Hey Reader!

David Kessler here.

​Gadabout Games is bringing the Homegrown Games Market to BGG Spring!​

A new indie board and card game pop-up bazar will be debuting at BGG.Spring 2026 (May 21–25, 2026) in Dallas, TX. This is an event for independent tabletop designers to showcase and sell their games directly to players. Like other indie game markets inspired by the Tokyo Game Market, these “night market” events are a place for interesting and experimental ideas to shine. The games might not have mainstream appeal, but they deserve to be played.

​The Homegrown Games Market is looking for tabletop designers that are interested in producing their games in small batches and selling them at the event. They want games that are self-published, handcrafted, or otherwise unavailable through traditional channels. No crowdfunding campaigns or publishing deals required — just your unique vision and a small production run (20–100 copies). The vibe is casual and creative, more flea market than convention. Games can take any form—zine-like rulebooks, unpolished prototypes, or experimental art pieces.

• ​Submissions open now through Jan 18, 2026
• Exhibitors announced on Feb 8, 2026
• Night market event at BGG.Spring May 21–25, 2026 (exact date TBD)

With indie game markets emerging as an alternative to crowdfunding or traditional publishing, exhibiting at Homegrown Games Market can help designers build an audience & test the market for new ideas, develop manufacturing and selling skills, and even find a future for great designs that don't fit traditional publishing models.

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📣Announcements Announcements Annooouuuncements!

• ​SpielMas, starts today! This is a holiday spearheaded by PO alumni Greg Pool in 2020 that celebrates the joy games bring to our lives all year. To join in, play one game per day Dec 26-31 and share with friends online or IRL. ❄️⛄❄️

• Badges for Protospiel Online January 16-18 2026 are expected to be on sale by or before Saturday Dec 27. Watch the PO Discord and your inbox for the badge opening announcements!
• 2026 Cardboard Edison Award, Submissions open January 1-31
• The Game Crafter Pool Builder Challenge, submissions open through Jan 12, 2026
• 2026 Boardgame Geek Two-Player Print and Play Game Design Contest, submissions open until Feb. 14, 2026

~David

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P.S. If you have something you'd like to see featured in our Community Newsletter, you have 3 options -- either submit an official feature request, reply to this message, or, if you're a current attendee or alumni, post in the #🙌share-your-wins channel in the Protospiel Online Discord server to let us know the details. We'd love to celebrate you!