Steve Jackson's Blog, page 328

December 4, 2016: International Games Day 2016 Library Was A Hit!

International Games Day @ Your Library recently took place, and we've been getting a ton of reports and thank-you notes from across the country! We wanted to take a moment to say "thank you" to every library for providing such an immensely important service to the community. Promoting not just literacy, but community space, events, adult education . . . the list goes on. The fact that you keep our games in your collection to introduce to new gamers, and help grow game groups, is an honor.







Get inspired by these pictures, and visit your local library to find out about the next International Games Day and how you can help. If your library doesn't participate yet, let them know about it so they can contact International Games Day for more information. And don't forget, you can visit your library year round for not only awesome reading material, but gaming, too! Organize a game night at your local library; they'd probably be happy to help!



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: Bundles As Far As The Eye Can See . . .



From now until December 15, we are selling special collections of boosters, expansions, or games! Check out our Sale! page for all of the newest bundles added to the already awesome grab boxes and messenger bags. Stay on the lookout for even more specials coming up next week! All of these bundles of joy are waiting for you to give them a good home, exclusively from Warehouse 23!

December 3, 2016: Give A Hearty Welcome To Ian Richards, OP Manager!

Hey, everyone. I'm Ian Richards, Organized Play Manager for Steve Jackson Games. I grew up in the UK and got my degree in Graphic Design, but quickly found a passion for marketing. I've over 16 years experience in designing and developing Organized Play programs, cutting my teeth at Wizards of the Coast (who you can blame for moving me to the U.S.) and helping retailers in the distribution channel.



After 12 years in Washington, we finally made the move back to my wife's home state of Florida. After 12 years in the U.S., I finally nationalized, as I love this country.



I'm a big believer in staying in touch with consumers to help me design better programs. To help me achieve this, I regularly run demos at local stores to ensure I get to talk with players and retailers alike.



At Steve Jackson Games, we've big plans for OP, and 2017 will see us adding programs for pretty much all of our existing lines, plus a few games we've yet to tell you about! Stay tuned!!!



– Ian Richards



Warehouse 23 News: Bundles As Far As The Eye Can See . . .



From now until December 15, we are selling special collections of boosters, expansions, or games! Check out our Sale! page for all of the newest bundles added to the already awesome grab boxes and messenger bags. Stay on the lookout for even more specials coming up next week! All of these bundles of joy are waiting for you to give them a good home, exclusively from Warehouse 23!

December 2, 2016: Ogre Miniatures Set 1 Tramples Kickstarter Goals

Ogre Miniatures Set 1  rolled through Kickstarter as if it was a defenseless Command Post, leaving mangled metal in its wake. Not only did the project fund, but it crushed all expectations, beating our final stretch goal by almost $5,000! It was an incredible show of support from the Ogre fanbase, and now we get to start the fun stuff! We have loads of plastic miniatures to make, plus the other awesome Ogre games and supplements coming this year and next.



For those who missed out, we will have preorders available through BackerKit, but we also want to direct you to your friendly local game store. The standard color sets will be available through retailers when they release next year. And stay in touch with your store, because we've got a ton of stuff planned for Ogre !



Ogre Sixth Edition , previously scheduled for January release, is now available for preorder, and will ship to retailers before Christmas! Talk about a full-metal miracle. You'll want to get it now and start playing, because in January, we'll be starting up Ogre Organized Play at your local game store. Ian and Josh are working hard to get the program off the ground, so talk to your local store now! And retailers can signup for our  Ogre Launch Kit , to be shipped in February . 



This has been a fun, stressful, and rewarding month for me in particular, and I want to thank everyone for their support of this project. Now it's for Steve to look at the feedback and think about  Ogre Miniatures Set 2 . . .



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: Bundles As Far As The Eye Can See . . .



From now until December 15, we are selling special collections of boosters, expansions, or games! Check out our Sale! page for all of the newest bundles added to the already awesome grab boxes and messenger bags. Stay on the lookout for even more specials coming up next week! All of these bundles of joy are waiting for you to give them a good home, exclusively from Warehouse 23!

December 1, 2016: Win A Bag Of Loot, And Get Munchkin Bundles!

If you follow us on social media (and if you don't, you should get on that), you might have seen our contest for the Munchkin Messenger Bag Bundle! Well, the dice have been rolled, the numbers randomly generated, and the winners are: Sarah from Twitter, and Caitie on Facebook! Congratulations on your new fashionable accessory, stuffed with Munchkin games and goodies.



But this isn't just a winner's announcement; we have another contest for you! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and follow the instructions on the appropriate posts to enter for a chance to win a Munchkin Messenger Bag  complete with a Munchkin game, expansion, accessory, and promo loot! The contest runs until December 8, and winners will be chosen randomly and contacted after that. 







We've told you about the Holiday Grab Boxes and Messenger Bag promotions going on until December 15. But Warehouse 23 has now gone more than a little Christmas-crazy and . . . they've started a bundling spree! More than two dozen game and accessory bundles have been created especially for the holidays! These are available until December 15, or while supplies last. There are limited numbers, and they will go quickly! These handcrafted selections make perfect gifts for the SJ Games fan in your life, as well as great introductions to gaming for your friends and family! Or just keep them for yourself. Like a munchkin. 



That is a ton of discounted loot! Get your stocking stuffers now, before Warehouse 23 closes for the holidays! 



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: The Grab Boxes Are Flying Off The Shelves!



How would you like $80 or more of Steve Jackson Games goodies for only $40? For fans of all our offerings, we have the  Surprise Me! Grab Box 2016 . It includes random games and accessories for our plethora of published products – new and old! For the more die-hard Munchkin fans, we have the Mostly Munchkin Grab Box 2016 , guaranteed to include Munchkin games and accessories. This year is extra special, because we also have a small stash of items signed by Steve Jackson that we'll throw into random grab boxes! Get yours from now until December 15, exclusively from Warehouse 23!

November 30, 2016: Last Days To Order For Christmas On Warehouse 23

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas . . . at your local postal carrier. That means that it's time to get your orders in to Warehouse 23 if you want to receive your SJ Games loot in time for the big day! 



For international orders, the last day to order for your stuff to arrive by Christmas is December 2. After that, customs might hold up your order. Domestic shipments in the United States have until 11:59 p.m., Central time, December 15, for their purchases to arrive by Christmas. (These dates are NOT guaranteed, and are subject to postal services, weather, and rampaging bands of animated snowmen. You know, normal December stuff. We don't control the postal service, weather, or snowmen. Yet.)



Warehouse 23 is closing after shipping orders received on or before December 15, so if you plan to order for holiday giving, make sure you do so before December 15. Orders placed between December 16-31 will be fulfilled when Warehouse 23 reopens on January 2. We will be shipping those orders before any other holiday-break orders. Orders placed on or after January 1, 2017, will be shipped after our yearly inventory is completed. 



While you're getting your last-minute gifts, check out our new Holiday Grab Boxes and Munchkin Messenger Bag bundles! Holiday Grab Boxes come in Mostly Munchkin and Surprise Me! varieties, and include at least $80 worth of items for the low cost of $40. Plus, you may be the lucky recipient of an item signed by Steve Jackson! If you've been a good munchkin all year, that is. In addition, if you purchase a Munchkin Messenger Bag , we will fill it with a random Munchkin game, expansion, accessory, and swag – for free! With that much storage and loot, you can put Santa to shame. These promotions run only until December 15th at 11:59 p.m. Central time, so "grab" yours soon! 



Make sure you get all your international orders in before December 2; stateside orders must be in by December 15. While we can't guarantee delivery by Christmas, this is your very best bet to get it there in time for a happy holiday. 



As one last note, today is the last day to back the Ogre Miniatures Set 1 Kickstarter! While it releases in 2017, a pledge on the Kickstarter may be just what the Ogre fan in your life is looking for, so take a look! Campaign closes today at 5 p.m. Central time. 



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: The Grab Boxes Are Flying Off The Shelves!



How would you like $80 or more of Steve Jackson Games goodies for only $40? For fans of all our offerings, we have the  Surprise Me! Grab Box 2016 . It includes random games and accessories for our plethora of published products – new and old! For the more die-hard Munchkin fans, we have the Mostly Munchkin Grab Box 2016 , guaranteed to include Munchkin games and accessories. This year is extra special, because we also have a small stash of items signed by Steve Jackson that we'll throw into random grab boxes! Get yours from now until December 15, exclusively from Warehouse 23!

November 29, 2016: Ogre Organized Play Coming In January

Attention Needed! Incoming Transmission From Headquarters:



Commander, we've detected several hostile Ogres heading to your Friendly Local Game Store. We expect imminent destruction. Gather your forces and rendezvous with others to defend the location immediately. Ensure you coordinate with the General at the FLGS and follow his orders to the letter. Victory will be well rewarded. Good luck.



Transmission ends.



With the release of Ogre Sixth Edition , we are proud to announce Steve Jackson Games Organized Play! Players everywhere will be heading to their friendly local game store to battle for victory, awesome Ogre Sixth Edition rewards, and, above all else, the recognition they deserve!



Join up, starting in January, to learn what it takes to defend your Command Post or find the perfect Ogre to wipe out your enemies! 



On Feb 11, 2017, we are inviting stores to host the first ever #PlaySJGames Event to show off Ogre Sixth Edition . So make sure your favorite local game store signs up today! The Ogre Launch Kits are free, and first come, first served for the first 200 stores! Those retailers who sign up will receive everything listed below and more!



Ogre Launch Kits include:



Demo copy of Ogre Sixth Edition


Ogre Blueprint Poster


Ogre Dice Sets of varying colors


Uncommon Ogre Counter Sheets


And so much more!
Retailers! We are ironing out the last details of our software for Ogre Organized Play. Sign up now for our Retailer Newsletter through our Store Finder for a special email midway through the month on how to take part!



– Ian Richards



Warehouse 23 News: The Grab Boxes Are Flying Off The Shelves!



How would you like $80 or more of Steve Jackson Games goodies for only $40? For fans of all our offerings, we have the  Surprise Me! Grab Box 2016 . It includes random games and accessories for our plethora of published products – new and old! For the more die-hard Munchkin fans, we have the Mostly Munchkin Grab Box 2016 , guaranteed to include Munchkin games and accessories. This year is extra special, because we also have a small stash of items signed by Steve Jackson that we'll throw into random grab boxes! Get yours from now until December 15, exclusively from Warehouse 23!

November 28, 2016: Munchkin Pathfinder Guest Artist Edition Rolls A Crit!

Grab your adventurer's pack, best goblin-killing sword, and a bag of polyhedral dice, because we're heading back to the dungeon! Munchkin Pathfinder Guest Artist Edition is arriving at your friendly local game store, and even with a fresh, new look, these monsters are tough.







Being one of the most popular versions of Munchkin , we entrusted this new edition to Shane White, an immensely talented artist who's also had experience illustrating the Pathfinder: Goblins!  comic series. He took the time to answer questions for us earlier this year, which you can read here. Find out Shane's favorite card from the set, and impress your friends with knowledge of his creative process!



The highlight, of course, is the art itself. Shane has a unique style that makes Munchkin Pathfinder Guest Artist Edition special, and Ariel compared the cards from the original set and the new Guest Artist Edition. Both versions rock, but you can get an idea of the variation between artists. It's incredible to see how two talented artists can take the same concept and execute it in completely different ways.



Swing by your friendly local game store today and add this game to your stash! The Guest Artist series is limited, so get this treasure while it's still around.



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: Munchkin-y Adventures Await!



The munchkins jump down the rabbit hole in this month's issue of Munchkin from Boom! No, really: They jump – no falling involved. And once they hit Wonderland, they . . . hit Wonderland. See what crazy misadventures our favorite heroes get into with our newest comic,  Munchkin #23 ! Get your copy from Warehouse 23 today!

November 27, 2016: BGG.Con 2016 Wrap-Up

We're back in the office after a great trip to BGG.CON 2016. Andreas, Ariel, Guy, Jimmie, Randy and I set off on our journey Wednesday morning. After a brief rest at the Czech Stop, we were on our way again! When we arrived on site, we all pitched in, set up the booth, and relaxed afterward by (how else?!) playing a few games.



Thursday morning, we were ready to go! We had a super time talking to lots of wonderful people, showing off Batman: The Animated Series Dice Game and Ogre Sixth Edition . We also had plenty of people interested in Simon's Cat Card Game , Bill & Ted's Excellent Boardgame ,   and I Hate Zombies . This was my first time at BGG.CON, and while BGG.CON Spring was busy, it was dwarfed by this one!! The convention staff did a great job keeping everything running like clockwork. The dealer rooms were well laid out, so there was plenty of space for people to walk around and see all the cool things the vendors had.



Friday was another good day, with lots of people stopping by to say "hi!" and check out our new games. The signup board was posted Friday for Saturday night's I Hate Zombies Horde Game. Saturday was the last full day at BGG.CON 2016, and people were making the most of it in the dealer room, playing demos and deciding which games to take home. After the room closed, everyone gathered in the gaming hall for the closing ceremony and drawings. Lots of people went home with some great prizes, including game bundles, a gaming table, AND a trip to Essen Spiel!



After the closing ceremonies, it was time for the I Hate Zombies Horde Game! We got set up, determined who was human and who was a brain-eating zombie, and we were off! The players were enthusiastic, and humanity gradually gained the upper hand. The humans were able to save the day, and the zombie horde was eradicated. The surviving human players received prizes to thank them for saving humanity. As we were wrapping up, another group arrived. They wanted to play, so we gave them their player cards, went over the rules, and another game was on! It was hard fought, with both humans and zombies falling like flies. Eventually, it came down to one human player and three zombies remaining in the game. The human put up a valiant fight, managing to take down two of the zombies before the last one finally prevailed. It was an epic battle. We all had a great time!



Sunday was another good day. We visited with many of the attendees and helped them make their last-minute purchases. It was a great event, and we all had a good time demonstrating our games, along with trying out some great new ones. I can't wait until next year's show!



– Al Griego



Warehouse 23 News: Celebrate 15 Years Of Munchkin!



Munchkin Pathfinder Guest Artist Edition gives players the same goblin-bashing, dragon-slaying fun of the original – now illustrated by Shane White, whose art has been featured in the Pathfinder: Goblins comic series. Arm yourself, kill hordes of goblins, and grab all the treasure! Get your copy from Warehouse 23 today!

November 26, 2016: Demo Munchkin Marvel Edition Today!

Suit up, Marvel fans! To celebrate the release of Munchkin Marvel 3: Cosmic Chaos , USAopoly is hosting events across the country today, showing it alongside Munchkin Marvel Edition and Munchkin Marvel 2: Mystic Mayhem !

In addition to playing an awesome game, you can get some hard-to-find Munchkin Marvel Edition promos, like the Infinity Gauntlet and the new Nova Corps bookmark! You may even snag the new Howard The Duck promo. Nothing goes better with a talking raccoon than a talking duck. Either way, you'll have a blast fighting with Guardians of the Galaxy, alongside Doctor Strange and the Avengers, all at the same time!



Check with your friendly local game store today, Saturday, November 26, to see if they're holding a demo event. Excelsior!



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: Horde All The Loot!



What do Munchkin games and Christmas have in common? Both are chances to amass a bunch of new loot! With all those goodies, you'll need help to stay organized. What better way than our latest addition to the playmat scene: Munchkin Pathfinder Playmat: Presents Unaccounted For! It even comes with a special rule that only the person using the mat can follow. Get your loot festively organized by getting your very own playmat from Warehouse 23 today!

November 25, 2016: Black Friday Buying Guide

Black Friday is synonymous with holiday shopping, but with so many options, where do you start? Fear not! This handy-dandy buying guide will give you some recommendations from our newest 2016 releases, broken into a few categories: Stocking Stuffer, Party and Kids, and  Munchkin Fanatic. Plus, we have some great Warehouse 23 deals to get you a lot of games for not a lot of money. 

Stocking Stuffers



If you're looking for small, inexpensive, and fun, then we've got you covered. Simon's Cat Card Game is perfect for players of all ages, with simple color- and number-matching game play, but the potential for cutthroat strategy. It's a small card box, and at less than $10, it's a steal. Plus, cats! Look for Simon's Cat Card Game at your friendly local game store and Target. 



For comic and superhero fans, the recently released Batman: The Animated Series Dice Game is a great choice. Play a villain, each with a unique power. Escape with the cash before Batman catches you! This super-powered brawl is available at your friendly local game store or at select Hot Topic stores.



Christmas only comes once a year, so why not go all out and play Munchkin Christmas Lite ! This is a full Munchkin experience in an inexpensive package, with a holiday take on classic monsters and items. You can find this and many of our seasonal Munchkin items at your friendly local game store, but get them soon! They'll be going back in the vault at the end of the year. 



Future warfare fits in your pocket with Ogre: Objective 218 ! This fast-playing card game is based on the classic wargame Ogre , and plays in under 30 minutes. Build your supply chains and place units tactically to get an edge, but be on the lookout for the Ogre! Take control of your opponent's base and control the Crater to win! You can find Ogre: Objective 218 at your friendly local game store.

Party and Kids







Looking for a fun, easy-to-learn party game for a lot of people? Look no further than  I Hate Zombies ! Up to 12 players take control of humans and zombies, fighting it out in the classic game of rock, paper, scissors. Zombies are strong, but humans get special powers to defend themselves! It's easy to play, but full of fun bluffing and mind games. I Hate Zombies is available at your friendly local game store.



It's never too early to introduce kids to the world of Munchkin , but to make it a little easier, we present Munchkin Wonderland ! Based on Munchkin Treasure Hunt , players explore a board of bizarre baddies based on the classic Lewis Carroll stories, collecting the best treasure to win. It's a fun, light game, with amazing new artwork from John Kovalic. Munchkin Wonderland is available exclusively on Amazon. 

Munchkin Fanatic



The maleficent magician Moop is mixing up monsters in Moop's Monster Mashup ! This new Munchkin game is a perfect stand-alone, yet mixes very well with any set. Hilarious creatures like the Boomerangutan and Drizzly Bear are tough, but you can take them out with the Beaver Cleaver or Swordfish. Moop's Monster Mashup is available exclusively at your friendly local game store. 



The Munchkin Guest Artist Edition series celebrates Munchkin 's 15th anniversary, and gives fans a number of unique games to collect. Many of our popular themes have been given a fresh coat of paint by new artists, like Ian McGinty, Katie Cook, Len Peralta, Greg Hyland, and Mike Luckas, among others. These are limited-edition games, so get them while you can! Once they are gone, they're gone. Most of them are at your friendly local game store, but  Munchkin Oz Guest Artist Edition is available only on Amazon, Munchkin Legends Guest Artist Edition is available only at Target, and  Munchkin Apocalypse Guest Artist Edition is only at Barnes & Noble. 



The fan who has everything needs a place to store it all. Enter: our Munchkin Monster Box ! It holds nearly 2,000 cards, plus accessories like the Level Playing Field . With boxes illustrated by John Kovalic, Len Peralta, and Ian McGinty, to name a few, you can find one that fits your style. Check with your FLGS for these beauties.





Warehouse 23



We have a couple of holiday specials ready to stock your Christmas tree of choice! Our Holiday Grab Boxes are back by popular demand, in Mostly Munchkin and Surprise Me! varieties. Each box gets you $80 worth of mystery items for the low cost of $40. Not enough of a deal? How about a chance to get something signed by Steve Jackson? Yeah, I thought so. Loot signed by the man himself will be inserted into random boxes, so keep an eye out!



Last but certainly not least, our Game-In-A-Bag promotion is here as well. Simply buy a Munchkin Messenger Bag  and we'll fill it with a Munchkin game, expansion, accessory, and swag! Both of these promotions are going on now until December 15.



Whew, what a lot of stuff! Hopefully this helps you get an idea of what you are looking for this holiday season. And if not, here's hoping that Santa is very kind. 



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: This Is MADNESS!



How would you like $80 or more worth of Steve Jackson Games goodies for only $40? For fans of all our offerings, we have the Surprise Me! Grab Box 2016 , which includes random games and accessories for any of our plethora of published products – new and old! For the more die-hard Munchkin fans, we have the Mostly Munchkin Grab Box 2016 , guaranteed to include Munchkin games and accessories. This year is extra special, because we also have a small stash of items signed by Steve Jackson that we'll throw into random grab boxes! Get yours from now until December 15, exclusively from Warehouse 23!