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actualol.bsky.social
Actualol
@actualol.bsky.social
1.4K followers 76 following 82 posts
My name is Jon and I make board game videos that have made people laugh.
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actualol.bsky.social
If you use AI to design a board game, or do the artwork for your board game, I will never buy it, never play it, never review it, and I will side-eye your company for all future projects.

If you brag about doing it, you're a weapons grade douche bag, that doesn't deserve a place in our industry.
February 18, 2026 at 9:29 AM
Reposted by Actualol
425suzanne.bsky.social
Reposting with ALT because this kind of phenomenal disdain and disrespect from within the industry literally against two of their own titles and the designer who made them is important to recognize.
Ryan Dancey - Chief Operating Officer of Alderac Entertainment responding to: Baffles me why people think AI should be included in any serious business when it's like the office four year old. Ryan writes Because three years ago, it was essentially nothing but a curiosity. Now it’s useful, but in limited cases. In a year or two it will be as useful as any new hire. A year or two after that, it will be used useful as an experienced employee. And any field. For a few dollars day in cost. 15 years ago the best humans could be any computer playing chess. 10 years ago a human checking the work of the best chest plan computer could be the best human. Today the best humans cannot beat a chess playing computer. This is what is happening with AI except the timeframe is months not years. I have zero reason to believe that AI couldn’t come up with tiny towns or flip seven or cubitos. I can prompt any of several AI‘s right now and get ideas for games as good as those. The gaming industry doesn’t exist because humans create otherwise unobtainable ideas it exists because many many previous games exist feed into the minds of designers who produce new variance of those themes. People then apply risk. Against those ideas to see if there’s a product market fit. Sometimes there is, and sometimes there’s not. In fact, much more often than not. Extremely occasionally quotes twice in my lifetime (D&D and magic the gathering) a human has produced an all new form of gaming entertainment. Those moments are so rare and incandescent that they echo across decades. Game publishing isn’t an industry of unique special ideas. It’s an industry about execution, marketing, and attention to detail. All things AIs are great at.
February 17, 2026 at 11:30 PM
Reposted by Actualol
index.wericmartin.com.ap.brid.gy
Matt Leacock and Rob Daviau join forces once again
Forbidden Legacy to Debut at Gen Con 2026
Following the debut of **_Forbidden Island_** in 2010, designer Matt Leacock has taken travelers to the desert, sky, and jungle — and in 2026 he's joining forces with frequent design partner Rob Daviau (Pandemic Legacy, _Ziggurat_, and _Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West_) to take travelers somewhere new. U.S. publisher Gamewright will debut _**Forbidden Legacy**_ at Gen Con 2026, with a retail release in Q4 2026, and the game will retail for US$50. One of the elements connecting the _Forbidden_ titles is that how you escape from one title leads into your dire situation in the next. In _Forbidden Island_ , for example, you assemble elements to construct an airship, then it crashes in the desert to set off the challenge of _Forbidden Desert_. All of the games are playable independently, but the thread is there for those who want to follow along. In this case, _Forbidden Jungle_ ended with you escaping through a portal to an unknown location — and here you are on the cover of _Forbidden Legacy_ , popping out somewhere unknown. A production mock-up that's nearly final aside from the missing QR code _Forbidden Legacy_ consists of a seven-stage campaign, with each stage being replayable on its own and with the resolution of a stage introducing new elements as you move on to the next, thanks both to six episode boxes that are initially sealed in the box and a large _Chronicle_ box that you will open and tear apart. A production mock-up at Toy Fair 2026 The pages of the _Chronicle_ are quite thick, akin to children's board books, and that's because in some cases, you'll rip pages out of the book so that players can get their hands on info they'll need to know, such as actions available on a game turn. And here's one final spoiler near the end of episode 1. Expect much more along these lines...and along other lines...as you progress through the seven episodes. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Like what you read? Leave a tip to support independent board game journalism! Leave a tip
www.wericmartin.com
February 15, 2026 at 1:07 PM
Reposted by Actualol
watchitplayed.bsky.social
Today I emailed publishers about a concerning practice a board game media creator engaged in. This will likely become public, so I'm providing the details here to give the full context of what I shared.

1) Document: www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/o8ovt...

2) Video: youtu.be/fHXGWflPj4c

1/2
www.dropbox.com
February 9, 2026 at 2:47 PM
Reposted by Actualol
index.wericmartin.com.ap.brid.gy
Designer of Cockroach Poker, Geistesblitz, and dozens more games
Jacques Zeimet Has Passed Away
<p>Designer <a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamedesigner/144/jacques-zeimet">Jacques Zeimet</a>, best known for the games <a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/11971" rel="noreferrer"><strong><em>Cockroach Poker</em></strong></a> and <a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/83195" rel="noreferrer"><strong><em>Ghost Blitz</em></strong></a>, has passed away.</p><p>All that's known publicly about Monsieur Zeimet is that he was from Luxembourg. An editor at <a href="https://www.zoch-verlag.com" rel="noreferrer">Zoch Verlag</a> — which published one of his first designs, <a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/293" rel="noreferrer"><strong><em>Bamboleo</em></strong></a>, in 1996 — tells me that he preferred not to have his picture or bio on game boxes as he didn't want to be a public person. That said, he has shared his creations with us for three decades, so perhaps you can put <a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/903" rel="noreferrer"><strong><em>Hamster Roll</em></strong></a>, <a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/206939" rel="noreferrer"><strong><em>Do De Li Do</em></strong></a>, or <a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/186302" rel="noreferrer"><strong><em>The Nasty 7</em></strong></a> — which is due out in a new edition in 2026 — on the table and enjoy his legacy through play.</p>
www.wericmartin.com
February 5, 2026 at 1:04 PM
Reposted by Actualol
baconcenturion.bsky.social
@actualol.bsky.social gives us his ultimate list of small games. Check it out on his channel on YouTube. #boardgames #cardgames
The Ultimate Small Games Guide
YouTube video by Actualol
youtu.be
February 1, 2026 at 4:39 PM
actualol.bsky.social
The chief Board Game News writer has a new home!
wericmartin.bsky.social W. Eric Martin @wericmartin.bsky.social · 23d
Board Game Beat just opened! There's a bunch of content there already, and I'll be posting more throughout the week...including Spielwarenmesse coverage, a survey, and a video. Thanks so much for all your support!
Text-only promotion for Board Game Beat listing www.wericmartin.com/follow for fediverse links.
January 26, 2026 at 5:31 PM
Reposted by Actualol
wericmartin.bsky.social
Board Game Beat is officially launched & loaded with content...with more to come as I report on Spielwarenmesse!

If you're into independent board game journalism—articles, videos, interviews, news, reviews & more—please check it out and share.

www.wericmartin.com

#boardgame #spielwarenmesse
Board Game Beat LLC | W. Eric Martin
Tabletop and board game journalism with deep-dive news, reviews, interviews, videos, and essays, plus rulebook writing and editing services.
www.wericmartin.com
January 26, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Reposted by Actualol
index.wericmartin.com.ap.brid.gy
Helvetiq Reveals Its 2026 Line-up
You can trick cats, help a bandit, play mystery poker, and erase truths
www.wericmartin.com
January 26, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Reposted by Actualol
pcperini.com
Discord wants to know how you feel about AI.

Go tell them: discord.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management
The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.
discord.sjc1.qualtrics.com
January 10, 2026 at 12:53 AM
Reposted by Actualol
gameminimalist.bsky.social
My board game wishes for 2026?

1. Stop the anthropomorphic animal and dystopia themes, please 🙏 that’s honestly enough now.

2. Make more ‘new’ old school style games instead of just rebooting old school games.
January 1, 2026 at 8:30 AM
Reposted by Actualol
charlietheel.bsky.social
My list of the top 10 board games of 2025 is here, just in time. This was a weird year. I struggled with my own self imposed rules, and honestly, I'm not wholly satisfied with my selections as I keep second guessing some exclusions. Too late now, here it is:
playerelimination.com/2025/12/29/t...
The Top 10 Board Games of 2025
This feels strange. I’m usually late with my yearly list, taking my sweet time until January or February to catch up on all of the noteworthy releases. This was a quieter year. Some would say…
playerelimination.com
December 29, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Reposted by Actualol
shelfstablecast.bsky.social
"Sell that and treat yourself to a copy of Patchwork... So the gamers in your new town will respect you." Brutal but not wrong @actualol.bsky.social

youtu.be/DOco8HZocdo?...
It's Culling Time.
YouTube video by Actualol
youtu.be
December 27, 2025 at 9:19 PM
actualol.bsky.social
What's this font that you see in rulebooks? If I see this font, I feel safe, I know I'm about to learn some bloody rules.
December 4, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Reposted by Actualol
timclare.bsky.social
Hey if you want a Xmas gift for the boardgame lover in your life (even if that person is you) then my book THE GAME CHANGERS (US title: Across The Board) is all about the history & culture of tabletop games. Hopefully it is surprising, amusing & interesting.
www.waterstones.com/book/the-gam...
The Game Changers by Tim Clare | Waterstones
Buy The Game Changers by Tim Clare from Waterstones today! Click and Collect from your local Waterstones or get FREE UK delivery on orders over £25.
www.waterstones.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Reposted by Actualol
baconcenturion.bsky.social
@actualol.bsky.social put together a guide of his top board games to give as gifts this holiday season. Check it out here! #boardgames #cardgames
2025 Board Game Gift Guide (For Everyone)
YouTube video by Actualol
youtu.be
November 20, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Reposted by Actualol
timclare.bsky.social
If you are thinking of gifts for Xmas this year, my book about tabletop games, The Game Changers (UK, other territories) / Across the Board (US, Canada), is out in paperback, audiobook & ebook. I think it is good for anyone who loves boardgames old or new, or who likes stuff on culture & history.
The cover of Across the Board, with a ladder, pawns and dice The cover of The Game Changers, showing a Ludo-like board with a spinner at the centre
October 26, 2025 at 10:40 AM
actualol.bsky.social
To anyone in Essen - please leave comments about the games you've played on Board Game Geek. Most new games only have a handful of comments, so it's really useful for small publishers, and, er, content creators who couldn't make it to the show and are a bit sad about it. Spread the hype!
October 24, 2025 at 12:58 PM
actualol.bsky.social
The saddest part of the day is when you realise your Board Game Arena opponents have gone to bed.
September 16, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Reposted by Actualol
timclare.bsky.social
Hey heads up, The Game Changers paperback is on the shelves in most good UK bookshops right now. If you would like some positive reading about how we are all deeply connected as humans, & how games build communities in the darkest times, you might find something of value in it.
A picture of my book The Game Changers out on the table in Waterstones
September 15, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Reposted by Actualol
avivor.com
I played roughly one [1] board game in the past year, but I still really enjoy @actualol.bsky.social's videos. He combines deep love and knowledge of board games with a sweet, fun, and funny attitude, plus a very high production value sprinkled on top.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDsU...
Solving Your Board Game Problems
YouTube video by Actualol
www.youtube.com
September 13, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Reposted by Actualol
nopunincluded.com
so in this board game about making pretend board games you have a sustainability mechanism, you see.
logo for The Game Makers, featuring the words The Game Makers surrounded by a cavalcade of various popular enthusiast board games. a screenshot of the campaign page for The Game Makers. The green banner reads GO TEAM GREEN! It has an image of the wooden tree pieces, and a curious looking cute cartoon panda. The text underneath reads "Part of The Game Makers focuses on the need for modern day manufacturers making efforts to reduce their impact on the environment. Players can even score a significant amount of points if they focus on going green. This is abstracted in the game as swapping components for planting trees or planting trees when certain gameplay milestones are reached." Beneath that there's a gameplay image featuring the tree pieces placed on a game board. image from the campain page featuring these pieces from the game "46 plastic buildings (in 3 levels), 18 dice (in 3 levels)." another component image featuring the infamous plastic gametrayz custom insert
September 5, 2025 at 11:57 AM
actualol.bsky.social
Can't even feed my baby whole grapes these days because of choke.
collinmurr.bsky.social Collin Murr @collinmurr.bsky.social · Aug 31
Can’t even reinvent the wheel these days because of spoke
susandixon.bsky.social susan @susandixon.bsky.social · Aug 31
Can't even listen to punk rock these days because of folk
September 1, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Reposted by Actualol
nopunincluded.com
me when the rulebook explains concepts before the structure of the game
image of actor Paula Wilcox reading the Wingspan rulebook. she's basically giving it a perplexed stare. the image is a still from Coronation Street
August 10, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Reposted by Actualol
hachettebgusa.bsky.social
Both Solstis and Seaside made Actualol's top 10 Travel Games list!

"Seaside is bright, breezy and a lovely way to spend the day."
And Solstis is "The perfect game to play with your partner."

What is YOUR favorite travel game?

youtu.be/zyBOpIt-2Nk?...
10 Small Games Perfect For Travel
YouTube video by Actualol
youtu.be
August 11, 2025 at 5:05 PM