One of the things we like to do here at The Malted Meeple is give some extra attention to our favorite board game publishers and designers. In our monthly Publisher’s Spotlight we provide a bit of background on the publisher, discuss a few of their games, and may even announce a visit to The Meeple by some of the publisher’s representatives!

This month, we are shine our Publisher’s Spotlight on our friends from Tasty Minstrel Games (TMG for short). We spoke with Director of Sales and Marketing Rick Schrand at Origins, where he told us a bit about the company. TMG is the ultimate realization of its founder and CEO Michael Mindes. The Company was formed in 2009 when Michael and his good friend Seth Jaffee wanted to publish two of their games. Both of these games were well received by the community, and TMG was on its way.

In the years that followed TMG has published such hits as Belfort, Dungeon Roll, and Eminent Domain. Mindes was introduced to Orléans one year at Essen and immediately knew that he had to publish it for the U.S. market. It was that game that was the first to be “Deluxified” by TMG, a tradition they have continued with other titles.

TMG is based out of Mountain Green, Utah. Their mission statement is simple, “To Be the Gamer’s Champion.” So what really sets TMG apart from the rest of the gaming industry? According to Rick Schrand it is the “Sheer Awesomeness” of their company. TMG has a clear focus on the type of games they produce. They have become known for the quality of gameplay, components, and theme. When you purchase a Tasty Minstrel Games game, you can be sure that it will have strong replay ability and an awesome experience in every box.

So how did they come up with the name “Tasty Minstrel Games” you might ask? The name is based on a scene from the 1975 cult classic comedy, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. In the film, after adventuring far and wide in search of the Holy Grail, King Arthur and his knights were forced to eat Sir Robin’s minstrels. (And there was much rejoicing!) And what is the deal with the dragon logo? According to those who work at TMG, who refer to themselves as Minstrels of Dargon, “Existing beyond the realms of time and space as we know it, Dargon the dragon spends his time constantly searching for amazing games, and for people to play those games with him. He is the driving force behind every decision that is made by TMG – because he is the Gamer’s Champion.”

So what is next up for TMG? During the month of September, they will be launching their Kickstarter campaign for Downfall. This will be their first minis-based title in which players fight the spread of radiation, gather survivors, build bunkers, and utilize technology, showing the world how a real leader acts in the face of ultimate adversity. But others strive to do the same and may find your resources extremely valuable. Best to be Prepared! Be sure to check out the Kickstarter for Downfall from TMG!

The next time you visit The Malted Meeple, be sure to ask your Game Master for their favorite game from Tasty Minstrel Games!

Karington Hess is a lifelong gamer whose passions for hospitality and all things game-related led him to Ravenwood Castle, where he served as an Innkeeper before joining The Malted Meeple. When not pouring beers, crafting milkshakes, or teaching boardgames, Karington can be found behind the DM’s screen, weaving intricate stories for his fellow gamers.