Created by New Quest Entertainment™, a passionate two-person team of sci-fi, fantasy, and superhero fans, BAM™ is the brainchild of Alex Mensen (Game Designer and Project Manager) and Jerrod Jackson (Co-Owner and Creative Director). Alex’s innovative approach to card game design and Jerrod’s imaginative artistry combine to deliver a fresh take on competitive card gaming. In BAM™, players embody Leaders commanding unique Assets—heroes, villains, gadgets, and more—deploying them across various battle locations (LOCs) to dominate in key stats: Body, Aether, and Mind. The game’s art is more than just visually captivating; it’s integral to gameplay, immersing players in a rich, ever-evolving narrative while still communicating strategic elements.

K2 Games, led by independent designer Kristopher R. Kycia, is a passionate studio dedicated to crafting unique and engaging tabletop experiences. Quest Adventure Cards deliver on a rare promise in game design: accessibility without sacrificing engagement. Quest invites players into a straightforward but immersive card game experience that builds on classic card game structures, enhancing them with light fantasy elements. The appeal here lies in the approachable design, which makes it easy for anyone to dive in and start playing without a steep learning curve.

In this captivating interview, we spoke with Vincent and Grace Velarde, the creative minds behind Arbitrary Absurdities. As a husband-and-wife team, Vincent and Grace have turned a shared love of games into a design journey that combines humor, strategy, and absurdity in equal measure. We discuss their creative process, challenges, and inspirations in an engaging look at how they balance strategic complexity and whimsical themes.

Knoctopi Deluxe by James Cantu plunges players into an undersea world where octopi compete for treasure amidst the ruins of a pirate’s ship. Mixing tile-based strategy with a touch of cutthroat competition, players race to complete their octopus’s arms or hoard the most valuable loot. With flexible rules, attack and defense mechanics, and the option for house rules, Knoctopi Deluxe offers a refreshingly customizable experience that appeals to both casual gamers and seasoned strategists alike.

Next Two You Games is a game design company based out of Tucson, Arizona. Their mission is to create casual two-player coffee table games that play in less than 30 minutes and have a small environmental impact. They are currently exploring both pitching to publishers and self-publishing through The Game Crafter. Notable games published by Next Two You Games include:

From the masterminds at Mintbox Games comes Mint Knight, the pocket-sized tribute to the grand Mage Knight experience, boiling down its epic gameplay into a solo adventure that fits in the palm of your hand. This miniaturized marvel captures the essence of exploration, tactical combat, and hero leveling in a mint tin, letting you command a lone hero through a world of dragons, castles, and magical spells. It’s Mage Knight reimagined for those who crave big adventures on the go!