[Tetraman]

Every year someone posts game piece trends to figure out what the next year's trend will be. If there is a common trend, it is this:

2012: Basketball (Sport)
2011: Scoring tubes (Nonsport)
2010: Soccer (Sport)
2009: Antigravity (Nonsport)
2008: Racing (Sport)
2007: Scoring tubes (Nonsport)
2006: Vauge Basketball (Sport)
2005: Tic Tac Toe (nonsport)
2004: Track&Field (Sport)
2003: Stack Attack (nonsport)

So if that rings true, then next year will be a non-sport, one of those abstract games with an abstract theme.


Truths:

1. Tubes will happen at least once every 4 year cycle. They are a great game piece that are easy to score and manipulate, easy to order a great deal of them and they ship deflated - so more space to hold them in shipping. Expect tubes to come again soon.

2. Zones, lanes, "areas" and "alliance specific goal locations" seem to be a common trend, however its been some time since alliances had to score in the same place (2007). This could be something that comes back.

3. The Name and Graphics of the challenge are becoming a very critical part of game design. Every part of the game, from what you call the game pieces to the name of the playing arena; from the logo to the volunteer shirts - everything is specifically detailed starting from the game design. You can not just formulate a simple problem for teams to solve anymore.

4. Rebound Rumble was designed a few years ago, however it was put on the back burner for a later date. This year's game is going to be totally new. This is speculation on my part, but I have a good feeling it is right based on the exit of Dave and Woodie from the GDC and the times the GDC started working.

5. Water Games, or games that include water-based (or water-filled) elements are always possible.