tabletoppingboardgames 
Earlier this week, we were invited to the Spring 2025 edition of Discovery Day at the Asmodee Belgium HQ. This event takes place twice a year and gives media, retailers, and partners a chance to try out upcoming games, meet the teams behind them, and get a look at what’s planned for the months (and years) ahead. We’ve been lucky enough to attend a few of these now, and it’s always a highlight. Partly for the games, but also for the people. There’s just something about seeing so many familiar faces in one place that makes the hobby feel like a community.
Let’s take a look at what we got to play!
INK 🎨
First up was INK, an abstract family-weight game designed by Kasper Lapp (Magic Maze, That’s Not a Hat) and published by Final Score Games, a new label started by Sophie Gravel, who previously led Z-Man Games and Plan B Games, and was heavily involved in the success of Azul.
In the game, players draft tiles to complete a painting and aim to be the first to place all their tiny ink bottles on the right spaces. The gameplay immediately reminded us of Nova Luna, with a similar flow of spatial puzzles and order fulfilment, but with its own flavour. It’s quick to teach, satisfying to play, and feels like it could become a hit for both families and casual gamers.
Take Time ⏳
Next, we played Take Time, the latest title from Libellud. This one’s cooperative, but with a twist: you’re not allowed to speak. At all. That alone was enough to grab our attention.
Players work together to play 12 cards face down around a clock, following specific rules depending on the “test” you’re attempting. We only tried the first challenge (there are 40 in total), and already it gave us The Game and The Mind flashbacks in the best way. You’re constantly second-guessing your choices, trying to silently sync up with the others around the table. A fun, quiet kind of chaos.
Pergola 🌿
After a break (yes, there was a pasta and ice cream food truck!), we sat down for a few rounds of Pergola, coming from Rebel Studio. This one oozes table presence. Even before knowing what it was about, we heard multiple people ask, “Ooh, what’s this one?”
We didn’t play a full game, so it’s a little early for a full verdict, but it seems to be an accessible puzzly family game with multiple ways to score points and a simple action selection system. Nothing groundbreaking mechanically, but the strong production values and clean design might be enough to give this one broad appeal. Definitely one to keep an eye on.
GWT: El Paso 🐄
Our last play was GWT: El Paso, a shorter, more streamlined take on Great Western Trail. I had previously tried it on Board Game Arena without reading the rules (never a great idea), so it was good to sit down with a proper explanation this time.
If you know the original, El Paso trims it down to a much faster experience. Shorter setup, quicker turns, and a more accessible overall flow. That said, I’m still firmly in the camp that prefers the full version. El Paso is great for quicker sessions or introducing newer players, but for me, it lacks some of the tension and depth that makes the original so satisfying. Still, I’m happy it exists, and I can see it getting plenty of table time in the right groups.
We also got a sneak peek at a few titles that are still under wraps, so we won’t say anything yet. Just know that the Spiel ’25 lineup might have some surprises in store.
A huge thank you to Asmodee Belgium for the invite and hospitality. It’s always a pleasure to be part of events like this, and once again, it didn’t disappoint. Trying out new games, catching up with people in the hobby, and enjoying good food? Not a bad way to spend the day.
We’ll be sharing more thoughts and first impressions on these titles as we get the chance to revisit them closer to release. In the meantime, keep an eye out. 2025 already looks like it’s shaping up to be an interesting year!
