by Justin De Witt
Justin's Interview on the We're Not Wizards Podcast
Justin recently sat down (virtually) with Richard for a fun chat on the We're Not Wizards podcast.
by Justin De Witt
Engines of War 2e Available Now
Engines of War 2e is available now in your favorite stores! We're so excited to announce that today is the day you can pick up the second edition of Engines of War, the expansion to Castle Panic that adds a simple economic system to the game experience. With a brand-new look for this expansion, players are introduced to the Engineer to build new weapons and defenses. Monsters are always lurking nearby, and this Monster army attacks with new ranks and powerful Siege Engines! Good thing players can order up a barricade or a catapult. The new Resource deck and Engineer build options provide new interesting choices. Should you set a Spring Trap for that Troll coming into the Red Swordsman area? Or shoot the Ballista at the Breathtaker in the Blue Archer space? The new Monster abilities and threats also require broader strategy decisions. Should you take out the Shaman, who heals all Monsters in the same color for 1 point of health every turn? Or focus on whittling down the Battering Ram, which takes no damage from Castle structures, before it gets to the Castle ring? Every new Monster affects the conditions of battle differently. The new Keep, Catapult, and Ballista tokens enhance the 3D look of the game. It's fun to actually place the defensive weapons on the board as the Monsters approach. The Second Edition includes not only all new art but also heavier card stock and a few rules updates. Of course, Engines of War is also available in the Castle Panic Big Box, which is the all-in-one collection! This huge box includes Castle Panic base game and four expansions—Engines of War, The Wizard’s Tower, Crowns and Quests, and The Dark Titan—plus 13 promo items in the new art style of second edition. Engines of War Second Edition is a great way for fans to deepen and extend their Castle Panic experience. Pick a copy up in stores today!
by Justin De Witt
KidStuff PR Signed
We're thrilled to announce that we have retained KidStuff PR effective February 1, 2023. This respected firm will handle our media, influencer, and awards relations, with a focus on promoting My First Castle Panic and Castle Panic. One of a very small number of public relations agencies focusing only on children’s products and toys, KidStuff PR offers a unique and targeted approach to publicity, promotions, and creating a buzz. The 29-year-old agency’s specialization has led to close relationships not only with key media influencers, but also in the toy industry community. KidStuff PR has fostered relationships with a vetted group of over 200 influencers for over a decade. Recently, the agency has mentored and sought out partnerships with influencers who are families of color to diversify the life experiences of influencers who review clients’ products. KidStuff has a strong track record of supporting smaller publishers in crafting and communicating company and product stories. After hearing from families who have bonded over our games for so long, we’re eager to have even more families find time around the table together through the reach of KidStuff. About KidStuff PR KidStuff PR takes a light-hearted approach to writing and content creation, but founder Lisa Orman takes seriously the job of providing reporters with stories about the best products and services for children and families. Every month, she receives dozens of calls from prospective clients but only takes clients for whom she has a true passion, since it helps her do a better job, try harder, and makes work more enjoyable. She has been awarded many recognitions in her field and in the industry, notably one of the only people to receive two Women In Toys awards: for best Consultant and Online Social Networker. Find out what the buzz is all about at www.KidStuffPR.com.
by Justin De Witt
Castle Panic Earns Mom's Choice Award
Castle Panic® has earned the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award®. Having been rigorously evaluated by a panel of MCA evaluators, Castle Panic is deemed to be among the best products for families. The MCA evaluation process uses a propriety methodology in which entries are scored on a number of elements including production quality, design, educational value, entertainment value, originality, appeal, and cost. "We are thrilled to earn the Mom’s Choice Awards Honoring Excellence Seal of Approval,” says Anne-Marie De Witt, co-founder of Fireside Games. “We know all the great things the MCA does to connect consumers, educators, and caregivers with the best products and services available for families.” To be considered for an award, each entrant submits five (5) identical samples for testing. Entries are matched to evaluators in the MCA database. Evaluators are bound by a strict code of ethics not only to ensure objectivity, but also to ensure that the evaluation is free from manufacturer influence. The five evaluations are submitted to the MCA Executive Committee for final review and approval. "Our aim to introduce families and educators to best-in-class products and services,” explains Dawn Matheson, Executive Director of the Mom’s Choice Awards. “We have a passion to help families grow emotionally, physically and spiritually. Parents and educators know that products and services bearing our seal of approval are high-quality and also a great value. The MCA evaluation program is designed to incorporate the expertise of scientists, physicians and other specialists; but we also engage parents, children, educators, and caregivers because they are experts in knowing what is best for their families.” With the evaluation now complete, the testing samples of Castle Panic will be donated to schools, libraries, hospitals and nonprofit organizations. About the Mom’s Choice Awards® The Mom’s Choice Awards® (MCA) evaluates products and services created for children, families and educators. The program is globally recognized for establishing the benchmark of excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. The organization is based in the United States and has reviewed thousands of entries from more than 55 countries. Around the world, parents, educators, retailers and members of the media look for the MCA mother-and-child Honoring Excellence seal of approval when selecting quality products and services for children and families. Learn more about the Mom's Choice Awards by visiting their website: www.MomsChoiceAwards.com.
by Justin De Witt
Castle Panic Second Edition Launches
We are super excited to launch Castle Panic Second Edition!
by Justin De Witt
Brez Coffee Coupon
Get a discount on game-themed flavored coffees and look for a coupon to save on games!
by Justin De Witt
Announcing Castle Panic Second Edition, a New Expansion, and a Big Box
Announcing the upcoming release of Castle Panic second edition!
by Justin De Witt
Gen Con 2022
Only a few more weeks until Gen Con is here and this year we’ve got some big stuff planned!