For the first time ever, we took Whack to one of the bigger stages of the Dutch board game scene: Zuiderspel in Veldhoven. And what a ride it was.
We knew going in that this was a step up from what we were used to. More visitors, more exhibitors, more experienced eyes in the room. So we came prepared. We upgraded our stand with two large roll-up banners proudly showing off the stunning artwork of Mátyás Locsmandi and we unveiled something we’d been thinking about for a while: an XL version of Whack, complete with oversized dice, jumbo cards, and extra-large meeples. Hard to miss and even harder to walk past!
We set up two demo tables with our current prototypes so visitors could sit down and experience the real game. The XL version did exactly what we hoped: it acted like a magnet. Walking past, heads turned. People came over curious, stayed to play, and left enthusiastic. It was a massive bomb of attraction, not just for new players and future subscribers, but also for a very different kind of visitor: people who know the industry inside and out.
Zuiderspel brought us into contact with some truly valuable people. Experienced board game professionals who took the time to chat with us, share their insights, and hand over their business cards. These connections are gold for the next chapter of our journey: the serious work of marketing and production. We left Veldhoven with a stack of cards and a head full of ideas.
A special word of thanks goes out to Mátyás Locsmandi, whose artwork absolutely carried the stand. The amount of love people gave to the visuals was incredible, and honestly, without his work, far fewer heads would have turned our way. We are incredibly grateful to be working with him.
All in all, Zuiderspel was a huge confidence boost. The enthusiasm from players, the connections with industry insiders, and the sheer energy of the event reminded us exactly why we’re doing this. The crowd is growing. The excitement is real. And when our crowdfunding campaign launches in the fall, we’ll be ready.
And now that we are in high gear when it comes to promotion: next up is Ducosim in Amersfoort on the 21st of March. Come find us, sit down, roll some dice, and get Whacked. See you there!
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