I think that Stones is my version of Mancala or Backgammon. It is a cafe game which requires a certain casual atmosphere and relies upon its tactility and portability. It could definitely work as a gambling game like Backgammon where people use the stones to represent real money, or as a quick multiperson activity for a group of people where traditional conditions make gaming difficult (out in the sun, where its wet/moist, in the wind or where the playing ‘surface’ is irregular).

The underlying mechanic of the game could be adapted into a number of different hobby games by making it more complicated, turn-based and adding a theme. But, Stones itself is a game that I compare to Bones, Chess, or Playing Cards… an abstract game that is a possession of history/humanity. As it can be played by anyone at any time with any set of components, it isn’t really a product of this time. But, rather something where the real creator has been lost to time and where the issue of authorship is really immaterial.

So, I know it won’t really sell well. But, as long as it is replayable, sound and produced with quality components, I think that I’m happy with that. Which at this point means getting a good bag, a good logo and some good stones. Unfortunately, my motivation for following through on that part is limited as long as it competes for my attention with a number of other games where the possibility of monetization is better.