Tag: my first castle panic

My First Castle Panic Wins PAL Award

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PAL Award seal next to the box for My First Castle Panic

We are so thrilled to announce that My First Castle Panic has won the PAL Award (Play on Words.com). The PAL Award was established to recognize “exceptional toys, games and books/media that, through their design, content, quality, and character, promote play that advances language” and is led by Erika Cardomone, MS, CCC-SLP. Erika’s training as a speech-language pathologist and her 15 years of working and playing with children has prepared her to analyze and offer keen insights on how products can support learning and communication.

When Ms. Cardomone saw My First Castle Panic, she recognized the ongoing developmental focus on the game. Her review specifies the way My First Castle Panic helps children sequence information, use temporal words (such as first, next, then, and last), tell stories, and develop language generally. She also notes how the cooperative nature of the game encourages conversation and strategic planning. You can read her full review here.

It’s an honor to be included in such a stellar group of products and to be acknowledged for the language support inherent in My First Castle Panic. We feel seen!

KidStuff PR Signed

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the KidStuff PR logo

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. 

My First Castle Panic Earns Mom’s Choice Award®

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Mom's Choice Award Gold Medal

Fireside Games is honored to announce that My First Castle Panic has earned the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award®. Having been rigorously evaluated by a panel of MCA evaluators, My First Castle Panic is deemed to be among the best products for families. 

My First Castle Panic BoxMy First Castle Panic - Whole game

The Mom’s Choice Awards® has named My First Castle Panic as among the best in family-friendly media, products and services. 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. 

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 My First 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. 

Hot Diggity! We Won!

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Hot Diggity Award Winner Seal

We’re thrilled to announce that My First Castle Panic has been awarded a Hot Diggity Seal of Approval!

Hot Diggity Awards image large

 

The Hot Diggity Seal of Approval is awarded to the best products for families and pets. Their seal “signifies innovation, quality, entertainment and/or educational value, and a commitment to excellence.” Thank you to the team at Hot Diggity. We are honored to be chosen!

If you haven’t had the pleasure of seeing your preschoolers play My First Castle Panic independently for hours, you’ve got to check it out.

GAMA Trade Show and the New Retailers Group

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GAMA Trade Show 2019

GAMA Trade Show 2019

After all of the planning and preparation, GAMA Trade Show starts next week! And we couldn’t be happier at the thought of seeing you there.

Here is our official schedule:
Monday
3:00–4:00: Forecasting Issues Panel (Capri 2)
Anne-Marie will be moderating a panel of industry representatives made up of all 3 tiers in a discussion about forecasting issues that affect availability of product.

Tuesday
9:00–10:00: Communication Committee (Capri 2)
Anne-Marie and the Communication Committee will be updating the membership on the status of this committee.

3:00–4:00: PSI Premier Presentation (Naples 6)
Justin will be presenting new product and marketing information and providing goody bags in this session.

Wednesday
8:00–9:00: Breakfast presentation (Tuscany Ballroom)
Justin will be presenting new product and marketing information and providing goody bags in this session.

1:00–6:00: Exhibit Hall, Booth 111 (Tuscany Ballroom)
Justin and Anne-Marie will have a giant version of My First Castle Panic to show and provide goodies.

8:00–12:00: Game Night (Tuscany Ballroom)
Come play My First Castle Panic with Justin and Anne-Marie!

Thursday
1:00–6:00: Exhibit Hall, Booth 111 (Tuscany Ballroom)
Justin and Anne-Marie will have a giant version of My First Castle Panic to show and provide goodies.

8:00–11:00: PSI Game Night (Tuscany Ballroom)
Come play My First Castle Panic with Justin and Anne-Marie!

If you need a Dance Card to plan your trade show, click HERE to download one.

GAMA 2019 Dance Card

 

And don’t forget to bring your business cards!

Fireside Games Retailer Group

We’ll be announcing special promotions that will be available only to people who join our Facebook group that’s for retailers only. Click HERE to sign up!

My First Castle Panic Demos Hit Stores!

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My First Castle Panic demos

My First Castle Panic demosKids have been playing Castle Panic with parents for 10 years. Now, there’s a reading-free version that 4-year-olds can play independently! They can even teach each other to play. Game stores across North America will be hosting free demos of My First Castle Panic March 16–17.

 

Find a participating store near you from the list below and get your little one in on the fun!

UPDATED: 3/1/2019 More stores added!

Arizona

Game On (Prescott), 928-227-2000

The Hidden Village Games (Yuma), 928-581-2174

Imperial Outpost Games (Glendale), 602-978-0467

 

Arkansas

Gear Gaming Store (Fayetteville), 479-276-8110

 

California

Crazy Squirrel Game Store (Fresno), 559-431-0188

Game Empire (San Diego), 858-576-1525

 

Colorado

Crit Castle Games (Aurora), 303-745-4140

 

Connecticut

Connecticut Gaming Center (Waterbury), 203-527-3918

The Portal (Manchester), 860-432-0711

 

Georgia

Tyche’s Games (Athens), 706-354-4500

 

Hawaii

The Armchair Adventurer (Honolulu), 808-843-1250

 

Idaho

Gaming Adventures (New Plymouth), 208-649-4244

Safari Pearl Comics (Moscow), 208-882-9499

 

Illinois

AlleyCat Comics (Chicago), 773-907-3404

 

Indiana

Good Games (Indianapolis), 317-493-1423

Saltire Games (Indianapolis), 317-823-1645

The Game Annex (Fort Wayne), 260-459-4263

Family Time Games (Indianapolis), 317-429-9817

 

Kansas

Mission: Board Games (Mission), 913-242-7970

TableTop Game & Hobby (Overland Park), 913-962-4263

 

Michigan

Acropolis Games (Adrian), 517-577-6192

Pandemonium Games and Hobbies (Garden City), 734-427-2451

Nostalgia, Ink (Jackson), 517-784-8955

 

Minnesota

The Gaming Goat (Saint Paul), 651-690-4628

 

Missouri

Cards ‘n Stripes Games (Republic), 417-647-5151

Fountain City Gaming (Kansas City), 816-214-8093

 

Mississippi

Panda’s Pair O Dice (Gulfport), 228-206-4484

 

Nebraska

The Game Shoppe (Omaha), 402-991-8699

Sparta Games (Omaha), 402-934-8330

 

New Mexico

Zia Comics and Games (Las Cruces), 575-405-0461

 

New York

Alterniverse (Hyde Park), 845-233-4234

Just Games Rochester (Rochester), 585-586-0586

 

North Carolina

Event Horizon Games (Raleigh), 919-977-4009

Rocket City Games and More (Jacksonville), 910-577-5556

 

North Dakota

Force of Habit Hobby Shop (Minot), 701-837-0032

Paradox Comics-N-Cards (Fargo), 701-239-9505

 

Ohio

Barnes & Noble (Pickerington), 614-751-0927

Beyond the Board (Dublin), 614-553-7677

GameScape (Mount Vernon), 740-392-4263

The Guardtower (Columbus), 614-488-4311

 

Oklahoma

Carolina Comics (Lawton), 580-353-5164

 

Pennsylvania

The Games Keep (West Chester ), 484-905-5533

 

South Carolina

Firefly Toys and Games (Columbia), 803-764-0596

 

Texas

Dragon’s Lair (Houston), 832-761-0072

Flash Candy and Toys (Lockhart), 512-668-5075

Half Price Books (Dallas), 214-379-8000

Outlaw Moon (Austin), 512-454-6648

The Gathering Place (Abilene), 325-672-4263

 

Utah

Game Grid (Lehi), 801-477-7680

Game Haven (St. George), 435-627-0616

 

Washington D.C.

Labyrinth Game Shop, 202-544-1059

 

Wisconsin

Gnome Games (Appleton), 920-884-7504

Gnome Games (Green Bay East), 920-965-1380

Gnome Games (Green Bay West), 920-499-4263

I’m Board! Games & Family Fun (Madison), 608-831-6631

Menagerie Games (Pleasant Prairie), 262-361-8238

The GameBoard (Sheboygan), 920-453-4263

 

West Virginia

Four Horsemen Comics and Gaming (Bridgeport), 304-848-9210

 

INTERNATIONAL

Canada

GameKnight Games and Cool Stuff (Winnipeg), 204-487-4263

 

Mexico

Mana Screw (Costa Azul), 52-1-646-176-4406

 

Read all about the game here.

Announcing My First Castle Panic!

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My First Castle Panic Box

My First Castle Panic Box

MSRP $19.95 | Ages 4+ | 1-4 Players | 20 minutes

Fireside Games is excited to announce My First Castle Panic, a new preschool version of Castle Panic, the classic tower defense board game. Like its predecessor, My First Castle Panic is a cooperative game in which players work together to defend their castle. However, the game play has been simplified in the preschool version to allow children ages 4 and up to play independently. While Castle Panic has won many awards and is a great family game, younger players can have difficulty participating because of the reading required. My First Castle Panic removes the reading requirement and fosters the development of educational skills, such as identifying colors and shapes, problem solving, and turn taking.

My First Castle Panic Whole Game - Large

The edge-of-your-seat excitement has been maintained even with the preschool-friendly rules. Monsters follow a single path toward a single, large, eye-catching castle, protected by one wall. Each step toward the castle is identified by a color and a shape. Players hold cards in their hands with cute defenders who also have a color and shape. When a card is played that matches the location of the monster, that monster is captured and thrown in the dungeon. Tension builds as more monsters are placed and move along the path toward the castle. If the castle is destroyed, the players lose. But if it stands when all the monsters are in the dungeon, the players win.

My First Castle Panic features gorgeous art by Cam Kendell and is a great way to introduce children to the fun and challenge of board games. Look for it in stores worldwide March 6, 2019.