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Hawk and Dove Games

@hawkanddovegames.bsky.social
283 followers 329 following 110 posts

Tabletop design, development, and publishing. Focused on historical and wargames. www.hawkanddovegames.com

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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
A brief reflection on my experience last week at the Open de France des Jeux d'Histoire. It was a great experience, and I'm happy to have attended! www.hawkanddovegames.com/blog/ofjh-re...
hawkanddovegames.com
OFJH Recap — Hawk and Dove
Hawk & Dove attended board game convention OFJH in Bordeaux
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
And today I managed to get in 1.5 games of El Pulpo! This game is so tight and has amazing interconnected player incentives, with dynamic forms of player interaction and such subtle argumentation built into a sleek design. I’m so happy for the trust of @danbullock.bsky.social - bañan for scale!
El Pulpo set up and ready to play. Brooks holding the first player marker, a small banana or a huge man?El Pulpo mid game. The banana man card showing on the bottom right. El Pulpo after two rounds of play
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Two demos of Painkillers at OFJH so far. Both went well. This game is a difficult experience for players, but it delivers the argument I want very effectively. I’m very excited to show its full visual presentation soon.
A sign for Painkillers with two QR codes underneath, one to follow the game on BoardGameGeek and the other to subscribe to Hawk & Dove’s newsletter. Painkillers set up before a play.Painkillers at the end of a play. We stopped before the end but are on a trajectory to lose collectively due to overdoses getting out of control.Another demo of Painkillers after a full play. The players did not lose collectively. One player achieved his goal of keeping the overdoses below a certain level. Another achieved his goal of amassing the most personal wealth.
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
On my way to OFJH in Bordeaux this morning! I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and learning more about the French historical gaming community. Allons-y!
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
A week from today, Hawk & Dove will be in Bordeaux for the Open de France des Jeux d’Histoire! I’m looking forward to meeting a whole new group of people interested in this hobby, and to finally catching up with others I’ve only known online. I’ll have prototypes for all three games in the pipeline
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SDHistCon @sdhistcon.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
We are thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2026 Summit Award, the fifth such award. They are Battlefields of the Napoleonic Wars, Chicago '68, Molly House, and Onoda, with The Bell of Treason and Winter Rabbit as honorable mentions. More details: sdhist.com/2026-summit-...
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
I want to spend some time today talking a bit more about this game, and why I think it's so important. Small Steps to Fight Fascism is a unique game in several ways. It covers a very recent and particular bit of United States history, but its model is applicable to many different circumstances.
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Sticky Doodler 🖍️ Color Jam @stickydoodler.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
I've been going on about Color Jam for a while now, but I want to call out this game by co-designer Joe Kell as really worth your attention. Long, long ago I trained as a community organizer. There were many schools of thought about how to mobilize communities, but whether there even is...
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
This month, we're pleased to announce another game we've brought into our pipeline. Small Steps to Fight Fascism is a codesign by @goatgruff.bsky.social and Joe Kell about the ICE occupation of Minneapolis in late 2025 and early 2026. Read more about it here: www.hawkanddovegames.com/blog/small-s...
hawkanddovegames.com
small steps to fight fascism — Hawk and Dove
How our third board game fits with Hawk & Dove.
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
I haven't written too much about Painkillers yet, so I decided to dig into the history and mechanisms of the game a little bit. Please check it out, if you're interested. There will be more where this came from! Thanks... www.hawkanddovegames.com/blog/painkil...
hawkanddovegames.com
painkillers — Hawk and Dove
A little about the history behind Painkillers, Hawk & Dove’s first game.
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Please follow Dan’s advice and subscribe to this game on BGG (or better yet all our games 😘). You won’t regret it.
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Reminder about El Pulpo, now with some prototype photos! Check alt text for details. Very excited about this one. We’ll be showing it at several cons over the next few months!
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Today, we're proud and excited to announce that we've signed El Pulpo (some may know it as Fruit), designed by @danbullock.bsky.social! It will be our second game, after Painkillers. Read more about why we think it's such a great fit for H&D: www.hawkanddovegames.com/blog/el-pulpo
hawkanddovegames.com
El Pulpo — Hawk and Dove
Why Hawk & Dove's next board game is El Pulpo.
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Our physical prototyping capabilities were hampered by the international move, but we’re back up and running. Prepping a prototype of Painkillers for an IRL test soon! 🎲✂️
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Marceline Leiman is Racing Dinos @marcelineleiman.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
📣 I’m excited to announce!! 📣 I’m partnering with Unstable Games to start a sister studio to them named… ✨ Ordinary Magic!! ✨ I’m so excited to bring 3 BRAND NEW GAMES under this new studio to you this Fall!!! 🍁
gamefound.com
Ordinary Magic by Unstable Games - Gamefound
3 New Games, 1 Extraordinary World. Explore this visionary studio partnership between award-winning game designer Marceline Leiman and Unstable Games.
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The Boardgames Chronicle @thebrdgmschronicle.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
While spending great time on vacations, we re-share best articles of the year so far. Top Anticipated Boardgames of 2026 is definitely #1! theboardgameschronicle.com/2026/02/08/m... @gmtgames.bsky.social @leder.games @phalanxgames.bsky.social @djackthompson.bsky.social @trevormbenjamin.bsky.social
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
I get asked a lot what kinds of games Hawk & Dove is looking to publish. I write a little about it here, in preparation for some bigger announcements in the coming weeks. 😜 www.hawkanddovegames.com/blog/what-is...
hawkanddovegames.com
what is a hawk & dove game? — Hawk and Dove
Why we’re trying to find unique historical games, and how we think it will work.
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
We've got some very cool stuff cooking now. Can't wait to share more!
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Another Hawk & Dove update went out today via our newsletter! Progress on Painkillers and announcing our attendance at several conventions across the EU this fall. As always, if you're interested in what we're up to, please share and subscribe! www.hawkanddovegames.com
hawkanddovegames.com
Hawk and Dove
Hawk & Dove is a historical board game studio focused on delivering challenging player experiences.
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Dashed off some thoughts on recent design discourse I've seen around the internet in this most recent blog post. Take a look! www.hawkanddovegames.com/blog/on-desi...
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on design discourse — Hawk and Dove
Why do we insist on design discourse being so focused on particular elements and not on bigger picture things?
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
As we've been settling into our new lives here in Utrecht, I've had more time to devote to thinking about Hawk & Dove, its origin story, and how my experiences in gaming shape its DNA. Here are some thoughts. Please take a look if you're interested: www.hawkanddovegames.com/blog/origin-... Thanks!
hawkanddovegames.com
How we think about play and board games — Hawk and Dove
The introductory post from Hawk & Dove Games about our origins and the approach we take to making boardgames.
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
When I show people Painkillers, there are often nervous jokes about how bad the game feels to play. Not as a game, but as a player inhabiting the seat of a pharmaceutical executive. This is intentional, of course, and I'm always glad to hear it.
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
This is a very affecting piece of writing about games, growing up, community, responsibility, struggle, and how they can all intersect. One of the best things I've read about boardgames or gaming in a while.
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Relocation complete. Eight days into resettling in the Netherlands and the home office is mostly functional. After weeks of limbo and movement, it feels good to take a concrete step toward stability and rootedness. Gonna make some incredible games in this space.
A home office set up. Desk with computer, mouse, and a bottle of water on it. A window with view of treetops and other buildings. The top of a leather chair pokes into view in the foreground.
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
I just sent out our first newsletter to subscribers! The biggest piece of news is announcing our first game - Painkillers, one of my designs. I am immensely proud of this game and how far it has come since its inception. Here's a mini thread on the game as it is now.
Image of the United States in gray, with a teal background. Along the Eastern seaboard runs a collection of pharmaceuticals that roughly make up the shape of the Appalachian Mountains. In large, white letters, it says the name of the game - Painkillers - with a syringe forming both Is in the name, and the final S as a dollar sign. Across the top is the name of the designer - Brooks Barber.
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
I was very happy to chat with @beyondsolitaire.bsky.social about the what, why, and how of Hawk & Dove. Liz is always a pleasure and asks many good questions (as you'll hear me say about 15 times in this). Hit our website and join the newsletter to follow for more! www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJVc...
youtube.com
Beyond Solitaire Podcast 231: Brooks Barber on Hawk & Dove
YouTube video by Beyond Solitaire
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
A week from today, we'll be flying to attend Circle DC, hosted by @fortcircle.bsky.social! Looking forward to seeing everyone and especially checking out all the games that are still in development.
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
This is going to be very cool.
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
Go check out this fascinating game about Agincourt. Plus, it has screen-printed meeples! And @josephnschmidt.bsky.social is a very good dude who deserves your support.
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Two weeks ago, we announced our existence to the world. People have been super supportive, and I genuinely appreciate everyone who has shown us kindness. For targeted updates about H&D's work, subscribe to our newsletter: www.hawkanddovegames.com Or, join us on Discord: discord.gg/MUpWNqJcks
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Liz Davidson @beyondsolitaire.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
This week on the pod, I talked to Taylor Shuss about Walkable City, as well as several other projects. Check it out! @drawnonward.bsky.social youtu.be/SzqDZmmki6s
youtu.be
Beyond Solitaire Podcast 229: Taylor Shuss on Walkable City
YouTube video by Beyond Solitaire
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
This is a great video by Matthew. Check it out. Most of what Big Pasti mentions is publisher choice. The design process should be rooted in each individual game and what it needs to express itself best. That may include eliminating players, roll and move, or any other supposedly "bad" choices.
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
I own about 120 board games. I'm moving across the Atlantic within the next two months. How many games can/should I take with me? Tough decisions to be made...
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
Unpub was a great experience! I’m never more creatively invigorated than after a convention full of games, especially one with lots of playtesting new, cool ideas. Unfortunately, I’m also never more exhausted snd unable to think. Here’s a short thread about some of the cool stuff I got to see!
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Painkillers on the table. It’s kind of a beast. Proud of where this one is in its development, and looking forward to seeing it out in the world eventually. #unpub 🎲✂️
A board game prototype set up on a table. On the board is a map of central Appalachia surrounded by various game boxes: FDA approval, drug development, evidence, illegal drug trade, and epidemic. Player boards surround the outside of the main board. Cubes, tokens, an poker chips throughout.
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
We’ll be at Unpub this weekend, testing some games! Looking forward to seeing what the community has to offer.
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Brooks Barber @rollplusfun.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Here's a preview of the other five games I'm bringing to Unpub this year. Check 'em out if you want! Spindletop is the most developed. It's an economic hand management game based on Texas Hold 'Em poker mechanisms and the Texas oil boom of the early 20th century. Plus, it has Texagons!
A game prototype on a table. A large Texas made of smaller Texases tessellated (Texalated?) together to form the map. The game is called Spindletop.
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
I’m extremely grateful for all the support and kindness today in reaction to our launch announcement. Thank you all!
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Hawk and Dove Games @hawkanddovegames.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Hello world! We are pleased to announce the founding of Hawk and Dove, a new historical game studio. We're just getting started on this journey, and we invite you all to follow along as we navigate the incredible world of board game publishing! Check us out here: www.hawkanddovegames.com
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