We are still basking in the afterglow (and recovering) from a tremendous GenCon.

We met with so many amazing publishers and industry folk to discuss partnerships and ways we can work toward common goals.

We got to see and demo (and buy!) a ton of new games.

AND… we raised over $2,000 for The Spiel Foundation at this year’s Spielathon!

Our Gauntlet of Games was ridiculously fun, with people lined up to play the whole time. The final round was a battle for the ages. Congratulations to our new Champion…. Josh Heake! Long may you reign and enjoy your Meeple Crown!

Chris Goodlet (aka The Charity Boardgamer) is so kind and generous to include the Spielathon as part of the wonderful community meetup he organizes.

Czech Games Edition provided the venue for the event. We are so grateful they allow us to come in and mess up their space.

We had a veritable army of volunteers that made the Spielathon such a fun time for everyone.

Massive thanks and high-fives to Maggie, Asia and Nicole from Kickstarter, Andrew Loreman from Many Worlds Tavern, Matt Kelly, Mark Smalley and his pal Brandon, Nieccole Hilliard and Tony Hilliard, and Brian Goebel Strange!

Beyond the Spielathon, none of what we do would be possible without an incredible team of local Spielers.

Many many thanks to my intrepid fun lovin’ friends Gubbins, Erwin Susara, and Michael McMann. From weekly game sessions and tireless hours helping prep and pack games, to support at cons and fundraisers, there’s no way the foundation would be where it is today without them.

Special thanks to my podcast pal Doug Richardson for making the trip from Oregon to join the fun and lend a hand in innumerable ways.

Game designer Tim Brown was part of team Spiel this year and I am ever grateful for his willingness to pitch in when needed.

The financial and logistical support we receive from our partners including Calliope Games, Many Worlds Tavern, and Kickstarter is tremendous, needed, and greatly appreciated.

To cap off the con on Sunday evening, we hosted our 12th annual GenCon feast at Spiel Central (my home), feeding 30 folks from across the world. Doug, Lydia Jay, and Gubbins worked all day to provide a delicious meal.

Despite the incredible heat and humidity we had a wonderful time. Many laughs…and so many rubber ducks! It’s such a privilege and pleasure to bring everyone together for a relaxing night, all of us connected by a shared love of play. And as much as I love the con itself, this gathering is probably my favorite part of the whole week.

After a long nap (or four) we will be raring to go as we forge ahead into the rest of 2024

The second half of Season 19 of The Spiel will start at the end of the month.

We will also be announcing punch party dates so folks can help us get 20,000 games ready for another wave of bundle deliveries.

The Spiel Foundation will be in Essen, Germany in October with our own booth at the International Spieltag for the first time (stay tuned for more details!)

AND we’ll have news about a regular game night hosted by us at a venue in downtown Indy.

How’s that for a tease of things to come?

Many more miles to walk along the playful path.

Spiel on!