Trapped Chest
@trappedchest.bsky.social
Trapped Chest is a Canadian based company that is owned and operated by Jed Doerksen, focusing on the development and publication of tabletop games.
www.TrappedChest.com
www.TrappedChest.com
As a developer I try to play as many different types of games as possible to see how different mechanics and design styles work.
This one has been on my radar for a while as a potential research project and was surprisingly hard to track down.
#sologame #gloomhaven #boardgames
This one has been on my radar for a while as a potential research project and was surprisingly hard to track down.
#sologame #gloomhaven #boardgames
February 7, 2026 at 1:28 AM
As a developer I try to play as many different types of games as possible to see how different mechanics and design styles work.
This one has been on my radar for a while as a potential research project and was surprisingly hard to track down.
#sologame #gloomhaven #boardgames
This one has been on my radar for a while as a potential research project and was surprisingly hard to track down.
#sologame #gloomhaven #boardgames
I don't know how they pull it off, but whenever I get tea at Tim Hortons then temperature is "surface of the sun".
February 6, 2026 at 2:05 PM
I don't know how they pull it off, but whenever I get tea at Tim Hortons then temperature is "surface of the sun".
If you are considering manufacturing your own board game, you may want to check out my latest blog post where I go over the reality of self manufacturing Essence of the Arcane in Canada.
#tabletopgames #BoardGames #indiegames #indiedev #spotlight
www.trappedchest.com/2026/02/02/d...
#tabletopgames #BoardGames #indiegames #indiedev #spotlight
www.trappedchest.com/2026/02/02/d...
February 3, 2026 at 3:46 AM
If you are considering manufacturing your own board game, you may want to check out my latest blog post where I go over the reality of self manufacturing Essence of the Arcane in Canada.
#tabletopgames #BoardGames #indiegames #indiedev #spotlight
www.trappedchest.com/2026/02/02/d...
#tabletopgames #BoardGames #indiegames #indiedev #spotlight
www.trappedchest.com/2026/02/02/d...
Reposted by Trapped Chest
Challenge for the #ttrpgCommunity:
Reply with a link to your favorite SMALL creator (under 1k followers) who deserves more attention.
Let's lift each other up!
#ttrpg #indiedev #dnd #rpg #ttrpgsky #supportindies
Reply with a link to your favorite SMALL creator (under 1k followers) who deserves more attention.
Let's lift each other up!
#ttrpg #indiedev #dnd #rpg #ttrpgsky #supportindies
January 31, 2026 at 4:15 PM
Challenge for the #ttrpgCommunity:
Reply with a link to your favorite SMALL creator (under 1k followers) who deserves more attention.
Let's lift each other up!
#ttrpg #indiedev #dnd #rpg #ttrpgsky #supportindies
Reply with a link to your favorite SMALL creator (under 1k followers) who deserves more attention.
Let's lift each other up!
#ttrpg #indiedev #dnd #rpg #ttrpgsky #supportindies
Recently the Manitoba Board Game Designers got an overhaul to the official website, which added a store locator map, so you can find stores selling Manitoba made games, like Go Beyond Games, Victory Pints Games, GameKnight Games and A Muse N Games
#tabletopgames #indiedev #manitoba #supportlocal
#tabletopgames #indiedev #manitoba #supportlocal
January 30, 2026 at 1:37 AM
Recently the Manitoba Board Game Designers got an overhaul to the official website, which added a store locator map, so you can find stores selling Manitoba made games, like Go Beyond Games, Victory Pints Games, GameKnight Games and A Muse N Games
#tabletopgames #indiedev #manitoba #supportlocal
#tabletopgames #indiedev #manitoba #supportlocal
Reposted by Trapped Chest
We bought this at Game-itoba and are super excited to be trying it out next coffee date 💗🐇🍄
Forgot to take a picture of the big stack before packing it up, but we are in a good position for release on Friday at Game-itoba Tabletop Games Convention
#essenceofthearcane #boardgames #indiedev
#essenceofthearcane #boardgames #indiedev
January 25, 2026 at 5:26 AM
We bought this at Game-itoba and are super excited to be trying it out next coffee date 💗🐇🍄
Forgot to take a picture of the big stack before packing it up, but we are in a good position for release on Friday at Game-itoba Tabletop Games Convention
#essenceofthearcane #boardgames #indiedev
#essenceofthearcane #boardgames #indiedev
January 19, 2026 at 2:59 AM
Forgot to take a picture of the big stack before packing it up, but we are in a good position for release on Friday at Game-itoba Tabletop Games Convention
#essenceofthearcane #boardgames #indiedev
#essenceofthearcane #boardgames #indiedev
200 player aid cards. The corner rounder did it's job and my arm is sore.
Release is next Friday at #Gameitoba
#essenceofthearcane #boardgames #tabletopgames #indiedev #spotlight
Release is next Friday at #Gameitoba
#essenceofthearcane #boardgames #tabletopgames #indiedev #spotlight
January 16, 2026 at 4:23 AM
200 player aid cards. The corner rounder did it's job and my arm is sore.
Release is next Friday at #Gameitoba
#essenceofthearcane #boardgames #tabletopgames #indiedev #spotlight
Release is next Friday at #Gameitoba
#essenceofthearcane #boardgames #tabletopgames #indiedev #spotlight
January 11, 2026 at 8:55 PM
The final prototype for Essence of the Arcane.
It will release on Jan 23 at Game-itoba Tabletop Games Convention
#indiedev #Gameitoba #spotlight #tabletopgames #boardgames #bgg
It will release on Jan 23 at Game-itoba Tabletop Games Convention
#indiedev #Gameitoba #spotlight #tabletopgames #boardgames #bgg
January 9, 2026 at 1:54 PM
The final prototype for Essence of the Arcane.
It will release on Jan 23 at Game-itoba Tabletop Games Convention
#indiedev #Gameitoba #spotlight #tabletopgames #boardgames #bgg
It will release on Jan 23 at Game-itoba Tabletop Games Convention
#indiedev #Gameitoba #spotlight #tabletopgames #boardgames #bgg
You need to market your games to get sales, but if you spend all your time marketing you won't have time to get the games made, which means you have nothing to market.
You're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't.
-Bart Simpson
#indiedev #tabletop #boardgames #ttrpgs
You're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't.
-Bart Simpson
#indiedev #tabletop #boardgames #ttrpgs
January 7, 2026 at 8:20 PM
You need to market your games to get sales, but if you spend all your time marketing you won't have time to get the games made, which means you have nothing to market.
You're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't.
-Bart Simpson
#indiedev #tabletop #boardgames #ttrpgs
You're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't.
-Bart Simpson
#indiedev #tabletop #boardgames #ttrpgs
Cracked glass for Essence of the Arcane.
It will release at Game-itoba in a few weeks.
#indiedev #boardgame #spotlight #madeincanada
It will release at Game-itoba in a few weeks.
#indiedev #boardgame #spotlight #madeincanada
January 6, 2026 at 1:51 PM
Cracked glass for Essence of the Arcane.
It will release at Game-itoba in a few weeks.
#indiedev #boardgame #spotlight #madeincanada
It will release at Game-itoba in a few weeks.
#indiedev #boardgame #spotlight #madeincanada
January 5, 2026 at 2:56 PM
I spent the last 2 days attempting to learn XML and LUA, so I could get The Nullam Project & Reanimated in Fantasy Grounds and I think it's time to accept that I am not a programmer.
I want VTT support for my games, but my brain is not wired for code.
#ttrpg #indiedev #coding #fantasygrounds #vtt
I want VTT support for my games, but my brain is not wired for code.
#ttrpg #indiedev #coding #fantasygrounds #vtt
January 3, 2026 at 1:27 AM
I spent the last 2 days attempting to learn XML and LUA, so I could get The Nullam Project & Reanimated in Fantasy Grounds and I think it's time to accept that I am not a programmer.
I want VTT support for my games, but my brain is not wired for code.
#ttrpg #indiedev #coding #fantasygrounds #vtt
I want VTT support for my games, but my brain is not wired for code.
#ttrpg #indiedev #coding #fantasygrounds #vtt
I have been a forever GM for decades and I have never sprung a mimic on my players, and yet they are still paranoid.
The damage caused by sadistic old school GMs lingers.
The damage caused by sadistic old school GMs lingers.
December 28, 2025 at 4:11 PM
I have been a forever GM for decades and I have never sprung a mimic on my players, and yet they are still paranoid.
The damage caused by sadistic old school GMs lingers.
The damage caused by sadistic old school GMs lingers.
I don't do Christmas, but I always have the week between Christmas and New Year off from my day job, so for the next few days I will be catching up on all the stuff that I have been falling behind on all year.
December 25, 2025 at 8:41 PM
I don't do Christmas, but I always have the week between Christmas and New Year off from my day job, so for the next few days I will be catching up on all the stuff that I have been falling behind on all year.
The #BGG listing for Essence of the Arcane is finally up and the release date is only a month out.
It will be for sale at Game-itoba in Winnipeg if you want to be the first to get it.
boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/46...
#indiedev #boardgame #spotlight #tabletop
It will be for sale at Game-itoba in Winnipeg if you want to be the first to get it.
boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/46...
#indiedev #boardgame #spotlight #tabletop
Essence of the Arcane
An abstract strategy game about controlling magical energy.
boardgamegeek.com
December 22, 2025 at 12:41 AM
The #BGG listing for Essence of the Arcane is finally up and the release date is only a month out.
It will be for sale at Game-itoba in Winnipeg if you want to be the first to get it.
boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/46...
#indiedev #boardgame #spotlight #tabletop
It will be for sale at Game-itoba in Winnipeg if you want to be the first to get it.
boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/46...
#indiedev #boardgame #spotlight #tabletop
Essence of the Arcane has a UPC now. I guess this means it's official.
Manufacturing will start over xmas and release is happening the third weekend of January.
#indiedev #boardgames
Manufacturing will start over xmas and release is happening the third weekend of January.
#indiedev #boardgames
December 16, 2025 at 3:29 AM
Essence of the Arcane has a UPC now. I guess this means it's official.
Manufacturing will start over xmas and release is happening the third weekend of January.
#indiedev #boardgames
Manufacturing will start over xmas and release is happening the third weekend of January.
#indiedev #boardgames
There are few things as frustrating as having a great idea and then as soon as you sit down to put it on paper your brain just shuts off.
December 12, 2025 at 11:50 PM
There are few things as frustrating as having a great idea and then as soon as you sit down to put it on paper your brain just shuts off.
100% this!
Victory does not mean killing the monster, it means completing the goal. Sometimes there are creative ways of doing things and that just makes for an interesting narrative.
Victory does not mean killing the monster, it means completing the goal. Sometimes there are creative ways of doing things and that just makes for an interesting narrative.
December 12, 2025 at 11:49 PM
100% this!
Victory does not mean killing the monster, it means completing the goal. Sometimes there are creative ways of doing things and that just makes for an interesting narrative.
Victory does not mean killing the monster, it means completing the goal. Sometimes there are creative ways of doing things and that just makes for an interesting narrative.
I have been considering hosting a game jam with cash prizes for the best entries.
January seems like the best time, but I have a small con to attend and I am ramping up for a board game release, so I don't have the time.
#ttrpg #boardgames #indiedev #gamejam
January seems like the best time, but I have a small con to attend and I am ramping up for a board game release, so I don't have the time.
#ttrpg #boardgames #indiedev #gamejam
December 11, 2025 at 1:54 PM
I have been considering hosting a game jam with cash prizes for the best entries.
January seems like the best time, but I have a small con to attend and I am ramping up for a board game release, so I don't have the time.
#ttrpg #boardgames #indiedev #gamejam
January seems like the best time, but I have a small con to attend and I am ramping up for a board game release, so I don't have the time.
#ttrpg #boardgames #indiedev #gamejam
Having a hobby other than game design is something I suggest every developer look into.
Sometimes you need to switch it up and hobby #2 helps with that.
I brew mead, because alcohol helps keep those pesky brain cells in line.
#indiedev #brewing #mead #gamedesign #hobby
Sometimes you need to switch it up and hobby #2 helps with that.
I brew mead, because alcohol helps keep those pesky brain cells in line.
#indiedev #brewing #mead #gamedesign #hobby
December 6, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Having a hobby other than game design is something I suggest every developer look into.
Sometimes you need to switch it up and hobby #2 helps with that.
I brew mead, because alcohol helps keep those pesky brain cells in line.
#indiedev #brewing #mead #gamedesign #hobby
Sometimes you need to switch it up and hobby #2 helps with that.
I brew mead, because alcohol helps keep those pesky brain cells in line.
#indiedev #brewing #mead #gamedesign #hobby
My next appearance will be at Game-itoba in Winnipeg, January 23-25.
I am planning on going to more than ever this year and branching out from Manitoba.
I am planning on going to more than ever this year and branching out from Manitoba.
In 2026, I want to attend more TTRPG cons in Canada 🍁
West coast is a lot easier, but I can travel for a good enough event!
Do any of my moots attend Canadian cons? What conventions do y’all recommend?
West coast is a lot easier, but I can travel for a good enough event!
Do any of my moots attend Canadian cons? What conventions do y’all recommend?
December 3, 2025 at 8:41 PM
My next appearance will be at Game-itoba in Winnipeg, January 23-25.
I am planning on going to more than ever this year and branching out from Manitoba.
I am planning on going to more than ever this year and branching out from Manitoba.
If you do it right the first time you won't need to fix it later.
Cutting corners may save time now, but it will cost time later.
Cutting corners may save time now, but it will cost time later.
December 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM
If you do it right the first time you won't need to fix it later.
Cutting corners may save time now, but it will cost time later.
Cutting corners may save time now, but it will cost time later.