Top 10 Games to *Buy, Try or Spy* at GenCon 2024 | Most Anticipated

[@LegendaryTactics]

I hope all of your Gencon dreams came true! This was a very ambitious list. My goal was to meet Thinker | Themer. Mission accomplished!

[@rahdo]

just for fun, my countdown of these top 20"ish" (demos first) 5. (Amy) March of the Ants (Weird City Games, 2956, DEMO) 4. (Amy) Innovation Ultimate (Asmadi Games, 2555, DEMO) 3. (Amy) SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (CGE, ICC 235-239, DEMO) 2. (Amy) Knitting Circle (Flatout Games, 403, DEMO) 1. (Maggie) Citizens of the Spark (Thunderworks Games, 1363, DEMO) and now the "to buys" 18. (Maggie) FateFlip: Washed Ashore (Alley Cat Games, 2052, $15) 17. (Amy) Lone Wolves (Wonderful World Board Games, 1356, $20) 16. (Amy) Radlands Cult of Chrome (Roxley, 2662, $13) 15. (Amy) The Fog: Escape From Paradise (XOLLOX Games, ?) 14. (Maggie) Seers Catalog (Bezier Games, 3035, $15) 13. (Amy) Decorum Movin' Out (Floodgate Games, 439) 12. (Maggie) Cafe Baras (KTBG, 2004, $20) 11. (Maggie) Don't Starve The Board Game (Glass Cannon Unplugged, 1939) 10. (Amy) The Gang (Kosmos, 2619, $15) 9. (Amy) Forest Shuffle Alpine (Lookout Games, ?, $13) 8. (Amy) Landmarks (Floodgate Games, 439, $25) 7. (Amy) Tir Na Nog (Grand Gamers Guild, 2838) 6. (Amy) Gnome Hollow (The Op Games, 135, $50) 5. (Maggie) Fromage (Road To Infamy Games, ?, $50) 4. (Maggie) Endeavor Deep Sea (Burnt Island Games, 2004, $55) 3. (Maggie) Rock Hard 1977 (Devir, 2827) 2. (Maggie) Cities (Devir, 2827) 1. (Maggie) Windmill Valley (Board & Dice, 2611, $60) i guess that makes me a themer :)

[@ThinkerThemer]

Hahaha well at least you're both super consistent! I could probably pick yours as well as Maggie's hehehe wish we could play them together!

[@AmmonAnderson]

Awe!!! Thank you for including my game gnome hollow in your list! Yes. All the game art is 100% created by me. I also painted the cover, but my publisher brought in another artist to add some additional details on the cover art:)

[@ThinkerThemer]

That's amazing! Can't wait to see it in person. Will you be at there with the Op? Thanks for watching & taking the time to comment 😊

[@BoardGameHype]

You’re amazing ❤

[@ncreson]

Ammon, any chance you'll be at Gem State Gaming Con in Boise again this year? It's a week and a half away.

[@LurkingDragonfly]

I am demoing Gnome Hollow a few times over the next couple at Barnes and Noble and am really looking forward to it.

[@AndrewPegram-px7ck]

This is the only game I want at GenCon!

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

Can’t wait to see you ladies again!! 😊👏🏻 we need to get some games in this time!

[@ThinkerThemer]

We were literally just saying this to Dana! Hehehe looking forward to catching up and for sure let's try to get some games in PS. The new hair is 🔥!

[@25thCenturyGames]

Thank you for including Hamster Roll and Witchcraft in your roundup. Both will be available at our booth. -chad

[@xolloxgames]

Awesome and unbelievable. Thank you so much for including my first ever designed game The FOG - Escape from Paradise into your list - and even reaching no. 5. This is really something special for me! The Deluxe Edition will be available at the Grand Gamers Guild booth at GenCon (see below). I do not know about who is selling the Standard Edition. Being from Germany I myself will unfortunately not be able to attend GenCon with my own booth.

[@est92797]

Played Cities yesterday at Dice Tower East....simply an amazing game. Simple rules but very strategic. A+ for Devir games...a total winner.

[@jojog3681]

I always pick up some great suggestions from you guys. Thanks for the list!

[@j.r.shartzer]

It seems like a fantastic time to get into this hobby. Everyone's top 10 lists are filled with recent games, and the "classics" that are still on those lists came out around 2011. It feels to me like we've entered this new golden era where designers have all perfected their systems and are now able to start working towards streamlining them. 20 years ago, I'd get my one or two Spiel des Jahres games every year, but now there's really cool stuff coming out all the time. Dominion was the last board game I really got into, so I have a lot of catching up to do, but now seems like the best time to do so. I'm halfway through Jaws of the Lion and have, like, 9 other games with single-player campaigns on their way. The ROVE reprint has been pre-ordered. I am so excited and appreciate your insight and guidance in helping to figure out what will be right for me.

[@roberthultsten]

Tie Na Nog takes me back to Van Morrison's better days. Peaks my interest. Along with Café barras, Cities, Gnome Hollow, Endeavor Deep Sea and Windmill Valley. Looking forward to the latter part of 2024.

[@TheJillybean13]

I have been to GenCon twice and I know you really enjoy it; I did, too. Now I celebrate in-house with two friends. While I don't generally have the same taste as you two (gateway gamer, mostly themer with some light thinking), I really like your presentation style. Cafe Baras looks too similar to Diced Veggies that I got last year, which is a good one. For anyone reading this, not sure you need them both so you might want to look them both up. Best wishes from Nashville, TN

[@seanjacquemain9820]

Great list of games! Can't wait for Gen Con! Looking forward to seeing you there!

[@leighperrott]

Amy's 16 top 10 games 😂

[@ThinkerThemer]

🤫 I think I got away with it hehehe

[@ConDar2417]

As Gen Con gets closer, I've been eagerly waiting for "most anticipated" Gen Con videos. So glad that you guys did this! 😍 I've added some games to my list, and I hope to catch you guys in the wilds of Gen Con!😄

[@BillyIndiana]

I won't be able to go to any conventions this fall, but I do hope to play Cities, Gnome Hollow, Windmill Valley and The Gang sometime. Great video as always 👍

[@bookaddict777]

My husband and I played Vegetable Stock multiple times on the Dice Tower Cruise back in January, so I am happy that it is getting a U.S. release so we can get our hands on it. I am looking forward to getting my hands on Cities, Tir na Nog, Don't Starve, Cafe Baras, and SETI too! I crowdfunded Endeavor Deep Sea and have already pre-ordered Windmill Valley. Lots of crossover with me, ladies! Lol

[@Kirk-Dennison]

Thanks for including Citizens. :) Hope to see y’all next week!

[@StephenGrubb]

What an exciting and varied list! We were fortunate to receive review copies of both Movin Out and Landmarks. Both are excellent and worth your time!

[@Aroundthestumpgames]

Excited to hear you’ll both be at Gencon again. I’ll be super busy doing demos in the Indie Game Alliance booth, and playtesting my next title in the FEPH so I’m not sure I’ll be able to track you down to say hi

[@ThinkerThemer]

We will be walking the aisles all day as usual! We'll stop by for sure! 😊

[@2532robh1]

Watching a second time to plan my Gen Con. It's getting closer!!! I had to come back and say that you both look especially beautiful in this video. Safe travels!

[@blackboardgaming5348]

I always enjoy your lists! It always brings attention to some games that I haven't heard of.

[@boardgamecloset]

Thanks for the video. You made me change my mind on a couple I had moved passed. Excited for Gen Con!

[@BBYROO5155]

This will be my very first GenCon!! I hope I get to meet both of you. I also bought some of your merch! 😊

[@ThinkerThemer]

We hope to meet you too! Thank you for supporting the channel... we'll be on the lookout for the tees at the con 👀 🙌

[@bensonliou]

Thank you for the list! I also fancy rondel mechanic in board games, hope you could recommend some :")))

[@ThinkerThemer]

Yaaayy rondels! Where to even start, there are so many great ones. I do love Heaven & Ale 🍺Have you played it?

[@thamesandkosmos]

Thank you so much for including The Gang as number one on your list Amy! We hope you enjoy it!

[@ThinkerThemer]

Can't wait to try it! 🥰 Have a great GenCon!

[@tourguidechuck]

I always love your content! The dichotomy of Think and Theme is brilliant! I have several friends in Australia but they visit me in New Orleans and I have not returned the compliments. Do you have a booth? Just hoping to see you both! I might be either the 2nd or 5th Doctor Who. FYI

[@wangtang55]

Pretty sure Amy was corpsing over "Rock Hard" which was hillarious

[@MichaelSillion]

Great list of Games. I kickstarted Endeavor Deep Sea and are looking it the most but also SETI is at the top of my list

[@RynoKenny]

The Gang sounds fantastic! Just preordered. Thanks for sharing!

[@proptartmn]

I hope to meet y’all in line for Rebel Princess so we can reenact our Essen fun!! Great video as always.

[@ThinkerThemer]

Bahahaha hopefully not as much ruckus this time. I think y'all might have your hands full this con with some lines and perhaps a raffle for the last copy yourselves!!!!

[@DaFees]

Fantastic video as always. Great to hear you'll be attending Gen Con again this year. It was a highlight getting to meet the both of you last year. I am hopeful to meet again this year, though once again you may have to hunt me down as I'll be running demos for Good Games Publishing all day every day again. 😅 For me, I am excited for Fromage, but I actually late pledged for that one recently after hearing directly from the publisher they likely won't have copies available at Gen Con. I'm also excited for the Cult of Chrome expansion for Radlands, though my excitement for that one might be a little biased since I actually got to secretly playtest that one! Lastly, thanks to you I'm now very interested in checking out the Gang by Kosmos. Oh, and I'm also potentially interested in Cat in the Box Colossal Edition but I haven't decided yet if I NEED the colossal edition. 🤔😄

[@larrye]

The Gang looks really interesting. But also, I think Snowdonia Grand Tour might be getting shown too.

[@ThinkerThemer]

Ooo I'll be on the lookout for that 👀

[@whataboutki]

Some great picks in there a bunch I'm keen to try also. Maggie, I got a chance to playtest Endeavor Deep Sea earlier this year and it was pretty awesome.

[@ThinkerThemer]

Eeeee now even more hyped! 😍🙌

[@leovincent6461]

Arcs, Stonespire, Spectral/Cascadero, and Hamster Roll all sound super fun. And Tir na Nog looks interesting/amazing. Thank you for the video. Really good stuff.

[@shaund1625]

Harmonies was a big hit with my wife and friends! Thank you!

[@ThinkerThemer]

Yay! I (Amy here) literally played that again today at work. I love teaching and playing it. Glad it's brought the same joy to your gaming group! ❤️🙌

[@AndrewRStiles]

Thanks for all you do, this is a great list... I'm all in for Windmill Valley myself.

[@paulsalomon27]

Played The Gang with Taylor Reiner the other day and had a great time! Also, Taylor and I have a trick-taking design we just finished development on. Not sure when it will be announced or released, but it sounds like it will be a hit with you!

[@ThinkerThemer]

Oh that's very exciting! Hope we can see you and hear more about it!!!

[@LisaSueMarieHuffman]

Loved this! Thanks for sharing!

[@EmmaNovaheim]

Great list! Would love to hear a list of top games from Japan (or Asia in general) 😁 I'm going to Japan in November, so I'm always on the lookout for suggestions! 😀

[@ThinkerThemer]

I hope you've checked out our video about tokyo game market. We talk about a lot of games there and have links to the best stores in the description. Have a fantastic trip!

[@EmmaNovaheim]

@@ThinkerThemer Yes I have - that's the source of a lot of games on my wishlist. I really appreciated all the tips you gave! 😁

[@MsScottmath]

Thanks for the video! Any idea where Vegetable Stock might be at GenCon?

[@ThinkerThemer]

At the Arcane Wonders booth :)

[@yougotsnail8266]

Really appreciate the publishing of some of these card games, but I gotta say I usually prefer the original theme than the republished. Of what's left, magic trick (reprinted as xylotar), and surfosaurus Max. Great compilation of games to look out for though!! Enjoyed the episode

[@williamkremer7382]

You’ve managed to get “Hi everyone I’m Amy and this is my wife Maggie and together we are Thinker Themer” down to two seconds

[@Splatdp]

every time i've brought out TirNaNog it's been a hit. the card selection mechanic seems to keep it from being multiplayer solitaire. and there is one card type that can be used as a take that so seems to spark conversation as that card comes into the selection tableau especially if someone places their marker on its edge

[@ShaeKary-b6p]

I might go to GenCon Sunday (cheaper because there's no stock, lol). Are y'all going to be there Sunday??? I'm from Indy

[@ThinkerThemer]

@user-iq5qc4eg1f we'll be there the whole time! Usually just doing endless laps of the buying hall 😂

[@mikehorowitz5722]

Great vid! Really looking forward to seeing more of Knitting Circle. And I love the concept of Rebel Princess, but the inclusion of Pocahontas as a "fairy-tale" character when she's based on a real, historical and indigenous figure (who dealt with horrific things in her lifetime) has me feeling off-put by it.

[@jiujitsufamily9829]

If you grab Endeavor Deep Sea at Gencon, you will have it before any KS backer gets theirs. So do a review please

[@tabletalkreviews]

SETI is definitely my most anticipated. Tons of others on my list to check out though.

[@ClaudeAndTaylor]

The Gang is SO GOOD!!! And cheers so much for the kind words!!! I hope y'all dig Seers!!!!

[@StidjenPlaysSolo]

That hoodie is gorgeous, where’d you get it?

[@GrandGamersGuild]

The Fog: Escape from Paradise Ks edition will also be for sale for $69.99 + the Uncertainty expansion for $9.99.

[@aonline_abridged]

ooooh, excited about the March of the Ants new edition, did not know it was getting polished.

[@2532robh1]

I hope I see you in the buy lines again this year! ❤❤❤

[@ThinkerThemer]

With our game faces on 😂🙌

[@2532robh1]

​@ThinkerThemer This year I will have my own Indianapolis Convention Center carpet pattern shirt and my Board Gaming Ramblings shirt just arrived today because Johannes and Sunniva will be there too!!!

[@ThinkerThemer]

Ohhh hiii! I love your shirt that really made my day last year LOL! We are so excited to catch up with Johannes and Sunniva too, they are wonderful ❤️

[@2532robh1]

@@ThinkerThemer Well, I am not THAT guy who had the shirt in the Flat River Group line last year, but he inspired me to find a way to make and order one for this year. I will wear it for sure. I have been following and loving BGR for many years and now I can finally possibly meet them in person!

[@ThinkerThemer]

Oh 😂😂😂 now this is going to be confusing. So many people walking around looking like the carpet 😂 look forward to playing where's waldo in line!

[@GirlyGamer-BoardGameGran]

Hamster Roll looks like a good one to play with the fam bam.

[@gametime876]

Maggie, you might just get a chance to play Windmill Valley at PlayCon!

[@naomiooooo]

Played Windmill Valley and Barcelona at DTE; I loved both, but I would rather explain Windmill Valley. I don’t own either… and still can’t decide which I will purchase. Loved playing both and will probably buy Windmill Valley (though Barcelona… I can’t decide).

[@naomiooooo]

Both probably in the end… WMV’s wheels are fun and B has getting things to work on that map. Both have great iconography and clear rule books.

[@JJ_TheGreat]

1:14 Ah… I forgot that it is opposite seasons down where you are! It is very hot down here in the states.

[@ylein6508]

Are games cheaper at gencon or is it still better to wait for retail? One day I would wanna go

[@ThinkerThemer]

Hmm with our exchange rate? Probably on par to be honest. It's the joy of getting them early more than bargain hunting. They do have a fleamarket though and second hand games can be found very cheap!!!

[@1salisali]

What is that you’re wearing, Maggie, in your right wrist?

[@St_M_]

Sith Amy and Colorsplosion Maggie!

[@Luke_L]

Hi Amy and Maggie! Hope you’re staying warm! Having a bit of a heat wave hear in California. I’ve already pre-ordered (or kickstarted) both your #1’s and #2’s! Sadly, my backlog of unplayed games has been growing since one friend in my game group went to Italy for a month! No sense of priorities! Hope you have fun at gencon! No big travel plans for me this summer. Just trying to stay cool :)

[@duckrutt]

heywaitaminute. That's not your usual jellyfish. New half metal?

[@stevegeorge7773]

Forest Shuffle hasn't even made it to Australia yet... Yet! there is an expansion coming. 😒

[@adhilpatel440]

Hahahahaha I pity the fool!

[@pourquoipasdemain9884]

Can’t wait to see your games haul and which tiny box is hiding inside a bigger box !

[@GrandGamersGuild]

Tir na nOg will be for sale for $49.99.