Tabletop Scotland 2025 Post-Mortem
We've been attending Tabletop Scotland for 4 years now. It was our first ever UK convention as traders, and it remains one of our favourites. So how was the experience in 2025?
How did it Go?
The highlight for this con wasn't sales but rather connections. In some ways it always has been. For instance, at our first TTS we met We Evolve who had the booth directly behind us this year. This was a real unplanned treat as we've been carrying their titles since we met in 2022.
I conducted a bit of a test at this year at TTS. Often we focus more on Canadian designers’ titles simply because that's our roots, and there is less likely to be overlap with our fellow exhibitors (traders). This year we brought a larger percentage of UK designers titles. We took a careful look at who was attending and brought more UK publishers titles. This had a positive impact for discussions with other publishers and with retailers. It also helps in general to raise awareness that we are working in both markets and with publishers from both areas.
Other thoughts
The upstairs RPG gaming space is really quite nice. The Trader hall and boardgame space is a little more... industrial hanger, so popping up there or outside for a quick break was nice.
Connections Overview
The following is a quick highlight of connections, first with publishers, and second with retailers.
We Evolve
Fantastic just getting to know Stoo and Rhiannon much better being right behind each other.
Neon Rot
Another existing publisher, it was good catching up briefly; and we have now have a new supplement for Chorogaiden, Chorogaiden - Sunflower, that includes some LARP rules coming back with us.
Plane Sailing Games
Alex White arranged to drop off three of his titles on Friday and it was great to meet him. We have copies of Tail-end Charlie a WWII tail-gunner solo play with an interesting mix of journalling for downtime and tactical for missions, Love & Barbed Wire the first duet letter-writing game we’ve carried, and The Long Road Home.
Biscuit Fund Games
Reconnected with Alyssa and Chloe, and they are now officially on board with two titles. Tournament Arc is a belonging outside belonging game about the highs and lows and drama of being on a sports team. In Mouse in the house! you play as mice trying to feed your dependants set in the actual building you happen to be playing in.
Beyond Cataclysm
Our good friend at Beyond Cataclysm we're just a corner away. So brief talks on ska music and much more were had. I wanted to snagged some copies of their “surving a convention” game for the return trip, but alas our suitcases were already quite full.
The Last Job You’ll Ever Need (Stormdreamer Games)
I got a little surprised by this chap but I just couldn't say no to carrying this GMless one-shot heist game that leverages poker hands for the later game.
Blackwell Games
Early chat here, but seemed quite positive.
Pelgrane Press
Cat and I got to spend a bit of time sorting out details of fulfilling their 13ᵗʰ Age 2e Kickstarter, as well as starting to carry all their titles in Canada.
Nightfall Games and GMS
This one is too early to tell but there's a good possibility of working with Allan and Mark on the Canada side.
Retailers:
Black Lion Games
Wasn’t at the con and our schedules didn't align for a visit. They've been one of our most regular stockist, so we actually ended up dropping some titles in the mail for them at Edinburgh Airport.
Ancient Robot
Good brief chats with both Dougal and Morgan. They left the con with a nice selection of titles.
All Rolled Up-We've talked at prior con's and have added to their personal collection. This time they snatched up several copies of things. Go see 'em at a UK event hear you.
Patriot Games
Was at TTS in their printing playmats and signs configuration, but did restock a couple story-games for their Sheffield store.
We visited last year, it's a huge place!
West End Games
Every TTS West End has reliably stocked up on RPG's from us. They moving to a new location and Jack is planning a whole indie RPG shelf!
Settlers
We're just across the aisle from us. And we had some good chats. They have a small RPG section, and didn’t snap up anything this time but they'd be happy to order in titles from us for you!
What I'd Like to do Next time
It's been a couple years since I ran game at TTS. I'd like to do so again. I'd also really like to help support designers getting to run their games. I did submit to run something this year but it was sent in very late.
This is something that seems to happen far less at UK conventions than at Canadian and USA cons. This could be in part because costs to have a table/booth are generally lower in the UK. I also believe it is due to there just not being someone saying, "go run your game, send people here." We've done this for years at Canadian cons and organizers of events often provide other methods to make it easy for creators who are running games to sell their games.
I'd also like to get on some kind of panel. I haven't done any panels in the UK yet, and that seems like a missed opportunity.
Well that’s the run down, hope you enjoyed the read. Did you make it out? If so what was your favourite part? Would you like more write-ups from our conventions like this?
Comments
Wow, thanks for the detailed write-up! It’s really interesting to see how much emphasis you place on connections rather than just sales—it really shows the value of networking at conventions like Tabletop Scotland. I especially liked the section about balancing Canadian and UK titles; it’s smart to tailor your selection to the audience while also building relationships with fellow publishers.
Reading this reminded me a bit of Sweet Bonanza Canada—even though it’s a completely different type of game, the idea of combining strategy with fun and engagement is similar. Just like in your con experience, having the right approach and connections can make the difference between a good experience and a great one.
Looking forward to more of your convention write-ups—these insights are really helpful for anyone thinking of attending or exhibiting!