Connor Wake | Always Awake Games 🔜 PaxWest
@connor.alwaysawake.games
Board game designer, illustrator and indie publisher
Store: https://www.alwaysawake.games/
Portfolio: connorwake.com
Store: https://www.alwaysawake.games/
Portfolio: connorwake.com
Reposted by Connor Wake | Always Awake Games 🔜 PaxWest
✨ Reminder!! ✨
Indie Games Night Market is tonight @ 7pm!!
When the Expo Hall closes, come down to Hall C to buy the freshest indie games!!
“More even than last year, these games seem like they’re pushing boundaries. They capture the spirit of what it means to be ‘indie.‘“ @danthurot.bsky.social
Indie Games Night Market is tonight @ 7pm!!
When the Expo Hall closes, come down to Hall C to buy the freshest indie games!!
“More even than last year, these games seem like they’re pushing boundaries. They capture the spirit of what it means to be ‘indie.‘“ @danthurot.bsky.social
Pax Unplugged is right around the corner!!
Looking back at all the IGNM coverage—I’m so proud and impressed at how much our community came together to promote these awesome indie works!
There’s a game for everyone in this lot!
Here’s a thread of all the incredible coverage of IGNM 2025: 🧵 🎲✂️
Looking back at all the IGNM coverage—I’m so proud and impressed at how much our community came together to promote these awesome indie works!
There’s a game for everyone in this lot!
Here’s a thread of all the incredible coverage of IGNM 2025: 🧵 🎲✂️
November 22, 2025 at 1:20 PM
✨ Reminder!! ✨
Indie Games Night Market is tonight @ 7pm!!
When the Expo Hall closes, come down to Hall C to buy the freshest indie games!!
“More even than last year, these games seem like they’re pushing boundaries. They capture the spirit of what it means to be ‘indie.‘“ @danthurot.bsky.social
Indie Games Night Market is tonight @ 7pm!!
When the Expo Hall closes, come down to Hall C to buy the freshest indie games!!
“More even than last year, these games seem like they’re pushing boundaries. They capture the spirit of what it means to be ‘indie.‘“ @danthurot.bsky.social
Reposted by Connor Wake | Always Awake Games 🔜 PaxWest
Finally sharing my sizzle reel! If you're in need of video production work (or pretty much anything creative), hit me up, esp. at #PAXU!
I don't ask for this much, but if you're in the #boardgames industry and like what I do, consider sharing this! I'm looking to book up 2026!
linktr.ee/jcw.gay
I don't ask for this much, but if you're in the #boardgames industry and like what I do, consider sharing this! I'm looking to book up 2026!
linktr.ee/jcw.gay
November 19, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Finally sharing my sizzle reel! If you're in need of video production work (or pretty much anything creative), hit me up, esp. at #PAXU!
I don't ask for this much, but if you're in the #boardgames industry and like what I do, consider sharing this! I'm looking to book up 2026!
linktr.ee/jcw.gay
I don't ask for this much, but if you're in the #boardgames industry and like what I do, consider sharing this! I'm looking to book up 2026!
linktr.ee/jcw.gay
Reposted by Connor Wake | Always Awake Games 🔜 PaxWest
I sincerely hope people will check out this year's Indie Games Night Market at Pax Unplugged! I covered nine of the games that will be featured there, each of which has something to recommend it. With any luck, some of them will be picked up by publishers or continue to be sold by their creators.
@danthurot.bsky.social returning from last year has done incredible write-ups of so many of the games that will be available at the market!
Dan has an uncanny ability to capture the very spirit of the things he critiques.
We’re so so lucky to have such a skilled writer on our backs!!
Dan has an uncanny ability to capture the very spirit of the things he critiques.
We’re so so lucky to have such a skilled writer on our backs!!
Indie Games Night Market – SPACE-BIFF!
Posts about Indie Games Night Market written by Dan Thurot
spacebiff.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:32 PM
I sincerely hope people will check out this year's Indie Games Night Market at Pax Unplugged! I covered nine of the games that will be featured there, each of which has something to recommend it. With any luck, some of them will be picked up by publishers or continue to be sold by their creators.
Reposted by Connor Wake | Always Awake Games 🔜 PaxWest
And that is why I decided on hand-making copies for this year's Indie Games Night Market. I know it's perfect silly fun and a great way to draw a crowd at a convention 😉 - just please be careful with cross traffic!
Please come check my game out & others this Saturday at PAX Unplugged!
Please come check my game out & others this Saturday at PAX Unplugged!
November 19, 2025 at 3:03 AM
And that is why I decided on hand-making copies for this year's Indie Games Night Market. I know it's perfect silly fun and a great way to draw a crowd at a convention 😉 - just please be careful with cross traffic!
Please come check my game out & others this Saturday at PAX Unplugged!
Please come check my game out & others this Saturday at PAX Unplugged!
Reposted by Connor Wake | Always Awake Games 🔜 PaxWest
Agreed. This is what KS was supposed to be for. Personal, niche, weird, offbeat, individual crafts that otherwise wouldn't be able to exist. Unfortunately, the hobby spent too long chasing the wrong objectives.
November 18, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Agreed. This is what KS was supposed to be for. Personal, niche, weird, offbeat, individual crafts that otherwise wouldn't be able to exist. Unfortunately, the hobby spent too long chasing the wrong objectives.
Seeing all the creativity coming out of these markets cemented something I’ve been feeling for a while. The “pitch to a publisher” pipeline as the norm really stifles game design. There’s so much creativity out there, it just needed an outlet.
Today I investigate three more indie games, all of which are ambitious and explorative of what games can accomplish. These are good'uns. spacebiff.com/2025/11/18/h...
Nebulae, Medusae… Crownae?
Yesterday on BlueSky, Marceline Leiman asked a great question. Using only one or two extremely vague words, how would I describe the titles on offer at this year’s Indie Games Night Market? N…
spacebiff.com
November 18, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Seeing all the creativity coming out of these markets cemented something I’ve been feeling for a while. The “pitch to a publisher” pipeline as the norm really stifles game design. There’s so much creativity out there, it just needed an outlet.
Reposted by Connor Wake | Always Awake Games 🔜 PaxWest
Today I'm covering three more upcoming Indie Games Night Market titles! Fold & Fly!, Coupon Clipper, and Paper Pencil Stencil are all tactile treats. My reviews: spacebiff.com/2025/11/17/t...
Paper Planes, Coupons, Stencils
We’re only a few days away from the Indie Games Night Market at Pax Unplugged. Funny how time gets away from us. Don’t worry, that’s less a plaintive cry about my fading youth tha…
spacebiff.com
November 17, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Today I'm covering three more upcoming Indie Games Night Market titles! Fold & Fly!, Coupon Clipper, and Paper Pencil Stencil are all tactile treats. My reviews: spacebiff.com/2025/11/17/t...
Reposted by Connor Wake | Always Awake Games 🔜 PaxWest
We’re thrilled to share our Special Presentation; Indie Games Night Market Preview!
It was a privilege to be part of this & share these games with you all~
youtu.be/HA_u8oxU0kc?...
See the games that will be at the IGNM in exactly 1 week at #PAXunplugged!
#boardgames #ignm
#cardgames #indiegames
It was a privilege to be part of this & share these games with you all~
youtu.be/HA_u8oxU0kc?...
See the games that will be at the IGNM in exactly 1 week at #PAXunplugged!
#boardgames #ignm
#cardgames #indiegames
November 16, 2025 at 12:00 AM
We’re thrilled to share our Special Presentation; Indie Games Night Market Preview!
It was a privilege to be part of this & share these games with you all~
youtu.be/HA_u8oxU0kc?...
See the games that will be at the IGNM in exactly 1 week at #PAXunplugged!
#boardgames #ignm
#cardgames #indiegames
It was a privilege to be part of this & share these games with you all~
youtu.be/HA_u8oxU0kc?...
See the games that will be at the IGNM in exactly 1 week at #PAXunplugged!
#boardgames #ignm
#cardgames #indiegames
Reposted by Connor Wake | Always Awake Games 🔜 PaxWest
It's finally here!!
Also this is a great thread for reading about Hollandspiel's latest releases!
Also this is a great thread for reading about Hollandspiel's latest releases!
Finally, @xoe.gay 's Persuasion. There are a lot of Jane Austen games out there, but for me, this is the only one that really feels like it understands the books, that has any bite to it, and that feels like it's interested in people. It's a remarkable game.
hollandspiele.com/products/per...
hollandspiele.com/products/per...
Persuasion
Game Design: Xoe AllredHex Number: 92Duration: 60 minutesPlayers: 3-8MSRP: $60.00
"Allred has done something remarkable. It’s taken the courtship rituals of a bygone era and zeroed in on what gives th...
hollandspiele.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:57 PM
It's finally here!!
Also this is a great thread for reading about Hollandspiel's latest releases!
Also this is a great thread for reading about Hollandspiel's latest releases!
Reposted by Connor Wake | Always Awake Games 🔜 PaxWest
We're going to PAX Unplugged! Stop by to demo Chicken Fried Dice or pick up a copy of Trickadee!
Also... check out our pre-launch page and reserve your copy of the Critter Critics mini expansion for Chicken Fried Dice: get.chickenfrieddice.com
Also... check out our pre-launch page and reserve your copy of the Critter Critics mini expansion for Chicken Fried Dice: get.chickenfrieddice.com
November 11, 2025 at 10:44 PM
We're going to PAX Unplugged! Stop by to demo Chicken Fried Dice or pick up a copy of Trickadee!
Also... check out our pre-launch page and reserve your copy of the Critter Critics mini expansion for Chicken Fried Dice: get.chickenfrieddice.com
Also... check out our pre-launch page and reserve your copy of the Critter Critics mini expansion for Chicken Fried Dice: get.chickenfrieddice.com
Reposted by Connor Wake | Always Awake Games 🔜 PaxWest
This is a feed of designers bringing their games to Indie Games Night Market at PAX Unplugged 2025 next week. Right now, it is chock full of folks cutting, printing, boxing, and otherwise willing their games to life.
November 11, 2025 at 4:44 PM
This is a feed of designers bringing their games to Indie Games Night Market at PAX Unplugged 2025 next week. Right now, it is chock full of folks cutting, printing, boxing, and otherwise willing their games to life.
Reposted by Connor Wake | Always Awake Games 🔜 PaxWest
24 Hours remain! Don't miss your chance to catch these unique experiences!
Games of harsh votes and reluctant concessions.
Divisions and misdirection.
Flashy duels of action, resource, & goal management.
Introspective hunts for evils among friends.
Silly competitions of pushing your luck and toots.
Games of harsh votes and reluctant concessions.
Divisions and misdirection.
Flashy duels of action, resource, & goal management.
Introspective hunts for evils among friends.
Silly competitions of pushing your luck and toots.
November 10, 2025 at 5:23 AM
24 Hours remain! Don't miss your chance to catch these unique experiences!
Games of harsh votes and reluctant concessions.
Divisions and misdirection.
Flashy duels of action, resource, & goal management.
Introspective hunts for evils among friends.
Silly competitions of pushing your luck and toots.
Games of harsh votes and reluctant concessions.
Divisions and misdirection.
Flashy duels of action, resource, & goal management.
Introspective hunts for evils among friends.
Silly competitions of pushing your luck and toots.
Reposted by Connor Wake | Always Awake Games 🔜 PaxWest
November 8, 2025 at 5:00 AM
Reposted by Connor Wake | Always Awake Games 🔜 PaxWest
Midnight Market is close
November 6, 2025 at 2:37 AM
Midnight Market is close
Reposted by Connor Wake | Always Awake Games 🔜 PaxWest
Hey, everybody! Twelve hours from now marks the launch of @lunarpunk.games's Midnight Market where you can pick up a limited run of five (six?) #boardgames by indie creators!
I mention it because Pyrotechnics will be available, alongside some other GREAT games! Check it out! 11:59 p.m EST!
I mention it because Pyrotechnics will be available, alongside some other GREAT games! Check it out! 11:59 p.m EST!
Lunarpunk Games | Midnight Market
Coming midnight of November 7th with. . .
Tootin' & Hollerin'
Pyrotechnic
What if I'm the Devil?
Duck, Duck, Choose & What Does My Rival Desire?
the night is for indie games . . .
A boutique-style...
www.lunarpunk.games
November 7, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Hey, everybody! Twelve hours from now marks the launch of @lunarpunk.games's Midnight Market where you can pick up a limited run of five (six?) #boardgames by indie creators!
I mention it because Pyrotechnics will be available, alongside some other GREAT games! Check it out! 11:59 p.m EST!
I mention it because Pyrotechnics will be available, alongside some other GREAT games! Check it out! 11:59 p.m EST!
I got to play this one a while ago and it’s wonderful to see how far it’s come and I love how much the game dismisses the idea that there’s always gotta be a winner. I’m sad I’m not gonna be at PaxU this year. It’s shaping up to be a great one!
Adulting is another forthcoming Indie Games Night Market title, this time tackling the stresses and self-care of an ordinary weekend. It is warm, inviting, and does the multi-victor thing without feeling like a cop-out. My review: spacebiff.com/2025/11/06/a...
Joy in the Burnout
Eric Dittmore’s Adulting is not Johnny O’Neal’s Adulthood, although it’s inevitable I’ll mix up the two titles somewhere in the text of this review. In fact, I already…
spacebiff.com
November 6, 2025 at 7:59 PM
I got to play this one a while ago and it’s wonderful to see how far it’s come and I love how much the game dismisses the idea that there’s always gotta be a winner. I’m sad I’m not gonna be at PaxU this year. It’s shaping up to be a great one!
Reposted by Connor Wake | Always Awake Games 🔜 PaxWest
Duck, Duck, Choose! and What Does My Rival Desire? by Zach Morris are a 2-for-1 set of hand-assembled games where you distribute and sort trinkets between ducks or divey up trinkets based on your secret identity.
Snag it at the Midnight Market this November:
www.lunarpunk.games/midnightmarket 🌙
Snag it at the Midnight Market this November:
www.lunarpunk.games/midnightmarket 🌙
October 21, 2025 at 10:32 PM
Duck, Duck, Choose! and What Does My Rival Desire? by Zach Morris are a 2-for-1 set of hand-assembled games where you distribute and sort trinkets between ducks or divey up trinkets based on your secret identity.
Snag it at the Midnight Market this November:
www.lunarpunk.games/midnightmarket 🌙
Snag it at the Midnight Market this November:
www.lunarpunk.games/midnightmarket 🌙
Reposted by Connor Wake | Always Awake Games 🔜 PaxWest
📣 It’s announcement time! 📣
The pre-launch page for Counterpoint is up on Kickstarter! All the cool kids are saving it! You should too! 🎻🎶
www.kickstarter.com/projects/squ...
The pre-launch page for Counterpoint is up on Kickstarter! All the cool kids are saving it! You should too! 🎻🎶
www.kickstarter.com/projects/squ...
Coming soon: Counterpoint: a Co-op Trick-Taking Classical Music Card Game
Counterpoint is a cooperative trick-taking game for 3-5 players where the challenges are based on different pieces of classical music.
www.kickstarter.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:20 AM
📣 It’s announcement time! 📣
The pre-launch page for Counterpoint is up on Kickstarter! All the cool kids are saving it! You should too! 🎻🎶
www.kickstarter.com/projects/squ...
The pre-launch page for Counterpoint is up on Kickstarter! All the cool kids are saving it! You should too! 🎻🎶
www.kickstarter.com/projects/squ...
I’m addition to wrapping up the KS for Club Spooky and That’s the Spirit, I’m also officially sold out of Out of Sorts! (Blue Highway Games snagged the last copies)
I still have a bunch of ding & dent left and I’m starting to plan for what’s next, but that’ll be post KS fulfilment next year.
I still have a bunch of ding & dent left and I’m starting to plan for what’s next, but that’ll be post KS fulfilment next year.
November 4, 2025 at 4:34 PM
I’m addition to wrapping up the KS for Club Spooky and That’s the Spirit, I’m also officially sold out of Out of Sorts! (Blue Highway Games snagged the last copies)
I still have a bunch of ding & dent left and I’m starting to plan for what’s next, but that’ll be post KS fulfilment next year.
I still have a bunch of ding & dent left and I’m starting to plan for what’s next, but that’ll be post KS fulfilment next year.
Just crossed 100%!!! Thank you everyone!
November 3, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Just crossed 100%!!! Thank you everyone!
Reposted by Connor Wake | Always Awake Games 🔜 PaxWest
More people should jump in on this campaign. These are amazing little games. Only 24hrs left!!
Just 24 hours to go and we only need 6 more backers to cross the finish line!
November 3, 2025 at 3:15 PM
More people should jump in on this campaign. These are amazing little games. Only 24hrs left!!
Reposted by Connor Wake | Always Awake Games 🔜 PaxWest
So close to funding. Just needs a 5-10 more backers
November 3, 2025 at 2:53 PM
So close to funding. Just needs a 5-10 more backers
Reposted by Connor Wake | Always Awake Games 🔜 PaxWest
Please check out this great campaign. I'm in on Club Spooky 100% - a delightful set collection game with a light auction element that I got to play the prototype of recently.
Just 24 hours to go and we only need 6 more backers to cross the finish line!
November 3, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Please check out this great campaign. I'm in on Club Spooky 100% - a delightful set collection game with a light auction element that I got to play the prototype of recently.
Just 24 hours to go and we only need 6 more backers to cross the finish line!
November 3, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Just 24 hours to go and we only need 6 more backers to cross the finish line!
Reposted by Connor Wake | Always Awake Games 🔜 PaxWest
Go back this folks!!! A fun bundle from an indie creator doing interesting things. Only needs a little more help! 🎲✂️
#boardgames
#boardgames
November 2, 2025 at 10:24 PM
Go back this folks!!! A fun bundle from an indie creator doing interesting things. Only needs a little more help! 🎲✂️
#boardgames
#boardgames