FAQ

If you have a question about the reviews please check out the “About the Game Reviews” page.  All other random questions will be posted here.

1. I’ve got a great idea, can you help me sell or license my game?

Sorry, no. But please check out these great resources:

• The Toy Industry Association’s website has lots of tips for breaking into the industry here: TIA Toy and Designer Guide
• The Toy and Game Inventors Conference is held in Chicago every year and it’s one of the only places you can show your inventions to some of the top inventor relations people and buyers in the business.  Check it out: www.tandgcon.com

2. Can you please review my game?

Maybe.  I always have a stack of games on my desk awaiting a game review, but I’m willing to look at other products.  Because of the volume of games out there it’s best to send me a blurb on what your game is (use the comment box below – I won’t post it).  I’ll email you back and let you know if I’d like a sample to try.  I’ll play it within a couple different settings and if I like it I’ll review it.  If I don’t think I can review it I will respond to you via email and will donate the products to a local library, school, park district or community group so you still get some PR out of the deal.

Please keep in mind the types of games I’m reviewing on this site; I don’t write about hard core “gamer” games, games that take longer than ~30-35 minutes, games that require technology (ipad, iphone, etc.), or full-on educational games. I also require that games be sold by at least 1 online game store like Are You Game, Uncle’s Games, Fun Again Games, etc. OR a larger retailer like B&N or Amazon.  Why?  When I review a game I am encouraging people to go out and buy it and readers don’t really like when a game is impossible to find.  I’ve also learned that for some people purchasing from a small manufacturer’s site can be uncomfortable, hence the requirement.

3. My game is on Kickstarter; can you review it and help me promote it?

Sorry, no.  For the same reasons as stated in #2; my readers like games they can buy and play now.

4. My game is available only through Game Crafter, can you review it? 

Sorry no.  It’s not a retailer many of my readers are comfortable purchasing through yet… give it time.

5. I have an app or computer game; can you review it?

Nope.  I only review “tabletop” games (i.e. ones played without added technology ) so that also excludes board games that you download an app for.

6. I sent you a game AGES ago and you still haven’t reviewed it.

If there wasn’t so much IP sitting on my desk, I’d include a photo with this answer.  If you haven’t gotten an email from me, I’m still working on it.  Each game I see gets played a couple of times – big groups, small groups, with kids, with a bunch of semi-inebriated adults and then I have to write the review!  It’s hard to get through all of that quickly considering this isn’t my full time job.  Please be patient – you know the Heinz slogan…”Good things come to those who wait.”

7. Where did you get that giant Jenga game I’ve seen on The Game Aisle’s Facebook page and in The University of Illinois Alumni Magazine (pic above)?

It’s called Jenga XXL and the only place I believe it can be purchased online is here: http://www.artsideas.biz/jenga-xxl/ and the price seems to keep going up!

8. How do I contact you?

Please use the box below – that way it won’t slowly die in my spam folder.  Thanks!  Oh and don’t forget to include your email address so I can respond.

9. I’ve sent you a LinkedIn request/message/InMail like 5x — what gives?

I love social media… I just prefer to spend my time on Twitter and Facebook.