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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallConnie Vogelmann, designer of Wyrmspan and Apiary, is set to demo her upcoming board game Tideward for the first time at SPIEL Essen 2026. The reported game is a lighter strategy title for two to four players, built around guiding baby sea turtles toward underwater algal mats while avoiding predators. A report says retail sales are planned to begin January 16, 2027, at a reported price of $39.99; those plans have not been confirmed by an official Tideward product listing.
What is Tideward?
Tideward is a forthcoming board game designed by Connie Vogelmann. A report reproducing Polygon’s coverage describes it as a two-to-four-player game for ages 10 and up. Players guide newly hatched sea turtles from the beach toward underwater algal mats, managing movement and trying to avoid predators.
The announced first demo is planned for the Avalon Hill and Hasbro booth at SPIEL Essen, the public board-game fair in Essen, Germany. The fair is scheduled for October 22–25, 2026. SPIEL’s organizer describes the event as a place where visitors can try games at exhibitor booths.
How the reported gameplay works
According to the report, players take three actions per turn. The available actions are hatching eggs, gathering food to fuel a turtle’s journey, and moving hatchlings. The puzzle is not simply to move turtles quickly: their arrangement on algal mats affects scoring, and private quest cards provide additional goals and points.
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The game ends when one player has moved all of their turtles into the water. Players then compare scores, with the highest score winning. These details reflect the reported description; a public official rulebook or hands-on account was not available to verify the mechanics independently.
Why Vogelmann describes it as a lighter game
Vogelmann told Polygon that Tideward is lighter than Apiary and Wyrmspan, while still offering substantial strategy. The report gives the game an age recommendation of 10+, compared with 14+ for those two earlier designs.
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Vogelmann said the idea emerged while walking the halls of Gen Con. She had been working on a more complex game with interlocking rondels, then began exploring a simpler puzzle focused on automated movement; baby turtles became the theme. She also said that bringing new gamers into the hobby is one of her joys as a designer, and that she did not want to add complexity to Tideward for its own sake.
That makes the game’s reported appeal fairly specific: a family-accessible age rating and a lighter rules pitch, paired with choices about action use, movement, positioning and private objectives. The description does not establish how complex or challenging it feels in actual play.
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When and where to try or buy Tideward
The first demo is reported for the Avalon Hill and Hasbro booth during SPIEL Essen, October 22–25, 2026. The report does not provide a booth number or demonstration schedule, so visitors should check event and exhibitor information closer to the fair.
The same report gives a planned price of $39.99 and says sales through local game stores and other retailers are expected to begin January 16, 2027. These are reported plans, not verified current stock or a confirmed official listing; no specific retailer is named.
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How Tideward fits Vogelmann’s previous games
Vogelmann is also known for Wyrmspan and Apiary. Stonemaier Games Europe describes Wyrmspan as a standalone dragon-themed game inspired by mechanisms from Wingspan, and says it is not compatible with Wingspan. That provides context for Vogelmann’s previous work, but does not indicate that Tideward shares mechanics with either game.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to know about the Essen setting
SPIEL Essen is a large public fair, but its scale should not be mistaken for a forecast about Tideward or the 2026 event. Spielwarenmesse eG reported 220,000 visitors, 948 exhibitors from 50 countries and more than 1,700 new products for the 2025 fair. Those figures describe 2025 only; the organizer’s release listed October 22–25, 2026, as the next event.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
