Qwirkle

Distributed exclusively in Canada for Mindware™ by Outset Media Corp.
Combining well-thought strategy with quick-thinking challenges, Qwirkle is played by creating rows and columns of matching colors and shapes; since the simple play requires no reading, the whole gang can connect shapes and colors, making the strategic multiple-tile moves that earn maximum points. 108 wood blocks. At the end of June, 2011, Qwirkle was awarded the Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) in Germany. The award was founded in 1978 with the stated purpose of rewarding excellence in board and card game design and promoting top-quality games in the German market. It is considered to be one of the world’s most prestigious game awards. The criteria on which a game is evaluated include game concept (originality, playability, game value); rule structure (composition, clearness, comprehensibility); layout (box, board, rules) and design (functionality, workmanship.)
Ages 6+
2 to 4 players
Case pack: 6
(English edition: MW-32016) (French edition: No. 62016)
Suggested Retail Price: $29.99
Page A-2 in the 2011 Outset Media Big Green Binder

Qwirkle takes Spiel des Jahres 2011 award

Distributed in Canada by Outset Media Corp, Qwirkle has won Germany's major toy award.

Victoria, British Columbia – The Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) was founded in 1978 with the stated purpose of rewarding excellence in board and card game design and promoting top-quality games in the German market.

Considered to be one of the world’s most prestigious game awards, a Spiel des Jahres winner can usually expect to sell 300,000 to 500,000 copies.

The award is given by a jury of German-speaking board game critics (from Germany, Austria, Switzerland), who review games released in Germany in the preceding twelve months.

The criteria on which a game is evaluated include game concept (originality, playability, game value); rule structure (composition, clearness, comprehensibility); layout (box, board, rules) and design (functionality, workmanship). Complete details of the award can be found at the following link: http://www.spiel-des-jahres.com/cms/front_content.php?idcat=148 

Outset Media has been the exclusive Canadian distributor for Qwirkle since 2008. To find Qwirkle at a retailer near you, call Outset Media, toll free at 1-877-592-7374. If you are a retailer, call or email me to ask how we can help promote Qwirkle in your store to take advantage of the above publicity.

Q-Bitz from Mindware - One of the best games ever to demo in-store

Q-bitz from Mindware

With many of my toy and book retailers reaching the 50+ mark in Q-bitz games sold this season, I thought I would spread the word by offering a quick summary that illustrates just how fast and easy it is to demonstrate and sell this game. With two or three practice runs, you can literally demo this game in 30 seconds. I know this is a crazy time of year and there is not a lot of time to show games, especially when there are long lines forming at your till. So, if worst comes to the worst, I can email a sheet for you to print out on your colour printer and display with the games. But, if you do have a moment or two to show the game when a customer expresses interest, it can sometimes really pay off with additional game sales. That’s because while you are showing one customer the game other customers in your chaotic busy store are probably peering over your shoulder and watching the demo too!

Here’s how Q-bitz works:

Round One is all about speed as players race to manipulate their cubes to copy the pattern on the Q-bitz card. The first player to complete the pattern yells “Q-bitz!” and keeps the card.

Round Two adds luck to the equation, as players roll their cubes to match the pattern. Keep rolling until you get the shapes you need to complete the pattern. The first player to complete the pattern yells “Q-bitz!” and keeps the card.

Round Three really tests brain power, as players get 10 seconds to memorize the card and then must re-create the pattern from memory! The first player to complete the pattern or get closest to completing the pattern from memory keeps the card. Collect the most cards and win!

It really is that simple. Everyone is up and playing in minutes!

Includes 120 Q-bitz cards, 4 wooden trays and 4 sets of 16 cubes. 2 to 4 players. MSRP $29.99. Ages 8+

Watch the video!