Connie Vogelmann, known for the bee-themed board game Apiary and the dragon-filled Wingspan expansion Wyrmspan, is set to reveal her next board game, Tideward, at the upcoming Essen Game Fair. This new title focuses on a nature-inspired theme, aiming to attract new players to the board gaming hobby.
Tideward tasks two to four players with guiding newly hatched sea turtles from the beach to the safety of underwater algal mats while avoiding predators. Players have three actions per turn to hatch eggs, gather food, or move their hatchlings. The game incorporates scoring based on turtle arrangements on different algal mats, alongside secret quest cards for additional points. The game concludes when a player successfully moves all their turtles into the water, with the highest score determining the winner.
Vogelmann stated that Tideward is designed to be a lighter experience than her previous works, Apiary and Wyrmspan, though it still offers strategic depth. The concept for Tideward emerged during Gen Con, sparked by an idea to simplify complex mechanics into a puzzle focused on automated movement, which quickly led to the theme of baby turtles.
Unlike Apiary and Wyrmspan, which are geared towards players aged 14 and up, Tideward is intended as a relaxing family game suitable for ages 10 and older. Vogelmann expressed her belief in allowing a game's design to dictate its complexity, emphasizing her disinterest in adding unnecessary complexity. She highlighted that bringing new players into the board gaming hobby is a significant source of joy for her as a designer.
Tideward will be available for demonstration at the Avalon Hill and Hasbro booth during the Essen Game Fair, which runs from October 22-25. The game is scheduled for retail release on January 16, 2027, with a price point of $39.99.