North Star Games
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Board game publishing |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Founder | Dominic Crapuchettes |
| Headquarters | Bethesda, Maryland , United States |
| Products | Board games including Wits & Wagers, Say Anything, Dirty Pig |
| Website | www |
North Star Games operates as a board game publisher headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, established in 2003 by Dominic Crapuchettes. Their catalog features well-known games such as Wits & Wagers, Say Anything, and Dirty Pig.
History
While pursuing his studies at the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, College Park, Dominic Crapuchettes, a devoted board game creator, founded North Star Games. In 2004, his MBA colleague Satish Pillalamarri became a full-time partner. Initial capital was secured through personal connections to develop their debut title, Cluzzle. The company's distribution gradually grew from niche hobby shops to major retailers including Target Corporation.
The origin of the company’s name stems from a defining experience when Crapuchettes navigated a fishing vessel near Alaska using the North Star during a power outage—symbolizing his determination to follow his board game aspirations. The 2007 release Wits & Wagers achieved notable acclaim, featuring on various 'Best Games of the Year' compilations and receiving the 'Best New Party Game' accolade from Games Magazine. Additionally, it was highlighted by Time Magazine as an exceptional trivia game alternative. Another popular offering, Say Anything, has been recognized for its ability to engage players and entertain even those initially doubtful.
Games
- Cluzzle (2003): A family-friendly clay sculpting game emphasizing humorous creations.
- Wits & Wagers (2006): A trivia party game where participants wager on others’ responses.
- Say Anything (2008): A conversational opinion-based party game designed to spark laughter.
- Evolution (2014): A strategic card game focused on adapting species to compete for resources.
- Happy Salmon (2016): A rapid-paced card game involving physical gestures to discard cards quickly.
- Dirty Pig (2019): A straightforward card game with the goal of soiling all your pigs first.
- Oceans (2020): Players create marine creatures and earn points by sustaining their vitality.
- Paint the Roses (2022): A cooperative puzzle experience where players collaborate to complete the Royal Gardens for the Queen of Hearts.