Arctic Scavengers Might Get an Expansion–And You Can Help

That’s right. Arctic Scavengers, the unique and long-suffering deck-building game from Kyle Gabhart, could get an expansion–one he’s been working on for years. But this will only happen with our help. But first: backstory!

Okay, so in 2008 Dominion stormed onto the gaming world like a big…storming…thing…and changed the landscape forever. One of the games –probably the first game–born out of this storm was Arctic Scavengers in 2009. I (Firestone) played the self-published first edition back when it came out. It was a little rough, but I saw lots of potential.

Rio Grande Games picked it up and agreed to publish it, which happened three years later. We even interviewed Kyle just as his game was finally coming to market.
Then, a couple of weeks ago, the terrific board game blog Shut Up and Sit Down did a video review of Arctic Scavengers. They fawned over it. So what’s the problem? Well, it looks like retailers are currently out of the first print run of Rio Grande’s edition. Prices are high, as is demand. (But there are plenty of copies at distributors, so don’t pay those prices.)

“But what about the expansion?!” Alright…sheesh; you don’t have to yell.

Kyle’s been kicking around the idea of Kickstarting the expansion himself–but there were lots of red-flags and financial risks for him. But thanks to the spotlight shining back on the game thanks to SU&SD, Rio Grande is considering printing the expansion. But they have to believe there’s a solid financial reason to do so. That’s where you come in. 

• The first thing you can do is buy a copy of the game. Maybe you’ve been on the fence. Maybe you’ve never heard of it. Maybe you already have a copy, but could give one to a game-loving friend. The point is, Jay at Rio Grande Games has said that if this game takes off again, he’ll seriously consider printing the expansion. “The game is still very much in print – largely because sales have been poor, keeping our supply in the warehouse. If player support for the game improves, we will reconsider publishing Deception. Thanks for your interest and support.” Apparently there are still plenty of copies out there, even at distributors, so don’t be afraid to ask your FLGS to order a copy. Don’t pay the crazy prices that are out there right now; they’ll come down. 
• Email Rio Grande Games. If you’re already a fan, email Rio Grande and nicely let them know you’d snatch up a copy of the expansion if they’d print it. BE NICE ABOUT IT.
• We’re going to do our part, too. I have a copy of the Rio Grande edition, but I haven’t yet played it. I’m going to do that ASAP, and post a review.

Thanks for reading! Consider helping out Kyle, and getting your own copy of the game.

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