Ted Mann Schaller
@tedmannschaller.bsky.social
Product designer @ Halcyon — Helping drive green energy investment and development. 🔋
Board game designer @ Square Cactus Games — Designing silly little card games to spread joy. 🃏
Board game designer @ Square Cactus Games — Designing silly little card games to spread joy. 🃏
Reposted by Ted Mann Schaller
Do you like charts? Oh yes you do. I've just published hundreds of them, as I do every year. www.nathanielbullard.com/presentations
January 15, 2026 at 12:59 PM
Do you like charts? Oh yes you do. I've just published hundreds of them, as I do every year. www.nathanielbullard.com/presentations
Reposted by Ted Mann Schaller
I wrote about some of my favorite trick-taking and climbing games from 2025. The genre remains such fertile ground for interesting ideas.
www.donteatthemeeples.com/10-great-tri...
www.donteatthemeeples.com/10-great-tri...
10 great trick-taking and climbing games from 2025
Plus at least 12 more games I enjoyed this year.
www.donteatthemeeples.com
January 8, 2026 at 10:42 PM
I wrote about some of my favorite trick-taking and climbing games from 2025. The genre remains such fertile ground for interesting ideas.
www.donteatthemeeples.com/10-great-tri...
www.donteatthemeeples.com/10-great-tri...
Reposted by Ted Mann Schaller
Reposted by Ted Mann Schaller
Honoured that That’s the Spirit is part of Best Week! This really has become my favourite genre of board game and it’s exciting being part of such great company.
Today is the fifth day of Best Week! Did you know that 2025 contained an unusually high number of games about human relationships? An unusually high number of *good* games about human relationships? Now you do! Read about them here: spacebiff.com/2025/12/29/b...
Best Week 2025! The D.T.R.!
Do people still D.T.R.? When I was a youngling, the acronym stood for Define The Relationship, that belly-clenching moment when two people would sit across from one another, lock eyes, and hold a s…
spacebiff.com
December 29, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Honoured that That’s the Spirit is part of Best Week! This really has become my favourite genre of board game and it’s exciting being part of such great company.
Reposted by Ted Mann Schaller
I love my two blackout drunk Minnesota sons
December 18, 2025 at 2:17 PM
I love my two blackout drunk Minnesota sons
Reposted by Ted Mann Schaller
This game may not be for everyone, but you can't fake the joy that I see from literally everyone that plays this game. It's a testament to the work that @coinflip.games & I have done over the years, breaking the mold of what games can accomplish!
Q1, 2026 on KS y'all. Check us out⤵️⤵️
bit.ly/3XXLWdU
Q1, 2026 on KS y'all. Check us out⤵️⤵️
bit.ly/3XXLWdU
December 18, 2025 at 10:51 AM
This game may not be for everyone, but you can't fake the joy that I see from literally everyone that plays this game. It's a testament to the work that @coinflip.games & I have done over the years, breaking the mold of what games can accomplish!
Q1, 2026 on KS y'all. Check us out⤵️⤵️
bit.ly/3XXLWdU
Q1, 2026 on KS y'all. Check us out⤵️⤵️
bit.ly/3XXLWdU
As I sit here getting ready to publish a game called Counterpoint… Maybe I’ll publish it under the pseudonym “Peter Horn Thainthway” just to keep the tradition alive! Haha
So, here's a mystery: I'm working on a video about Rene Soriano, the designer of over 50 games published over the course of the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. And one of the titles he listed was Counterpoint - a title which has been used for eight different games. So I ask him to describe it.🧵
December 11, 2025 at 4:06 PM
As I sit here getting ready to publish a game called Counterpoint… Maybe I’ll publish it under the pseudonym “Peter Horn Thainthway” just to keep the tradition alive! Haha
Reposted by Ted Mann Schaller
So, here's a mystery: I'm working on a video about Rene Soriano, the designer of over 50 games published over the course of the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. And one of the titles he listed was Counterpoint - a title which has been used for eight different games. So I ask him to describe it.🧵
December 11, 2025 at 3:13 PM
So, here's a mystery: I'm working on a video about Rene Soriano, the designer of over 50 games published over the course of the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. And one of the titles he listed was Counterpoint - a title which has been used for eight different games. So I ask him to describe it.🧵
Reposted by Ted Mann Schaller
Doing the little hobbies, activities & side quests you love is so hard & so important, because they're *not* little, they're how you choose to delight in being alive, but Capitalism & its flunkeys continually tell us that Work is the only true & moral thing, & revokes food & shelter if we shirk it.
December 9, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Doing the little hobbies, activities & side quests you love is so hard & so important, because they're *not* little, they're how you choose to delight in being alive, but Capitalism & its flunkeys continually tell us that Work is the only true & moral thing, & revokes food & shelter if we shirk it.
Reposted by Ted Mann Schaller
Having a good time working on a standard deck of cards. It’s starting to set in though that 52 is a lot of cards and I’ve ended up committing myself to drawing unique swirls on every one 😅
December 3, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Having a good time working on a standard deck of cards. It’s starting to set in though that 52 is a lot of cards and I’ve ended up committing myself to drawing unique swirls on every one 😅
The speed with which our team at Halcyon was able to spin up this analysis was inspiring.
The tools we are building are making *actually understanding* the current energy market not impossible (or worse—expensive and time consuming), but rather simple and accessible to the folks who care.
The tools we are building are making *actually understanding* the current energy market not impossible (or worse—expensive and time consuming), but rather simple and accessible to the folks who care.
FERC’s RM26-4-000 docket is packed with views on how to connect large new loads like data centers.
@nathanielbullard.com explains what 175+ commenters are saying — from the 20MW threshold debate to jurisdictional tensions across regions. ⚡📄
👇
hubs.la/Q03WzklF0
@nathanielbullard.com explains what 175+ commenters are saying — from the 20MW threshold debate to jurisdictional tensions across regions. ⚡📄
👇
hubs.la/Q03WzklF0
Parsing FERC RM26-4-000: Large Load Interconnection
Halcyon’s Nat Bullard gives a brief analysis of the major arguments in FERC’s RM26-4-000 large-load interconnection docket.
hubs.la
December 3, 2025 at 5:19 PM
The speed with which our team at Halcyon was able to spin up this analysis was inspiring.
The tools we are building are making *actually understanding* the current energy market not impossible (or worse—expensive and time consuming), but rather simple and accessible to the folks who care.
The tools we are building are making *actually understanding* the current energy market not impossible (or worse—expensive and time consuming), but rather simple and accessible to the folks who care.
Matt captured a recording of my lightening fast IGNM Ducky pitch. Pretty fun to hear it! (and also lovely to remember how many times I called the ducky bathtub a "battlefield" by accident! haha) 🦆🪩🛁🎲✂️
Thanks for showing it off @mattmartens.bsky.social! 💛
Thanks for showing it off @mattmartens.bsky.social! 💛
I'm having a lot of fun making these "travelogues" of the various shows I go to on behalf of Leder Games.
This one is special because Indie Games Night Market is a deeply inspiring event that everyone should take part in...
ledergamesromp.podbean.com/e/032-pax-un...
This one is special because Indie Games Night Market is a deeply inspiring event that everyone should take part in...
ledergamesromp.podbean.com/e/032-pax-un...
032: PAX Unplugged Travelogue (and Indie Games Night Market) | Romp
We're on the road yet again. This time it's a more conventional convention except for one of the most fun evenings in gaming: the Indie Games Night Market
Featured on this episode:
Okay, Duckies, Now ...
ledergamesromp.podbean.com
December 2, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Matt captured a recording of my lightening fast IGNM Ducky pitch. Pretty fun to hear it! (and also lovely to remember how many times I called the ducky bathtub a "battlefield" by accident! haha) 🦆🪩🛁🎲✂️
Thanks for showing it off @mattmartens.bsky.social! 💛
Thanks for showing it off @mattmartens.bsky.social! 💛
Reposted by Ted Mann Schaller
I'm having a lot of fun making these "travelogues" of the various shows I go to on behalf of Leder Games.
This one is special because Indie Games Night Market is a deeply inspiring event that everyone should take part in...
ledergamesromp.podbean.com/e/032-pax-un...
This one is special because Indie Games Night Market is a deeply inspiring event that everyone should take part in...
ledergamesromp.podbean.com/e/032-pax-un...
032: PAX Unplugged Travelogue (and Indie Games Night Market) | Romp
We're on the road yet again. This time it's a more conventional convention except for one of the most fun evenings in gaming: the Indie Games Night Market
Featured on this episode:
Okay, Duckies, Now ...
ledergamesromp.podbean.com
December 2, 2025 at 6:26 PM
I'm having a lot of fun making these "travelogues" of the various shows I go to on behalf of Leder Games.
This one is special because Indie Games Night Market is a deeply inspiring event that everyone should take part in...
ledergamesromp.podbean.com/e/032-pax-un...
This one is special because Indie Games Night Market is a deeply inspiring event that everyone should take part in...
ledergamesromp.podbean.com/e/032-pax-un...
Reposted by Ted Mann Schaller
December 2, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Reposted by Ted Mann Schaller
Building the Game did an episode talking with @ericdittmore.bsky.social about his experience with the Indie Games Night Market
www.buildingthegamepodcast.com/episode-705-...
www.buildingthegamepodcast.com/episode-705-...
Episode 705: The Spirit of the Market – Building the Game
www.buildingthegamepodcast.com
December 2, 2025 at 5:15 AM
Building the Game did an episode talking with @ericdittmore.bsky.social about his experience with the Indie Games Night Market
www.buildingthegamepodcast.com/episode-705-...
www.buildingthegamepodcast.com/episode-705-...
Reposted by Ted Mann Schaller
In addition to everything else, the point about just doing your own sharpie stick figures is the hill I’ll die on. Your game doesn’t need 100s of highly realistic paintings. Collage public domain images together and throw on some filters. Draw stick figures. You’ll get better and faster as you go.
Over the last month, I've been working on this essay about the use of AI art in board games, "Is This Really What We Want?" Though it is contextually specific, it is also a reflection of my wider thoughts on the use of AI art and writing in creative contexts.
www.meeplemountain.com/articles/is-...
www.meeplemountain.com/articles/is-...
Is This Really What We Want? – AI Art in Board Games – Meeple...
AI generated imagery and text are a threat to what makes board games worthwhile. In this piece, Andrew explains Meeple Mountain’s policy.
www.meeplemountain.com
December 1, 2025 at 11:44 PM
In addition to everything else, the point about just doing your own sharpie stick figures is the hill I’ll die on. Your game doesn’t need 100s of highly realistic paintings. Collage public domain images together and throw on some filters. Draw stick figures. You’ll get better and faster as you go.
Reposted by Ted Mann Schaller
I was worried I overhyped Chicken Fried Dice (@urbanprogames.bsky.social ) and that my wife wouldn't like it as much as I did when we got to play it.
The response was "Best game we played this year"
Adding in the best card in the game, if I do say so myself.
Photos by @peppermintfox.bsky.social
The response was "Best game we played this year"
Adding in the best card in the game, if I do say so myself.
Photos by @peppermintfox.bsky.social
November 29, 2025 at 4:43 AM
I was worried I overhyped Chicken Fried Dice (@urbanprogames.bsky.social ) and that my wife wouldn't like it as much as I did when we got to play it.
The response was "Best game we played this year"
Adding in the best card in the game, if I do say so myself.
Photos by @peppermintfox.bsky.social
The response was "Best game we played this year"
Adding in the best card in the game, if I do say so myself.
Photos by @peppermintfox.bsky.social
Reposted by Ted Mann Schaller
I've had the honor of not only playtesting Bolted, but also watching the absolute care to detail @davidmalki.com has put into this project via WIP. It's INCREDIBLE. So much fun to play – @makinaro.com & I laughed A LOT! I just backed it and you should too! 🥳🙌 www.kickstarter.com/projects/mal...
Bolted! A Frankenstein-Style Game of Creative Necromancy
A 2–4 player, puzzly card game about "making friends"—out of body parts! From the creator of the comic strip Wondermark.
www.kickstarter.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:31 PM
I've had the honor of not only playtesting Bolted, but also watching the absolute care to detail @davidmalki.com has put into this project via WIP. It's INCREDIBLE. So much fun to play – @makinaro.com & I laughed A LOT! I just backed it and you should too! 🥳🙌 www.kickstarter.com/projects/mal...
Indie Games Night Market was such a vibe! The games all looked amazing and the people who came to buy were so delightful! #paxunplugged #IGNM 🎲✂️
Pumped to say I sold all but 2 copies of the duckies! 🐥🎉
If you missed the IGNM, and want to buy some ducks, come find me at booth 3752 @ 11:30-1:30pm
Pumped to say I sold all but 2 copies of the duckies! 🐥🎉
If you missed the IGNM, and want to buy some ducks, come find me at booth 3752 @ 11:30-1:30pm
Indie Games Market last night was a rousing success!!!!
WOW. I’m so impressed by all of the vendors organization and skill.
I’m sure we’ll be able together get stats from the PAX team, but this year definitely felt way bigger 🧵 🎲✂️
WOW. I’m so impressed by all of the vendors organization and skill.
I’m sure we’ll be able together get stats from the PAX team, but this year definitely felt way bigger 🧵 🎲✂️
November 23, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Indie Games Night Market was such a vibe! The games all looked amazing and the people who came to buy were so delightful! #paxunplugged #IGNM 🎲✂️
Pumped to say I sold all but 2 copies of the duckies! 🐥🎉
If you missed the IGNM, and want to buy some ducks, come find me at booth 3752 @ 11:30-1:30pm
Pumped to say I sold all but 2 copies of the duckies! 🐥🎉
If you missed the IGNM, and want to buy some ducks, come find me at booth 3752 @ 11:30-1:30pm
Reposted by Ted Mann Schaller
Here’s my invite to play some new stuff.
(I may have overdone it at the indie night games market.)
www.newmillindustries.com/ignm
#paxhaul
(I may have overdone it at the indie night games market.)
www.newmillindustries.com/ignm
#paxhaul
November 23, 2025 at 5:54 AM
Here’s my invite to play some new stuff.
(I may have overdone it at the indie night games market.)
www.newmillindustries.com/ignm
#paxhaul
(I may have overdone it at the indie night games market.)
www.newmillindustries.com/ignm
#paxhaul
Reposted by Ted Mann Schaller
Indie Games Market last night was a rousing success!!!!
WOW. I’m so impressed by all of the vendors organization and skill.
I’m sure we’ll be able together get stats from the PAX team, but this year definitely felt way bigger 🧵 🎲✂️
WOW. I’m so impressed by all of the vendors organization and skill.
I’m sure we’ll be able together get stats from the PAX team, but this year definitely felt way bigger 🧵 🎲✂️
November 23, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Indie Games Market last night was a rousing success!!!!
WOW. I’m so impressed by all of the vendors organization and skill.
I’m sure we’ll be able together get stats from the PAX team, but this year definitely felt way bigger 🧵 🎲✂️
WOW. I’m so impressed by all of the vendors organization and skill.
I’m sure we’ll be able together get stats from the PAX team, but this year definitely felt way bigger 🧵 🎲✂️
Pax has been such a whirlwind, but wanted to shout out one last time… the Indie Games Night Market is tonight at 7pm in the queue line area. Stop by and pick up some limited run specialty games ONLY available here! (It’s where all the cool kids are!) 🎲✂️
Threw together a quick poster / flyer for the event this Saturday. Come check out some cool indie games!
#paxunplugged #pax #indiegamesnightmarket
#paxunplugged #pax #indiegamesnightmarket
November 22, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Pax has been such a whirlwind, but wanted to shout out one last time… the Indie Games Night Market is tonight at 7pm in the queue line area. Stop by and pick up some limited run specialty games ONLY available here! (It’s where all the cool kids are!) 🎲✂️
Reposted by Ted Mann Schaller
✨ Reminder!! ✨
Indie Games Night Market is tonight @ 7pm!!
When the Expo Hall closes, come down to Hall C to buy the freshest indie games!!
“More even than last year, these games seem like they’re pushing boundaries. They capture the spirit of what it means to be ‘indie.‘“ @danthurot.bsky.social
Indie Games Night Market is tonight @ 7pm!!
When the Expo Hall closes, come down to Hall C to buy the freshest indie games!!
“More even than last year, these games seem like they’re pushing boundaries. They capture the spirit of what it means to be ‘indie.‘“ @danthurot.bsky.social
Pax Unplugged is right around the corner!!
Looking back at all the IGNM coverage—I’m so proud and impressed at how much our community came together to promote these awesome indie works!
There’s a game for everyone in this lot!
Here’s a thread of all the incredible coverage of IGNM 2025: 🧵 🎲✂️
Looking back at all the IGNM coverage—I’m so proud and impressed at how much our community came together to promote these awesome indie works!
There’s a game for everyone in this lot!
Here’s a thread of all the incredible coverage of IGNM 2025: 🧵 🎲✂️
November 22, 2025 at 1:20 PM
✨ Reminder!! ✨
Indie Games Night Market is tonight @ 7pm!!
When the Expo Hall closes, come down to Hall C to buy the freshest indie games!!
“More even than last year, these games seem like they’re pushing boundaries. They capture the spirit of what it means to be ‘indie.‘“ @danthurot.bsky.social
Indie Games Night Market is tonight @ 7pm!!
When the Expo Hall closes, come down to Hall C to buy the freshest indie games!!
“More even than last year, these games seem like they’re pushing boundaries. They capture the spirit of what it means to be ‘indie.‘“ @danthurot.bsky.social
Reposted by Ted Mann Schaller
#PAXUnplugged2025 is tomorrow! If you're going, grab yourself a little bird themed stocking stuffer!
November 20, 2025 at 3:32 PM
#PAXUnplugged2025 is tomorrow! If you're going, grab yourself a little bird themed stocking stuffer!