iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Michael Sprague 🎲✂️

The Seahorse & The Hummingbird @thinkdeepplaylight.bsky.social · 18h

🔮✨ Selected as a part of Kickstarter's Witchstarter creator spotlight, Rune Rite is launching on October 13th. www.kickstarter.com/projects/sea... Why follow now? Because you'll like Rune Rite. It's fun. Also: • 20% off retail • A free mini-expansion #boardgames #kickstarter #crowdfunding

Kickstarter
Rune Rite
Witchy Thinky Fun
Your Next Favorite Flip & Write
Launching 10/13

053

Michael Sprague 🎲✂️ @backwardscapgames.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

@dnlnwmn.bsky.social are you going to be (or maybe you already are) in Maine this summer? I'd love to set up a Playtesting day! I have a buddy with an interesting trick taking project that I think you might dig.

100

Michael Sprague 🎲✂️ @backwardscapgames.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

I have gone somewhat dormant on here, figured I'd pop in with an update for sign of life. When I'm not coaching 🥎 I am basically just sleeping. But I often dream of games so that's something. I will be back on the wagon again soon.

010

Reposted by Michael Sprague 🎲✂️

Matthew Rodela @muse-and-mettle.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

Playtesting a new co-design with @backwardscapgames.bsky.social called Interstellar Influence at Unpub this weekend. You take on the role of competing alien societies influencing humanity through history. A fresh twist on traditional civ games featuring hidden agendas and shared track manipulation.

031

Reposted by Michael Sprague 🎲✂️

Game Makers Guild @gamemakersguild.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

🚨 New Meetup Alert 🚨 Are you looking for a new place in #boston to test your mettle, show off your latest #prototype or just play cool new games? Then hit up Tavern of Tales on Tues 3/3 Let's continue to prove that #boardgamedesign is alive and well in the Boston region. meetu.ps/e/PQj2h/ZXbQ...

Meetup page screenshot with details for an upcoming Playtest event!

042

Reposted by Michael Sprague 🎲✂️

Game Makers Guild @gamemakersguild.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

2️⃣ #playtesting meetups this week. Each averaged 10 attendees and 4 games. We also spotted GMG member @backwardscapgames.bsky.social #newrelease on a retail shelf! Greater #boston area #boardgamedesign 🎲 ✂️ continues to thrive. Check our bio for links to stay up to date on where to find us next.

041

Reposted by Michael Sprague 🎲✂️

Grumpy Spider Games @grumpyspidergames.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

Well well well, looks like Rucksack made the highlights list alongside Pyrotechnics, by @backwardscapgames.bsky.social and @thinkdeepplaylight.bsky.social! If you haven't checked out @natewarren.bsky.social's Break Up Gaming Society, you really should. www.breakupgamingsociety.com/blog/indie-t...

breakupgamingsociety.com

Crate Digging: January 2026 — Breakup Gaming Society

Find out what's in my Rucksack, get 50% off tickets to Indie Boardgame Showcase, plus six other indie tabletop nugs.

153

Reposted by Michael Sprague 🎲✂️

Game Makers Guild @gamemakersguild.bsky.social · 18/01/2026

Attention all #boston 🎲✂️ #boardgamedesigners SAVE THE DATE! 4/18/2026 After the last successful All-Day #Playtesting event we are ready for another round. Please join us at Church on the Hill in Boston.

062

Michael Sprague 🎲✂️ @backwardscapgames.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

Lot of iterative design work and graphic design overhaul for #rockout my rockband themed tableau builder. Now it's time to get #crafty and assemble this baby. Once this is out of the way and ready for the @gamemakersguild.bsky.social #allday #playtesting I can move to @cardboardedison.com prep! 🎲 ✂️

Print n Play of cards, bagged tokens and a box

040

Reposted by Michael Sprague 🎲✂️

Tabletop Game Designers Association @ttgda.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

Pyrotechnics by TTGDA member @backwardscapgames.bsky.social is a 2 player head-to-head card game that's quick and easy with just the right spark of strategy. It's currently available for pre-sale with delivery expected before the end of January 2026! www.seahorseandhummingbird.com/shop/pyrotec...

seahorseandhummingbird.com

Pyrotechnics - The Seahorse and The Hummingbird

Pyrotechnics is a fast, two-player card duel packed with strategy and sparks—easy to learn, quick to play, and endlessly replayable.

1115

Michael Sprague 🎲✂️ @backwardscapgames.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

@elizhargrave.bsky.social as one of those playtesters you mentioned I can attest that I am extremely excited for that Wingspan small box game! 2026 looks like it will be exciting! open.substack.com/pub/elizharg...

open.substack.com

January 2026: New Year, New Games

Happy New Year!

0121

Michael Sprague 🎲✂️ @backwardscapgames.bsky.social · 27/12/2025

Hey everyone! Pyrotechnics will be pre-launching on 12/31. Publisher: @thinkdeepplaylight.bsky.social You can register for a launch email here: www.seahorseandhummingbird.com/shop/pyrotec... This is a tight little 2-player, resource management game. Thanks! #cardgames #boardgamedesign

seahorseandhummingbird.com

Pyrotechnics - The Seahorse and The Hummingbird

Pyrotechnics is a fast, two-player card duel packed with strategy and sparks—easy to learn, quick to play, and endlessly replayable.

0153

Michael Sprague 🎲✂️ @backwardscapgames.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

🎲✂️ New website, who dis: www.seahorseandhummingbird.com/shop/pyrotec... Publisher of my first published game did a little revamp of their site. Check it out and consider signing up for notifications on Pyrotechnics, officially launching (pun intended) on 12/31/2025. @thinkdeepplaylight.bsky.social

seahorseandhummingbird.com

Pyrotechnics - The Seahorse and The Hummingbird

Pyrotechnics is a fast, two-player card duel packed with strategy and sparks—easy to learn, quick to play, and endlessly replayable.

021

Reposted by Michael Sprague 🎲✂️

The Seahorse & The Hummingbird @thinkdeepplaylight.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

new logo who dis?

The silhouette of a seahorse over the silhouette of a hummingbird over the outline of a circle. All of it washed in a gradient from green to blue to purple.

2111

Reposted by Michael Sprague 🎲✂️

Phil Gross @mistergross.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

Pyrotechnics is as tightly wound as a classic abstract. Excellent trade offs and tension. Feels like a beefier game than its smol size. Great work by @backwardscapgames.bsky.social and @thinkdeepplaylight.bsky.social

Cards with fireworks and tokens with sparks

0213

Michael Sprague 🎲✂️ @backwardscapgames.bsky.social · 23/11/2025

Idk what it is yet or if it's even a game but yesterday I put some square holes in some coasters and we are drafting some dice in a strange fashion. Maybe it's something. 🎲 ✂️ #boardgames #dicegames #gamedesign

4 white coasters about 4 inch in diameter with multiple colored dice places in dice shaped holes on the coaster.

0110

Michael Sprague 🎲✂️ @backwardscapgames.bsky.social · 19/10/2025

My boardgame heart is filled with joy and gratitude this weekend. My co-design w/ @muse-and-mettle.bsky.social was tabled for the 1st time with the pull print. Production copy of @thinkdeepplaylight.bsky.social's 1st release #pyrotechnics hit the table. And I picked up 4 sweet newish to me games.

Table presentation of Interstellar Influence

First play of a production copy of Pyrotechnics

Sunday's boardgame purchases, including Stamp Swap, No Loose Ends, Fort and Faraway.

041

Michael Sprague 🎲✂️ @backwardscapgames.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

Very happy to share, that barring unforeseen circumstances, my card game #pyrotechnics will receive it's full release on 12/31/2025 courtesy of @thinkdeepplaylight.bsky.social Just got my designer production copies today, and oh boy does it look great! 🎲 ✂️

Games in box for with publisher's business card

031

Michael Sprague 🎲✂️ @backwardscapgames.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

#sneakpeak at my current 🎲✂️ project "Level Playingfield". An asymmetric 2-player only game where one player is the hero, using deck building to traverse a level and the other player is the level master, using tile-laying to try and stop them. #boardgames

Game map with a 4x8 grid, blue sky and ground reminiscent of an early Super Mario level.

130

Reposted by Michael Sprague 🎲✂️

NestFresh Eggs @nestfresheggs.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

#DIDYOUKNOW? Eggs aren’t just for humans 🥚🐶 — they’re a nutrient-packed treat for dogs too! ✨ Protein for 💪 ✨ Vitamins & minerals for 🦴 ✨ Healthy fats for 🔋 We want the best for our dogs — so reach for the #BetterEgg from #NestFresh 🍳💛🐕 #HappyHens #HappyPups #EthicalFarming #HumanelyHatched

011

Reposted by Michael Sprague 🎲✂️

Game Makers Guild @gamemakersguild.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

Attention all #Boston based #gamedesign 🎲✂️! GMG next all-day Playtesting event will take place in about 3 weeks on 10/18! Don't miss out on a great opportunity to test and connect with other gamers/designers. #boardgames

194

Reposted by Michael Sprague 🎲✂️

NestFresh Eggs @nestfresheggs.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

#NestFresh™️ is proud to introduce #HumanelyHatched egg products to the U.S. Visit nestfresh.com/humanely-hat... to find out more on how we help reduce the need to hatch millions of male chicks. #animalwelfare #certifiedhumane #freerange #pastureraised #bettereggs #int-egg-rity 🧑‍🌾🥚🐤🐣

NestFresh Humanely Hatched cartons in grass. Includes info about humanely hatched and a QR code to the website.

042

Reposted by Michael Sprague 🎲✂️

The Seahorse & The Hummingbird @thinkdeepplaylight.bsky.social · 25/09/2025

Today, the first #boardgame by The Seahorse & The Hummingbird is born. No more tweaking. No more editing. No more testing. No more feedback. Pyrotechnics *is*. 🎆 To celebrate, I'll share the Pyrotechnics design diary by @backwardscapgames.bsky.social. It's a good read. Have a look. #gamedesign 🎲✂️

seahorseandhummingbird.com

Pyrotechnics: Design Diary - The Seahorse and The Hummingbird

The following design diary was written by the designer of Pyrotechnics, Michael Byron Sprague. Hi, I’m Mike, and I’m the designer of the two-player resource-management dueling card game, Pyrotechnics....

0103

Michael Sprague 🎲✂️ @backwardscapgames.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

First opportunity to buy a copy of my first game! Come support Indy game design!

193

Michael Sprague 🎲✂️ @backwardscapgames.bsky.social · 02/09/2025

My co-design with @muse-and-mettle.bsky.social was one of the two games to hit the virtual table last night at GMG's monthly online testing. Incredibly grateful for the time. I know this one is a beast. Looking forward to where Interstellar Influence goes from here.

010

Reposted by Michael Sprague 🎲✂️

Game Makers Guild @gamemakersguild.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

🎲✂️ in the Boston area: SAVE THE DATE - 10/18/25. We at GMG are expanding our opportunities for "All Day Playtesting" and bringing our brand of gaming fun to Church on the Hill. Keep an eye on social media and our Meetup page for more details: meetu.ps/e/PtYfQ/ZXbQ...

meetu.ps

GMG All-Day Playtesting @ Church on the Hill Beacon Hill MA, Sat, Oct 18, 2025, 9:30 AM | Meetup

***SAVE THE DATE! October 18th 2025*** You've asked for more all day playtesting opportunities and we're making it happen! We're bringing our All Day Playtesting format to

042

Reposted by Michael Sprague 🎲✂️

Game Makers Guild @gamemakersguild.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

🎲✂️ Unboxing friend of GMG, @emilykeepskitties.bsky.social 's recent release #KnittingCircle happy to finally see the finished product! @flatoutgames.bsky.social did a great job!

082

Michael Sprague 🎲✂️ @backwardscapgames.bsky.social · 25/08/2025

🎲 ✂️ The next iteration of Interstellar Influence ( co-design w/ @muse-and-mettle.bsky.social ) is ready to be broken, accused of not being a game and require too much math. Hoping to capture the imagination of #ancientalien enthusiasts sometime soon. #boardgames #gamedesign

Starry background. 5 columns of different colors going up to a value of 20 for tracks that represent different aspects of humanity. This is the main board for the Screentop.gg implementation.

050

Michael Sprague 🎲✂️ @backwardscapgames.bsky.social · 30/07/2025

🎲✂️in preparation for tonights meet up at Jetpack in Rochester, NH I am actually hand making a new prototype. Excited for this one.

Paper, cards, a pen and miscellaneous game pieces for a new prototype

020

Michael Sprague 🎲✂️ @backwardscapgames.bsky.social · 27/07/2025

🎲✂️ what sounds like more fun? 1. A spatial puzzle about placing campers at a seasonal campground based on their desired preferences 2. Engine building game with blind bidding that builds up your campground's reputation and attracts campers boss monster style ???

100

Michael Sprague 🎲✂️ @backwardscapgames.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

Makes me feel like a real 🎲 ✂️ to hang a poster in my office with the cover art for my first published game.

Poster of the cover for upcoming game, Pyrotechnics hung in the office basement of the designer. Art shows fireworks in the games art style and the title is tilted left across the middle.

081

Michael Sprague 🎲✂️ @backwardscapgames.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

Please consider helping my buddy @muse-and-mettle.bsky.social and do the thumbs up thing on BGG! Twisted Trumpets is debuting at Essen! boardgamegeek.com/geekpreview/...

Instructional photo of where to thumbs up on BGG. Red arrow pointing to the thumb on the left.

143

Reposted by Michael Sprague 🎲✂️

The Seahorse & The Hummingbird @thinkdeepplaylight.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

June 4th, 5th and 6th only! Donate to a good cause, celebrate the creativity of six amazing #boardgames designers and run my site through the paces all for a buck! www.seahorseandhummingbird.com All proceeds donated to The Network/La Red (www.tnlr.org). 🧵 1 of 3

A banner that reads, "GOING INTO BUSINESS SALE!" with a seahorse on the left and a hummingbird on the right.

1136

Michael Sprague 🎲✂️ @backwardscapgames.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

Every time I see something about my game coming to life, I get emotional. I'm not crying, you are! Seriously though I couldn't be more excited and I genuinely appreciate anyone who is interested in signing up or purchasing the game. Thank you for the support ❤️. 🎲 ✂️

060

Michael Sprague 🎲✂️ @backwardscapgames.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

I am beyond excited for this project to be approaching public enjoyment. Been a long time coming. Thanks @thinkdeepplaylight.bsky.social for believing in it!

060

Michael Sprague 🎲✂️ @backwardscapgames.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

Coaching softball this spring will take me away from game design a bit more than I'd prefer over the next couple of weeks. So I need to do better at managing the time I do have and prioritize the projects that feel the most important. Wish me luck. I'm terrible at that. 🎲 ✂️

120

Reposted by Michael Sprague 🎲✂️

Game Makers Guild @gamemakersguild.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

Calling all Boston area designers (or new game enthusiasts!) 🎲✂️ If anyone is looking to get their game tested in person, next Tuesday April 29th there will be another Church on the Hill event from 6:00pm-9:00ish! www.meetup.com/game-makers-...

meetup.com

"In Boston" Board Game Night with GMG Designers! @ Church on the Hill, Tue, Apr 29, 2025, 6:00 PM | Meetup

Come play board games! We want to bring together board game enthusiasts with board game designers! Bring your favorite board games whether they're old, new, or soon to be n

021

Michael Sprague 🎲✂️ @backwardscapgames.bsky.social · 14/04/2025

Going back to an old idea I had, with the knowledge and experience I have from about 3 years of being deep into 🎲 ✂️. It's great to see what you have learned and how old designs can become new again. More to come as I flesh out this lean, mean engine building machine. media.tenor.com/2j3qVa_KuSQA...

media.tenor.com

010

Michael Sprague 🎲✂️ @backwardscapgames.bsky.social · 08/04/2025

It's Tuesday, you know what that means? It's Skeleton Code Machine day! @exeunt.press open.substack.com/pub/skeleton... I enjoyed this one quite a bit. I Playtest a lot of games and what the designer asks is really important in steering the conversation

open.substack.com

Don't ask these playtesting questions!

10 of the best questions to ask after a board game or TTRPG playtest, and 3 questions you should avoid. Lessons learned from playtesting at Unpub 2025.

121