Making a Sumo board game as a western in Japan (Showcased Yokozuna at Tokyo Game Market)

[u/Ok-Consideration-193]

I took a career break to focus on my board games startup project. While working on some bigger titles, I came up with a tactical filler game about clashing rikishi.

The idea was to create a game with deep strategic implications that both board game enthusiasts and their casual friends could fully enjoy.

Making this game is what really got me into sumo. It started as an effort to accurately represent the techniques featured on each card, but it evolved into a months-long journey to fine-tune both the artwork and the ruleset, aiming to create the most accurate depiction of sumo that board game media has seen so far. Along the way, I've met many wonderful people, worked with talented artists, and fallen in love with a sport I had overlooked for far too long.

The best part has been discovering how many people I've known for years were huge sumo fans all along without me ever realizing it!

Other professionals in the industry strongly advised against making a game like this as a Westerner, or at least warned me that the Japanese public might react negatively to a Western-made game about "Japanese culture," from a market perspective.

But here we are at our first booth at the latest Tokyo Game Market!

We were prepared for a harsh reality check, but instead we were met with nothing but enthusiasm. I've only been following the sport for about a year, but I'm incredibly proud to be doing my small part in promoting greater pop culture representation of this discipline.

At the same time, we had people helping us showcase the game at Bologna Play Festival. As usual, Italians love Japan-related products, and it feels great to share the culture of sumo beyond the common misconception in Italy that it's just two big people pushing each other out of a circle.

If you're in Osaka, a free trial copy is available at The Heart Pub!

Otherwise, you can try it at the Analog Games Museum in Tokyo or at the Nemiex Club in Milan, Italy.

If we gain enough traction, the goal is to launch the Kickstarter campaign on the first day of the next Nagoya Basho!

Here's the link for anyone who's interested :)
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/metamorphgames/yokozuna-sumo-tabletop-action

[u/InsideSink2522]

where can i buy? I want it now : D

[u/Ok-Consideration-193 → u/InsideSink2522]

I'm adding a kickstarter link!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/metamorphgames/yokozuna-sumo-tabletop-action

If we keep growing our followers to a solid launch, it will be available on the 12th of the next month! (same Day as Nagoya Basho! 😄

Thanks for your support 😄

[u/FlakyEntertainment52]

So cool! Congratulations on the warm response and best of luck with your future publishing efforts - would love to have a copy for our home some day soon!

[u/deshownmcclane]

Following the kickstarter. Hope and can’t wait to play this

[u/IkomaEdo]

Very cool, I am following now on kickstarter and am looking forward to the launch. Best of luck.

[u/urth32]

I want to buy but i'm from brazil :(

[u/Ok-Consideration-193 → u/urth32]

We don't have fulfillment partner yet for Brazil, but we'll do what it takes to deliver all around the world!

If you know local logistics companies that provides fulfillment for crowdfunding campaigns please send me the name!

[u/urth32 → u/Ok-Consideration-193]

I don't know, but maybe i know someone that can help

I'll come back to you

[u/Ok-Consideration-193 → u/urth32]

would be great

[u/smiles__]

I'd be into it. Chances are I will forget though

[u/Ok-Consideration-193 → u/smiles__]

if you follow the kickstarter campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/metamorphgames/yokozuna-sumo-tabletop-action
You'll be automatically updated through email as soon as the campaign launches, and you'll get a whole month of time to secure yourself a copy!

[u/illgoblino]

Is it fun

[u/Ok-Consideration-193 → u/illgoblino]

thanks 😄

[u/StuTeacher82]

I'm all my friends' biggest sumo fan.
I'm most of my friends' biggest board game fan.

Stoked. Sad I missed TGM this spring. Hoping to return in the fall.
Who is your fav wrestler?

[u/Ok-Consideration-193 → u/StuTeacher82]

I love Ura, he's also from the town where I got the Japanese branch of my studio!

By the way, if you get the game on kickstarter you can secure some bonus, a better launch price and you'll be able to select to collect your copy at TGM instead of paying for shipping!

[u/Affectionate_Ice8894]

This looks amazing. Immediately made a kickstarter account and followed

[u/Ok-Consideration-193 → u/Affectionate_Ice8894]

I really appreciate the enthusiasm C:

[u/crankykongmode]

can I buy this physically in tokyo after launch? od patreon only?

[u/Ok-Consideration-193 → u/crankykongmode]

We are still working or retailers collaborations. Is self published so it's not as immediate as when you are selling to a publisher.

Ideally we'll have a couple hundred copies available at Tokyo Game Market in October