If you’ve already subscribed to the Stonemaier Games newsletter this may be old news, but for those who haven’t, they’ve just announced their big euro game for 2026: Braided Skies, designed by Dan Germain with art by Andrew Bosley.
According to the official infographic, Stonemaier places the game at:
Given both the excellent track record of Stonemaier Games and the professionalism shown by Jamey Stegmaier, the face and brains behind the brand, it’s always exciting to see what they’re cooking up next.
While Andrew Bosley is a familiar name around this blog with his artwork on display in Merchants of the Dark Road and Everdell, Dan Germain is a bit of a wild card. Looking at his BoardGameGeek profile, he has designed two previous games: Bad Doctor, a very middling tile-laying game, and funnily enough, Grand Central Skyport, which seems to share the exact same theme as Braided Skies. It also featured artwork provided by Andrew Bosley, though Braided Skies looks to be his most ambitious project yet.
Despite that pedigree, I’m still really looking forward to this one. Partly because I’m a huge Stonemaier Games fan, but also because Connie Vogelmann’s first design was Apiary and that game kicks butt. You simply can’t write off a designer early in their career!
Why it’s on my radar:
- Proven Euro Pedigree: Aligning the complexity and feel with heavy Stonemaier hitters like Euphoria and Apiary promises a satisfying engine-builder.
- Intriguing Theme & World-Building: A magical airship travel company operating in a world illustrated entirely by Andrew Bosley sounds exceptionally visually striking, and the pictures so far make this look amazing on the table.
Here is the official overview from the publisher:
In Braided Skies, you take on the role of an airship captain in the Shallows, seeking to build the greatest magical travel company in the Northlands. Your mission involves exploring land and sky for new wonders, upgrading your travel company operations, and picking up tourists—all while maintaining a steady supply of tapstones, the magical gems that fuel the Northlands. Gather the most fame to be the most successful Commodore of the Clouds!
This is the first in a series of games set in the Smoking Bones universe created and illustrated by Andrew Bosley (Everdell, Tapestry, etc).
- Discover magical Wonders for instant benefits, track advancements, and ongoing upgrades.
- Set sail on airborne drop ships to shepherd tourists and harvest tapstones from locations on an unlockable topographical map.
- Experience a strong sense of progression by adding outposts, crewmates, and harvesters, plus outfittings for powerful recall turns.
In terms of release dates, this Braided Skies will be available from Stonemaier Games starting on October 14, 2026, with a local retail release following later in November. Just in time to make it on your letter to Santa.
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