It’s been quite a while since we’ve talked to Jamey Stegmaier of Stonemaier Games—most recently, back in 2017—so it’s about time for a catch-up.
Welcome, Jamey, and thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. Zatu’s previous Q&As have focused on individual games, but after reading the blog post about your busy 2025, I thought I’d take a step back and look at Stonemaier more generally. There’s a heck of a lot in that post for a company of 8 employees, so the first question is: how on earth did you manage to fit everything into just one year? And you’ve talked about how you’d do some things differently—do you think you really will in 2026, or are these things visible only in hindsight?
There certainly was a lot for us to make, many customers and clients to serve, and an abundance of content to create in 2025! I think the key is that a lot of the work has been in progress for years—it didn’t all happen in real time in 2025. It’s partially because of that work in the past that we had so many releases in 2025, and that really will change in 2026, as our goal is always to shine a big, prolonged spotlight on just a few new releases each year.
As both a designer and a publisher, how do you balance your time between the two, not to mention all the social media and other fan engagement work? Are there times when you find yourself forced into one mode when you’d much rather be focussing on the other?
I have a pretty specific structure to my day and week that allows me to compartmentalize things like content creation, game design, game development, etc., with project management, social media, customer service, and marketing filling all the other time. Game design is most often pushed to the 8:00pm–10:00pm work timeslot for me (and sometimes just doesn’t happen), but my work schedule is more relaxed on the weekends, so I often do a lot of game design work then. I love variety, so as long as I’m not doing the same thing all day, I’m happy.
Wingspan is one of my favourite games, and I love that you’ve engaged with the fanbase to produce the Wingspan Fan-Designed Packs. That, and your support for fan creations shows a level of commitment to customers beyond that of many companies. I know from your blogging and social media presence that you’re keen on gamer interactions, but what do you think it is about Wingspan in particular that’s attracted so many industrious fans?
Thank you! It was fun to finally publish some of the amazing bird cards that fan designers have created and tested over the years. You’re right that Wingspan in particular has attracted the most creativity of all our games (though Scythe has quite a few too, resulting in the fan-inspired Encounter cards. I think it’s really easy to play Wingspan and think “I wish there were a bird that did this” or “I wish my favorite bird were in this game”, leading to these fan creations. But I love to see it in any of our games, whether it’s a fan-designed expansion or sequel (My Little Scythe, Scythe: The Wind Gambit, Tapestry: Arts & Architecture, etc.) or printable content to use in the game (e.g., Vantage’s fan-designed pet cards.
Sticking with Wingspan a little longer, I’m quite keen on aspects of accessibility in games. and I was very impressed with your vision-friendly cards. Now, you’ve said that sales didn’t match the perceived pre-production demand, so I guess there won’t be similar versions for the new fan cards… or will there? However, I gather that Wyrmspan cards were designed with accessibility given a higher priority, so how do you balance accessibility issues generally in boardgames? Does it ultimately boil down to simple economics?
While there isn’t enough demand for vision-friendly versions of the new promo bird cards, we do plan to offer such cards for the upcoming Wingspan expansion from day 1. You’re right that we’ve become more aware on various types of accessibility over the years, and our graphic design has evolved as a result.
Having mentioned economics, I know that a certain president’s actions have affected board gaming (and many other industries) in, um, suboptimal ways—ways that folk outside the USA perhaps don’t fully appreciate. Has it affected Stonemaier in ways other than having to increase prices or absorb costs? Is it really a waiting (with fingers crossed) game? And how did your ‘T-word’ offset gift card plan pan out?
The main current impact on us is that we pay a tax that didn’t previously exist. But it has felt like we’re walking on eggshells the entire year, because given the current unchecked power of the president, on any given day the tariffs could literally change to anything he wants, on a whim. That uncertainty is incredibly stressful for businesses like ours, as we’re trying to plan months and years into the future. As for the tariff offset gift card, it’s a very small way for customers to see that we are still paying the tariff tax—it’s about clarity and visibility.
Back in 2024, you indicated that while you’re in favour of digital versions of games, whether full ports or BoardGameArena, etc. versions, they don’t do a lot for your bottom line. Could I ask why you continue to license them? Is it just something game makers have to do these days? (As a game consumer, I think they’re great, and for many of the reasons you gave in that blog post.)
I think BoardGameArena is a great way to introduce people to our games, to help them learn the rules, and to go deep into the game with players around the world. The element of the platform I’ve avoided is using it within the first 2 years of a games release, as I greatly prefer for people to experience our games the first time on the tabletop (as they were designed) if possible.
In contrast to full digital games, a takeaway from a post on your blog is that you’re not keen on apps being part of the physical board gaming experience. I wonder if you could elaborate on that—what is it about apps that disrupts the table for you?
Have you ever been to a restaurant and there’s a television in your field of vision? As much as I try to stay present to the people, food, and conversation, it’s really difficult not to be pulled out of the moment by that screen. That’s why I avoid using apps in our games at all costs. However, I have been really impressed by the utility and design of Rulepop, especially for Vantage’s storybooks, and I wish I had embraced it earlier as an optional alternative to the printed storybooks (for those who prefer that option).
At the risk of asking one of those annoying questions you always get, will there ever be a fully digital version of Vantage?
I think it’s possible; I’m open to a Vantage Digital if a developer is interested in creating and distributing it.
One of the comments you made in that article was that you want the physical game to shine first, though I was interested to note that some Kickstarter/Gamefound projects create digital versions or demos first (e.g., on BoardGameArena), to gauge support for the project before going to manufacture. Is this something that could make sense for any future Stonemaier games?
No, that doesn’t make sense to me. While we try to give customers plenty of information and perspectives about new products so they can make an informed decision, I’m not interested in giving away the game in a way that would potentially replace the tabletop version.
Will we be seeing digital versions of the fan-designed packs?
I think it’s likely that they’ll appear on Wingspan Digital in a year or so when Monster Couch has time to add them.
I’m looking forward to the new Wingspan expansion coming next year. I realise you won’t want to give anything away about it, but will there eventually be a digital version of that; is it already in progress? I hope Monster Couch isn’t going to make us wait until the 2026 expansion is ported to include the fan-designed cards!
I’m not exactly sure how they’ll prioritize the new expansion (along with potential digital versions of Wyrmspan and Finspan)—I trust them to make the best decision for their business model to remain viable and to serve their customers.
I’m interested in your thoughts about crowdfunding. It feels like these days, even well-known companies are using Kickstarter or Gamefound to launch new versions or expansions of existing games, as well as new games, and getting massive campaign commitments; is that really something that wouldn’t benefit Stonemaier? From a crowdfunder viewpoint, I admit I’m leery of anyone’s first project, and will only commit to someone with a track record, and Stonemaier would absolutely call into that camp; but clearly, the view’s different from the other side…
It might benefit Stonemaier, but that isn’t our mission: our mission is to benefit you. I feel that we can much better serve customers by having a product fully designed, developed, produced, and ready to ship before we accept your payment.
What 2025 game do you wish had been a Stonemaier one?
I took a look at my mid-year favorites list to see if any meet our guidelines, and I think Endeavor Deep Sea jumps out as a contender.
Can you say anything about what 2026 is going to be like for Stonemaier Games?
In terms of new releases, we have a few expansions in 2026 (Wingspan, Finspan, Expeditions, etc.), along with a new game later in the year. Just like every year, our goal of 2026 is to serve our customers by bringing joy to their tabletops, which extends to our older games, our content, retailer and localization partner relationships, and beyond.
What’s next for you—are there more game ideas waiting to burst out of your head? Can you give us any hints?
I’m always working on a few projects. There’s only one for sure that I know will be a game at some point (probably 2027), and it’s a slow process. There’s a subtle hint in what I just shared about it. 🙂
What else can you tell us about Jamey Stegmaier, the person beyond the game industry? What do you do in your spare time, if such a thing exists?
I love playing games beyond my job, spending time with my partner (Megan) and cat (Walter), reading fiction every night, and playing disc golf on the weekends.
What question would you really like someone to ask you?!
I love the question, but nothing specific comes to mind! Thank you for asking, though.
Where can people find out more about Stonemaier Games and what’s on your mind?
The hub for all things Stonemaier—blogs, videos, social media, etc.—is stonemaiergames.com
Thank you for your time, Jamey.
