Blue Orange released three new board games in Indianapolis during Gen Con 2018: Scarabya, Kingdomino Expansion Age of Giants, and Blue Lagoon.
On the 400 sq. feet booth that was constantly packed and on the 6 tables in the Event Hall that welcomed close to 900 pre-registered players over the course of 4 days, the high energy and enthusiasm of fans and employees were nonstop.
The Board Game Geek GeekBuzz list which measures the popularity of new games during the convention based on on-going voting, listed Blue Orange games in the top 10 on the first day. And on Sunday August 5th, Scarabya was # 1, Blue Lagoon # 2 and Age of Giants # 3. This was strong proof that the new releases were very well received by the players.
Scarabya is a tile-laying puzzle game designed by Bruno Cathala and Ludovic Maublanc, that includes unique gameplay and intricate components. By positioning pentomino tiles on individual boards, players create excavation zones of 1 to 4 squares that contain scarabs. The scarabs are then worth the size of the zone they are in.
Age of Giants was an expected hit following the fame of Kingdomino, Spiels des Jahres winner in 2017. The expansion, to be played with Kingdomino or Queendomino, adds new challenges, brings a new level of player interaction, and includes a domino dispenser tower. It also allows for a fifth player to join.
Blue Lagoon, designed by Reiner Knizia, requires smart placement and anticipation to win. The area control and set collection game is won through the accumulation of points by collecting resources and settling on the islands.
Bruno Cathala, game designer of Scarabya and the Kingdomino collection, was present at the booth each day to meet fans and select a random winner for the Royal Wedding Giveaway–which prize consisted of a giant version of Kingdomino and a giant version of Queendomino, also new and available in limited quantity at the convention.
He commented on his new expansion: “If we look at how fast the large stock of Age of Giants went down during the convention, we can easily say that the players appreciated it. They particularly liked the simplicity and also the teasing interaction between players, thanks to those clumsy giants crushing the opponents’ crowns.”
On Scarabya, Cathala detailed, “many players came to tell me how much they appreciated the game and how, with very simple rules and 3 ways to play, one of them being solo mode, it gave them a very different experience each time. In short, everybody should find their satisfaction, whether in a family setting or in a more savvy group.”
“We love Gen Con because it is always a great place for us to interact with our fans,” said Martin Marechal, the Vice President of Blue Orange Games. “This year was incredible as our booth was full for 4 straight days, creating a great atmosphere and offering a unique experience to players. Bruno Cathala’s presence was very popular and we are thankful for this partnership. Our ongoing Demo & Play events and Tournaments in the Event Hall were also a great success to launch our games in the gamer community. And best of all, the famous Board Game Geek buzz list with an exceptional ranking for our games: 1st, 2nd and 3rd position, we couldn’t do better!”
All 3 new releases are now available for purchase on Amazon and in independent retail stores.
- Scarabya
- Game designers: Bruno Cathala
- and Ludovic Maublanc
- Suggested Age: 8 and up
- MSRP: $29.99
- Blue Lagoon
- Game designer: Reiner Knizia
- Suggested Age: 8 and up
- MSRP: $29.99
- Kingdomino Expansion Age of Giants
- Game designer: Bruno Cathala
- Suggested Age: 8 and up
- MSRP: $19.99
