doubled our original goal of $5,000. We ended at $10,020. Thanks to all the many people who made this possible! Now to get it to the printer and into the hands of gamers.

In case you didn't make it into the KS, you can still preorder Kingdom of Solomon from the Minion Games website. By doing so, you'll be getting one of the first games available--faster than your FLGS or other retailers. Thanks for your support!

Happy Birthday USA!

Game Presentation Next Week

Next Thursday I am scheduled to do a game-related presentation at my local library. If you live in the area, it will be at the Green Township Branch from 2:00-4:00. I will introduce modern eurogames and then we'll play some of the games. And I got to do a cool display in the lobby!

I'm also making some arrangements to attend the grand opening of a new local game store near Eastgate Mall called Gateway Games. Great name! I believe there will be prizes. Maybe I can get in a few demos of Revolution! and Kingdom of Solomon.

Last, but not least, Kingdom of Solomon will soon be wrapping up its stint on Kickstarter. In fact, only a few hours remain! Sign up while you still can to be first in line for shipping and get the promo card and other bonuses--all for less than retail!