Sean Brown on Mr B, Mayfair, and making old games new again—Tabletop Throwdown S1E13

In this episode of Tabletop Throwdown, Mike Dunn and James Van Tonningen chat with Sean Brown, the head of Mayfair Games, discussing the relaunch of the brand and their latest Kickstarter project, Empire Builder: Europe. They explore the success of the Kickstarter campaign, the importance of reviving classic games, and the strategy behind targeting both mass market and dedicated gamers. Sean shares insights on the gaming industry, the legacy of popular games like Catan and Ticket to Ride, and the excitement surrounding their participation in Essen Spiel. In this engaging conversation, Sean discusses the revival of classic board games, the importance of community feedback, and the challenges of shipping in the gaming industry. He reflects on the nostalgia associated with game development and the evolution of the board game industry, emphasizing the role of crowdfunding in enabling creators to bring their visions to life. The discussion highlights the camaraderie within the gaming community and the excitement surrounding new projects.

Be sure to check out the Empire Builder: Europe Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mrbgames/empire-builder-europe?ref=bj32by

Takeaways

• Empire Builder Europe has exceeded expectations on Kickstarter.
• The revival of Mayfair Games focuses on quality and nostalgia.
• Mr. B Games plays a crucial role in special projects.
• Classic games are being updated for modern audiences.
• The gaming community is eager for new iterations of beloved titles.
• Essen Spiel provided valuable networking opportunities for Mayfair. –
• The goal is to make games that are enjoyable for all generations.
• Kickstarter allows for more creative freedom in game design.
• The legacy of Catan and Ticket to Ride influences new game development.
• Bringing European games to the U.S. market is a priority for Mayfair.
• Reviving classic games can bring nostalgia and excitement.
• Community feedback is crucial for game development.
• Shipping challenges have increased in the gaming industry.
• Crowdfunding has democratized game creation.
• The board game industry is filled with passionate individuals.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mayfair Games and Sean Brown
02:58 Kickstarter Success and Stretch Goals
06:00 The Role of Mr. B Games
08:58 Reviving Classic Games
11:50 Empire Builder Europe: A Modern Take
14:55 Targeting the Mass Market
17:56 The Legacy of Catan and Ticket to Ride
21:04 Bringing European Games to the U.S.
23:57 Essen Spiel Experience and Future Plans
33:28 Reviving Classic Games
36:34 Community Engagement and Feedback
39:10 Nostalgia and Game Development
42:59 Shipping Challenges in the Gaming Industry
47:53 The Evolution of the Board Game Industry
59:03 The Future of Gaming and Crowdfunding

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