HotShot Pickleball Arrives Soon: For board game enthusiasts who love pickleball, exciting news is on the horizon. An independent game studio and publisher based in Edinburgh, Scotland, is preparing to launch HotShot Pickleball in May 2025, promising hours of engaging gameplay for fans of all ages.
A Unique Concept
The product description sets the stage for an entertaining experience:
“Pick your pickle, then dink, volley, and long shot your way to victory! An all-ages, fast-paced, pun-filled, and fun-tastic board game.”
Interest is already high among potential players.
Celebrating Pickleball with Humor
Robert Gelb, game designer and director of Midnight Trading Co., expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating,
“The game is really an opportunity to celebrate this phenomenon in a silly board game that anybody can play. Fundamentally, the game’s called pickleball, and so I really thought it should be a game about pickles. So I took a second and started thinking if a pickle played the game, what that might look like.” – (Robert Gelb)
Players can expect to encounter characters with whimsical, pickle-themed names such as Kim Chee, Corni Shaun, Cyril Ceviche, Hugh Cumber, and Baby Dill.
Collaboration with Pickleball Scotland
Gelb has been collaborating with Pickleball Scotland to ensure that the game resonates with players. He explained, “We’ve been engaging with them, not only to see what they think about the game, but to make sure that we’re hitting all of the little in-jokes about pickleball.” This partnership aims to capture the essence of the sport while delivering a humorous gaming experience.
Production and Crowdfunding Success
Production for HotShot Pickleball will officially commence in November. The game’s Kickstarter campaign has already demonstrated tremendous interest, raising over £8,000 in less than 24 hours.
“If you’re a fan of puns, fast-paced board games or pickles, then you should play the game.” – (Robert Gelb)
The board game taps into the growing popularity of pickleball, a sport that surged in participation, boasting over 32 million players last year. Gelb’s vision includes a fast-paced experience where players select characters and draw ‘Rally’ cards to navigate the court and execute their shots. The ‘Long Shot’ deck introduces risk for those seeking a challenge.
Game Features and Availability
Designed for 1-4 players, HotShot Pickleball supports all ages and typically takes about 20 minutes to play. Currently available for pre-order on Kickstarter, the game is set to expand into retail distribution across the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia in the near future.
News in Brief: HotShot Pickleball Arrives Soon
The HotShot Pickleball board game is slated for a May 2025 release, created by Edinburgh-based Midnight Trading Co. Designed for 1-4 players, it features quirky, pickle-themed characters and offers quick, strategic gameplay.
A Kickstarter campaign raised over £8,000 in less than 24 hours, highlighting the game’s appeal amid the sport’s rising popularity. Collaborations with Pickleball Scotland ensure it captures the sport’s essence and humor, making it accessible for players of all ages. Pre-orders are currently available, with broader retail plans for the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia soon.
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