Summary: We’re joined today by Peter McPherson, the creator of Tiny Towns, coming soon from AEG. Tiny Towns was Andrew’s <a href="http://www.thefamilygamers.com/episode-122-pax-unplugged-2018-part-1/">favorite game from PAX Unplugged</a>.<br> <br> Tiny Towns is definitely family-friendly and easy for kids to understand. We can’t wait for our kids to try it!<br> Tell us about Tiny Towns<br> Each player is the mayor of a tiny town, represented by a 4×4 grid to create your forest critter village. There are 7 building types available, different each game. Lay out resources in a specific shape/layout to match a building type; when you’ve matched it, place the building on any one of the spots occupied by the matching resources and discard all the resources used to make the building.<br> Only one building or resource is allowed on each space. When the boards totally fill up with resources and buildings, the game ends. Each building scores in its own way.<br> Each round has a master builder. The master builder picks one of the 5 resource types, everyone must put the same on their board, whether they want it or not.<br> It’s a game of careful planning and resource management. Don’t back yourself into a corner!<br> When will Tiny Towns be available?<br> Tiny Towns will be released April 26 from AEG. Look for it in your friendly local game store for $39.99!<br> What was your inspiration for Tiny Towns?<br> A couple of ideas came together to make the foundation for the game.<br> Peter used to play a word game with his father. Draw an empty 5×5 grid; everyone takes turns picking a letter that all players must add to their own grid, make as many words as possible. Peter wanted to take that tension and translate it into a building game instead.<br> The resource management is inspired by Minecraft. There are only a few basic resources, but can be arranged to make hundreds of different items.<br> It also comes out of a love of games that allow you to build something that you can admire in endgame. Peter wants that same feeling of accomplishment in Tiny Towns.<br> Is this your first game to be published?<br> Yes! It’s been surreal. He saw the “final” (pre-production) version for the first time at PAXU 2018 after pitching it at PAX a year ago.<br> Can you tell us about other games you’re working on?<br> Artistes (formerly Dreadful Drawings) – draw so some but not all players can guess successfully (Dixit style scoring). Other players want to guess in a way that is “popular”, not necessarily correct.<br> Petal Pushers – Run a flower shop, build an engine that pollinates all players’ flowers. Sell bouquets and single stems and try to run the most profitable shop.<br> What’s next for Tiny Towns?<br> Release and see how it goes! Peter is also working on some expansion ideas, co-designing with Josh Woods. He also helped double the number of buildings in the base game.<br> At PAX Unplugged…<br> Andrew mentions the competition that occurred at PAX Unplugged – whoever got the highest score over the course of the three days got a Home Depot gift card.<br> Where can people find you, Peter?<br> Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/peterLMcPherson">@peterLMcPherson</a><br> One last question: Who’s your favorite author?<br> Currently Brandon Sanderson. Love fantasy, and his Stormlight Archives series is fun, colorful, and adventurous.<br> Find The Family Gamers online:<br> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/familygamersaa">@familygamersaa</a><br> Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/familygamersAA">@familygamersaa</a><br> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/familygamersaa/">@familygamersaa</a><br> Community: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/familygamersaa/">thefamilygamers.com/community</a><br> Or, for the most direct method, email us!
