Author: Blue Orange Games

A Sneak Peek into 2026 New Releases

A Sneak Peek into 2026 New Releases

We have made it our mission to create, publish, and promote innovative products that inspire fun and family togetherness. With a diverse range of offerings, we know that there’s a Blue Orange game for everyone. From the eager preschooler to the hobby gamer, we remain committed to helping family and friends create timeless memories, and deliver games that are Simply Fun for All. We are especially excited about rolling out our 2026 Blue Orange Collection. Stay tuned for more!

New Games – Highlights for 2026

Yo-Spin 1 player | 7 & Up
Yo-Spin is a fidget toy that combines the spinning power of a gyroscope with the freestyle play of a yo-yo. Slip on the ring, launch the disc, and perform smooth, gravity-defying tricks with the help of an ultra-stretchy elastic cord. Compact and lightweight, it’s perfect for both indoor and outdoor play.

Gygès 2 players | 8 & Up
Gygès is an elegant abstract strategy game. Players choose to move in several ways: leaping forward to advance an attack or repositioning pieces to block their opponent’s plans. Using a clever series of moves, players propel their rings across the board, attempting to land on their opponent’s throne and claim victory.

Got Five 2-4 players | 8 & Up
Got Five is a deduction game for families and friends. Each player has five hidden tiles lined up on their rack. These numbers are visible to all other players. Each turn, players reveal tiles, ask questions and gather clues to slowly figure out their number sequence. The first player to correctly declare all five of their hidden numbers, wins the game – but be careful: a wrong guess results in elimination.

Mom’N Pups 2-4 players | 3 & Up
Mom’N Pups is a cute, cooperative social play game. Players work together to reunite Mommy Dog with her puppies. Each turn, Mommy Dog moves from one side of the board while the puppies move from the other side,advancing after a die roll. Along the way, fun actions keep everyone engaged. The game ends in the sweetest waypossible – when all the wooden figurines meet and stack together in a snuggle pile.

Hamster Hammock 2-4 players | 5 & Up
Hamster Hammock is a dexterity game that will challenge player’s reflexes! Roll the die, select your hamsters and carefully place them on the tilting hammock without causing them to fall. If the hammock tilts on your turn,all other players can send one of their hamsters for a rest. The first player with all hamsters on the hammock andresting on beach towels, wins the game!

2PineApples 2-6 players | 8 & Up
2PineApples is a social party game that is the ultimate fruit frenzy! Flip a card and quickly shout how many Pines and Apples you see…but beware of sneaky Pineapples! These fruits count as both. With up to nine symbols tocount each turn, and tricky Special Cards, players will need to rely on sharp eyes, quick reflexes and a sense ofhumor to keep up!

Swoobee 2-8 players | 6 & Up
Swoobee is a throwing game for two teams, perfect to play indoors and outdoors! Players toss swoobees – soft rope rings with an easy to grip and throw fabric center – at cork targets placed at different distances to score 1, 2or 3 points. Players can also aim at opponents’ swoobees to make them lose points, adding a tactical twist. Thefirst team to reach 21 points, wins.

Gobblers 2 players | 6 & Up
Gobblers is a modernized Tic-Tac-Toe style strategy game. Be the first to line up 3 of your Gobblers by placing them in empty spots or gobbling up smaller pieces. Remember their locations and be clever in your placementsto win!

What’s the Point? 2-6 players | 9 & Up
What’s the Point? is a fast, friendly cacti collecting card game. Players collect sets of cacti and use action cards to outsmart opponents, peek at their hands, steal cards or block their moves. Each turn offers a chance to increasepoints or sabotage another player in this sharp, cheeky and addictive party game.

Sounds Like You 2-10 players | 14 & Up
Sounds Like You is a lively party game of connections! Players answer fun “Who” questions about themselves and their two neighbors, secretly choosing answer cards that say ME or YOU. When answers match in acomplementary way, pairs move up the score track together. With 300 questions and hilarious discoveries alongthe way, the goal is to feel the connection and reach the top first!

Interactive Toys: Bringing Us Into the Present Moment

Interactive Toys: Bringing Us Into the Present Moment

Story driven with multiple game modes, Blue Orange’s Interactive collection consists of five different electronic toys, and offers a reliable way to redirect children’s attention from tablets and digital devices towards body movement, creative exploration, and social interaction. 

Where’s Squeaky? is a HIDE AND SEEK GAME. The adorable little mouse, Squeaky, makes sounds when someone hides her, low at first, then louder and louder until one player finds her. It works well with a small or large group of children, but one child can also play and enjoy the game if a parent hides the mouse for them. 

Freeze Dance with Chilly is a FREEZE DANCE GAME. Players listen carefully as Chilly plays one of 5 original songs. Song themes and lyrics vary, inviting children to imitate animal movements, practice special actions, dance freely, and recognize the colors one is wearing. The goal is to actively listen, act out directions and then ‘’Freeze’’ when prompted to. 

Pass the Ball with Olie is a HOT POTATO GAME. While Olie, the adorable otter plays music, children pass the inflatable ball from one to another until the music stops, like in a hot potato game. The goal is to avoid holding or touching the ball when the music stops. 

Hoot or Toot is a MEMORY GAME. Shake the owl and listen to the sounds it makes. Children try to match what they hear (hoot, hoot hoot, toot or toot toot) with illustrated tokens spread out on the table. The goal is to collect at least 1 token of each of the 6 colors.

Color Scramble with Cora is a COLOR RECOGNITION GAME. This new addition to the collection will be released in Fall of 2025, and supports solo or group play. As Cora the Crocodile calls out colors, players locate the colored nests distributed in a play area and place her on top. The goal is to recognize colors and sequencing, while strengthening memory and social play skills.

Exclusive Interview with Linkx Creator Robert Coleman

Exclusive Interview with Linkx Creator Robert Coleman

Game Creator Robert Coleman has partnered with Blue Orange Games to launch his newest game Linkx. In this 2-player game, players compete to be the first to connect two opposite edges of the grid. Strategically placing tetris-shaped pieces in a vertical board, players can choose to either block opponents or grow their lines. We caught up with Robert recently to talk about his early life, career, game design, the creative process behind Linkx and gain some tips to improve our playthrough.

Turning Love of Board Games into a Career

Growing up, Robert always loved board games. His favorites were Stratomatic Baseball and Chess. He was the chess champion at his school. When he was 11, he tried to set a record with a friend by playing Monopoly for 48 hours straight. They lasted 43 hours in total. 

He entered the career world as a computer programmer, eventually progressing to team management. While working, he created games on the side and eventually decided to locate a game agent. He sold his first game, Rock Paper Switch, through Mary Ellroy at GameBird Toys. Following that collaboration, Robert decided to give full time game inventing a try. Now, several years later, with over five games currently on the market, his dream job has fully solidified. 

When he invented Linkx, he originally thought of calling it “Pathological”. He started with the idea of a vertical game board where players drop pieces in. As his design progressed, his love of geometric shapes influenced game piece design. The goal of the game, to make a path from one side to another, just seemed to easily follow as the logical choice. 

Ideally, Robert hopes players will have fun playing Linkx and enjoy the strategic challenge. Because players have to learn a bit more about strategies each time they play, it is a game that gamers will want to play again and again. His pro tip for beginners: “Play defense first and don’t let your opponent seal off your pieces!”

Recently a finalist in the Mensa Select competition, Linkx was well received by reviewers. Many praised the game’s replay value, appreciating the quick set-up and play time. Others flagged it as a great game for kids and a perfect introduction to spatial reasoning. While simple and straightforward, reviewers were pleased to see strategy unfold over repeated plays. 

Kingdomino: Board Game versus Digital App

Kingdomino: Board Game versus Digital App

The Kingdomino App just launched in June 2025. Now available for purchase on iOS and Android platforms, for an initial investment of $4.99, Kingdomino fans can play this 2017 Spiel de Jahres favorite anywhere, any time. So, how does the digital version compare to the board game, and is it worth it?

The Board Game

For those new to the Kingdomino ‘verse, the board game accommodates 2-4 players, ages 8 and up. Each game takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. The game comes with 48 dominoes composed of 2 terrain squares. The objective: build the perfect kingdom by strategically selecting and adding dominoes to your kingdom. Match them to form different territories, connecting terrain squares with point-earning crowns to improve your overall score. For each territory created, points are only gained if there is at least one crown present in the territory!

To add dimensionality to a game, players can select from several variations: 

  • Build big. If playing a 2-player game: create a 7×7 kingdom.
  • Harmonize. Earn 5 bonus points by forming a complete grid without gaps.
  • Center it. Gain 10 extra points if the castle is in the middle of your kingdom.
  • Create a run. Play 3 games in a row. The player with the highest score at the end, wins.

For gamers wanting to disengage from digital, the physical version offers a visually enticing tactile experience. A beloved fan favorite, this is often a go-to strategy game for family-and-friend game nights.

Additionally, Kingdomino board game packaging has received a fresh new look. Featuring all-new illustrations by Pauline Detraz, this edition brings renewed charm as well as visual appeal for both longtime fans and newcomers to the world of Kingdomino.

The Digital App

The Kingdomino Digital App brings everything you love about the original board game to digital form. Select then place terrain tiles and watch your kingdom come to life through charming animations. Players accessing the app will have four play options available. Choose from Single Player or Pass and Play. Alternatively, connect with people around the world with the Online Public feature or meet with friends in an Online Private session. 

Unlike the board game, the digital version can now accommodate single players. If a game remains unfinished, players can start or stop easily and progress will be saved. The main menu also provides access to multiple bonuses that enhance player experience. These features include:

  • Character selection: choose from multiple avatars.
  • Special item acquisition: win magic dominoes and use them to unlock special features.
  • Adapt your experience: purchase characters and castles for customization.
  • Check your stats: track progress on the Achievement and Leadership boards.

Perhaps the single player option, the gamification of Kingdomino, improved portability and increased accessibility may give the digital app an edge over the physical board game. Ultimately though, at the end of the day, individual preference will likely factor into which version appeals. 

Educational Games in the Classroom – Pixy Cubes

Educational Games in the Classroom – Pixy Cubes

When using educational games as learning tools in and out of the classroom, we encourage teachers and parents to break the rules! With a little creativity, you can turn existing games into a classroom or homework activity that targets the lesson at hand.

Last year, we were fortunate to have  a teacher in Pennsylvania with over 20 years experience in elementary school education design lesson plans using our educational games. As a part of an ongoing series of posts, today we will be covering our creative storytelling game Tell Tale.

See previous post on Tell Tale

Pattern Building with Pixy Cubes

About the game:
Pixy Cubes is a versatile game that involves memory, speed and creativity, depending on how you play. The game contains 16 cubes with green, red, yellow, and blue sides—either as solids, half and half, or crescent shapes. Players use the cubes to complete patterns on the challenge and design cards, either in a race or by memory. It’s similar to Tangrams, but in 3D!

 

Pixy Cubes Educational pattern game

Grade Level Application:  Kindergarten

Skills: Math concepts, such as patterning, and attention to detail

Lesson Plan Suggestions:
Small Group: 4 children
# Of Games Required: 1 per group
Noise level: Low

Practice Patterns
Divide up the cubes so all players receive one of each cube pictured below. On a worksheet, there are 4 lines of patterns each with an outline of the next cube. They have to rotate their cubes to find which one fits the pattern and place it on the outline.

Practice Cooperative Play
Divide up the cubes so all players receive one of each cube (see picture above). Then have the students decide on a 16 cube Design Card to recreate the pattern of. Together they have to recreate the pattern using their cubes.

Grade Level Application:  4th

Skills:  Math concepts, such as repeated patterns

Lesson Plan Suggestions:
Small Group: 4 children
# Of Games Required: 2 per group
Noise level: Low

Practice Patterning With Mirror Images
Another activity for one student similar to Design Games is to use mirror images to extend the pattern. This pattern is two cubes high and eight cubes long. Students could use four Pixy Cubes to create one of the challenge card patterns. Then they are to extend the pattern with the second set of four cubes being a mirror image of the first four cubes.  The third set of four cubes will be a mirror image of the second set.  The fourth set will be a mirror image of the third set.

(Sets one and three are the same, and sets two and four are the same.)

Lesson Plan Suggestions:
Small Group: 4 children
# Of Games Required: 4 per group
Noise level: Low

Practice Patterning Using Tessellations
Another activity for one student similar to Design Games is to use mirror images to create a tessellation that is a 4×4 square using all 16 cubes.  Students could use four Pixy Cubes to create one of the challenge card patterns. Then they are to extend the pattern with the second set of four cubes being a mirror image of the first four cubes either to the left or the right. Then they are to place the remaining eight cubes below in a mirror image of the first eight cubes.  This will make a 4×4 cube square.

 

Grade Level Application:  3rd

PixyCubes_Cards&Pieces

Skills:  Math concepts, such as repeated patterns

Lesson Plan Suggestions:
Small Group: 6 children
# Of Games Required: 1 per group
Noise level: Moderate to low

Practice Attention To Detail
Speed Game with 6 players: Divide students into two groups of three students in each so there will be two games being played at the same time.  Each group gets six of the Challenge Cards and two sets of cubes as explained in the Speed Game.  Play begins in each group with two players and one observer who will rotate into the game in each of the rounds of play.  As soon as one of the players completes the pattern, the observer checks to see that it is correct.  If correct, the observer trades places with the first winner, scrambles the four cubes, and tries to beat the other player for second place.

  • 1st winner gets 3 points
  • 2nd winner gets 2 points
  • 3rd (last one to finish) gets 1 point

Play continues with the winner of the first round being the new observer, who will reenter the game when the second round has a winner. Players keep track of points. Play continues with winner of each round being the observer and re-entering the game as new winners happen. At the end of six rounds the one with the most points is the winner.

Get a sneak peak at our 2014 NEW games!

Get a sneak peak at our 2014 NEW games!

We cannot contain our excitement anymore and are ready to officially announce our new product lineup premiering at The American International Toy Fair on February 16-19, 2014. Joining our collection of over 40 products are eight new games that showcase what Blue Orange is all about: easy to learn, fast playing games that are irresistibly fun for kids and adults alike. This year we explored different game formats, new components, and unexpected merchandise designs, while diversifying our collection and winning over new audiences.

The 2014 new games are due to hit stores in late Spring, and we have even more surprises in store for later in the year. It’s going to be a good one!

 

2014 New Games from Blue Orange Games

Kids’ Favorites

DoodleQuest_pack_thumbnailDoodle Quest

Ages 6 & Up / 1 to 4 Players

This unique drawing game takes kids on a deep sea adventure to fulfill underwater quests with the power of their pens. Each quest card has a detailed illustration and drawing instructions. On their separate transparent sheets, players complete the drawing and must trust their eyes in order to meet targets and avoid obstacles. The sheets are then placed over the card to score their sketches’ success. With 36 quests and two levels, the bait of the challenge hooks kids for hours of fun!

 

WuzzIts_Packaging_thumbnailWuzzIts

Ages 6 & Up / 2 to 4 Players

Enter the wacky world of WuzzIts and watch to see what monster they will morph into next! Clever choices and matching skills are rewarded in this charismatic card game. The WuzzIt population is divided in five families, but the mischievous WuzzIts like to combine with each other to create a confusing cast of characters. To unscramble them, players strategically exchange bottom cards and top cards to match up a monster and earn points. Playing is easy, but victory is tricky. Round up the most WuzzIts to win!

 

Family Fun

Aztack_pack_thumbnailAztack

Ages 7 to Adult / 2 to 4 Players

Aztack dares players to stack up to the great Aztecs and build a temple following divine laws. The high quality playing pieces or “stones” are inscribed with two colored Aztec glyphs. Every added stone must bridge two underneath and match them by color or glyph.  Strategic moves like blocking your opponents’ next move will help a player stack the most stones to win!

 

 

battlesheep_pack_thumbnail

 

Battle Sheep

Ages 7 to Adult / 2 to 4 Players

Rivaling sheep herds go to head to fluffy head in this quick moving strategy game. The goal is to have your sheep occupy the most pastures. On each turn, players split their stack of sheep and move a portion as far is it can go in a straight line to a new pasture. The winner will be watchful of sneaky sheep and successful at fencing out the foe. A different playing board is assembled before every game, so Battle Sheep is full of new challenges every time you play!

 

spotit_freeze_thumbnailSpot it! Freeze

Ages 8 to Adult / 2 to 8 Players

Everyone’s favorite card game has gone sub-zero! Spot it! Freeze pits players against an electric timer and heats up the match fueled frenzy with three new games. Players race against the clock as they search for matches between temperature-charged symbols, all while looking for their chance to freeze their opponents. Depending on the game, the clock can grant an advantage or cause a hair-pulling drawback. Beat the freeze to win! The handy timer opens up to store the playing cards.

 

SpotItSplash_Packaging_thumbnailSpot it! Splash

Ages 7 to Adult / 2 to 8 Players

The new waterproof version of the family favorite makes a splash wherever your adventures take you! Surf and sand are no match for these plastic cards, so you can play all five game variations any time, any place. Spot the single match between the most card combinations to win. Rain or shine, the summery symbols will put everyone in the mood for fun in the sun. Stash the cards in the waterproof travel bag and soak up the excitement on the go!

 

Simply Strategy

Niya_packaging_thumbnailNiya

Ages 8 to Adult / 2 Players

Set in the Imperial Garden of Classical Japan, Niya centers on a dark political conspiracy among two influential clans. On every turn, players replace a garden tile with one of their clan tokens. The next player can only exchange a token for a garden tile that has an element in common with the previously chosen tile. The first to position their clan in a row, square, or blockade will win control of the garden…and power at court! A simple yet sophisticated strategy game, Niya captivates players young and old.

 

BraveRats_pack_thumbnail

 

BraveRats

Ages 8 to Adult / 2 Players

In the Highlands of Medieval Scotland, an epic battle is taking place underfoot! Rivaling rat clans clash in a bid for the throne in this two player strategy game. Both players have a hand of eight cards, numbered 0 to 7, with each character on the card possessing a special power. Cards are revealed in a calculated duel with the victory going to the higher number, unless the special power overrules. The first player to win four rounds claims the kingdom for their clan. This minimalist wonder plays in just minutes but packs rich game play and plenty of suspense.

 

 

Educational Games in the Classroom – Tell Tale

Educational Games in the Classroom – Tell Tale

When using games as learning tools, we encourage teachers and parents to break the rules! With a little creativity, you can turn existing games into a classroom or homework activity that targets the lesson at hand.

Last year, we were fortunate to have  a teacher in Pennsylvania with over 20 years experience in elementary school education design lesson plans using our educational games. As a part of an ongoing series of posts, today we will be covering our creative storytelling game Tell Tale.

See the previous post in the series on Sumoku

 

Practicing Language Arts with Tell Tale

About the game:
Tell Tale is a storytelling tool consisting of 60 double-sided illustrated cards. Illustrations include characters, settings, objects and emotions. Players use the cards as prompts to build stories, either individually or collectively. Players may improvise and let chance lead their story, or plan it out.

 Educational Games Tell Tale

Grade Level Application:  Kindergarten

Skills:  Language and vocabulary development by thinking in sentences and using a variety of descriptive words, observing details especially facial expressions of emotions in people pictures.

Lesson Plan Suggestions
Classroom activity or Small Group: 4-6 children
# Of Games Required: 1 per group
Noise level: Moderate to low

Practice Language and Vocabulary development
Everyone is dealt 4 cards then after looking them over picks 2 to use. Using a story paper worksheet, draw a picture using those 2 images and then write or tell a sentence about what’s happening.

Practice Observing Details
Place 4 cards with facial expressions face-up in the center of the group. Have the students draw a picture with someone making one of those faces then write or tell a sentence about how that person feels and why.


Grade Level Application:  1st

Skills:  Language and vocabulary development by writing descriptive paragraphs

Lesson Plan Suggestions
Classroom activity or Small Group: 4-6 children
# Of Games Required: 1 per group
Noise level: Moderate to low

Practice Writing Descriptive Paragraphs
Each student takes a card and then chooses one side to write about. Using three or more sentences, they should describe what they see. Encourage them to be creative with this, i.e. “Who or what is in the picture?” “Where is this person/object?” “What is happening?”

 

Grade Level Application:  3rd

Skills:  Language and vocabulary development by creating stories (with a beginning, middle, and end) and using a variety of descriptive words, writing skills such as handwriting and using sequenced events in stories

Lesson Plan Suggestions
Classroom activity or Small Group: 4-6 children
# Of Games Required: 1 per group
Noise level: Moderate to low

Practice Writing Stories With Beginning, Middle, and End
Write a story.  Write a story by taking the top six cards from the stack.  Using either side of the cards, line them up in the order you want to use them in your story.  Write a story with a beginning, middle, and end.

Practice Writing a Cooperative Story
Continue a story.  Each child draws one card and uses it to begin a story.   As each child completes writing about the first card they place the story on top of a stack of stories to be continued.  They take the bottom story from the stack, get a new picture card, read what has been written, and continue the story by using ideas from their new picture card.  Several stories could be in progress at the same time.   A child may draw the same story at a later time.  This is alright as long as someone else has written on it since their earlier writing.