PAX Unplugged 2025

27 November 2025

This year’s PAX Unplugged and Indie Game Night Market turned into one of the most memorable experiences in the entire Kozak Games journey. Not because of sales numbers (though they were amazing), and not because our booth was full (which it was!)—but because of the people. The players. The moments that remind you why you design games in the first place.

Let me start with two small stories that made this weekend truly special.

A few days before PAX, I received a message on BoardGameGeek from a collector who had been searching for a copy of Hnefatafl: Valhalla. He told me he wouldn’t be able to attend on Saturday but really hoped to meet me briefly on Friday to buy the game. Of course, I brought a copy for him.

There’s something magical about moments like this. When someone is so excited to play your game that they track you down on social media, rearrange their schedule, and come in person just to get your creation—it’s the highest compliment a designer can receive. That’s exactly why we make games: because someone out there connects with the idea, the world, and the experience you’ve created. And yes, he got his copy. And I walked away feeling inspired all over again.

The second story comes from the Indie Game Night Market and my game Art of Spots. A lady stopped by the booth early in the event. She wanted to play, so I taught her the rules. We chatted a bit—about games, the event, the whole wonderful chaos of IGNM—and she bought a copy before heading off. Then she came back. The second time, she told me she had played the game with her husband right away and had a couple of question-rule clarifications. We talked again, she smiled, and left. Hours later—almost at the end of IGNM—she returned a third time. This time, she asked if I could sign her copy. That alone already made my day. But the story wasn’t finished. When I began packing the booth, thinking everything was done, she came up one more time and asked if we could take a picture together. That moment… I will never forget it. To know that the game you created means enough to someone that they want the designer’s signature and a photo—it’s a kind of warmth and gratitude I can’t even fully describe. It reminded me that games aren’t just products—they’re experiences that become part of people’s memories, families, and evenings together.

The Canvas Edition of Hnefatafl was almost completely sold out—amazing news that made me incredibly proud. But I also learned something important: Many visitors came from out of state and told me they didn’t have enough luggage space for such a large box. Ooops. Lesson learned for next year! (And maybe… travel-friendly editions? 😉)

PAX Unplugged 2025 and the Indie Game Night Market were phenomenal. The energy, the people, the conversations—everything was on point. A huge thank you to Daniel Newman and Marceline Leiman for organizing such a fantastic event. Everything ran smoothly, and you could feel how much passion and work went into making IGNM what it is today. And to all the players who came to support indie designers, who bought games—mine or others’—thank you. Your support keeps small studios like mine alive, growing, and dreaming bigger. For me personally, this weekend was pure inspiration. I realized how much work paid off in preparing Hnefatafl: Valhalla and Art of Spots for the convention. And seeing the Indie Market continue to grow, filled with unique, beautiful, and clever games, made me feel excited and very much at home.

I’m confident this won’t be our last IGNM or PAX appearance. And next year, I’ll push even harder to bring an even better experience, a new great game, and even more moments to remember. Thank you, everyone, for an unforgettable weekend. See you at the next convention!

P.S. A huge thank you to the Board Game Animal blog — and to Justin, its creator — for showcasing all the games from IGNM. Your support for indie designers means the world.