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Bugruckus – Sprout + Charm is in the final stages of design and illustration. I’m super excited to share the game and make some new memories. With bugs!
Why sign up for a Kickstarter notification?
Bugruckus will launch on Kickstarter in January 2026. (Actual date / time to come!) For those who may not know, Kickstarter is a crowd-funding website. Artists like me have an idea and supporters prepay to help make that idea happen! It’s really helpful for us small business owners. Here’s how you’ll benefit from supporting this project:
Special pricing – Bugruckus will cost a bit more later at retail. The Kickstarter campaign will feature special pricing.
Special edition – Supporters of the Bugruckus Kickstarter release can look forward to some fun extras with this release.
Special events – I’m planning a Bugruckus launch party for Kickstarter supporters!
Follow the link above and then click / tap on “Notify me on launch,” and you’re in!
A sample card profile for Sporepod!
What inspires Bugruckus?
Bugruckus is a two-player card game inspired by classic games like Nertz, Rummy, and Spades, but with a modern twist or two. Classics are classic for a reason – they're easy to pick up, a challenge to master, and very replayable.
While Bugruckus features all sorts of colorful characters with quirky abilities, this game is different than all those -mon games we’ve come to love. There are three main things that set Bugruckus apart:
Bugruckus is not a “trading card game” (TCG). Instead each Bugruckus deck has its own theme, unique creature cards, abilities, and locations. Ahhh, you'll see! It's gonna be awesome!
Bugruckus is not a “card-battler.” Instead of bug-battling, there’s lots more bug-bartering going on here. During a game of Bugruckus, players are on a mission to seek out new bugs, deliver them to new homes, and score lots of zinny. Bugs do have abilities, but battling isn’t the main focus.
Bugruckus is made by me. Over the course of five years, I’ve put lots of heart and soul into making this a fun experience for people to enjoy. I’m confident gamers will see all of the attention to detail come thru!
If you wanna help this campaign happen, just sign up for a notification when the Kickstarter campaign launches! Leave the rest to me!
Thank you!!!
–E
Design notes
The world of Bugchums comes from my long-standing love of insects and all those unseen swarms living out their lives on planet Earth. They make our world spin in more ways than we think of.
Inception: March 2018
Status: In development
Elements: Storytelling, Game Design, World-building
Bugs are weird. That’s the general consensus after interviewing friends, family and some confused strangers. Also “I hate bugs” was a common response. But research by prolific entomologists such as E.O. Wilson makes it clear that without insects, our world would be doomed. (Or more doomed.) So how can we get people talking about bugs again in a fun and less scary way? Uh, make-believe bugs of course!
Made for
Cozy gamers – The cozy gaming genre is growing fast. This category of games involves tabletop and video games which are less about lots of conflict and more about casual, feel-good play. Comfy, cozy and colorful is what it all means to me.
Nintendo fans – Think of Super Mario Bros Wonder, Legend of Zelda, Animal Crossing, Pikmin, Stardew Valley and Turnip Boy. They’re full of color and adventure. Anything conflict related is presented with a good dose of funniness. (Usually dark humor, which as we all know is the best sort of humor.)
Friends of ugly-cute creatures – When you think of it, lots of IRL creatures are ugly and cute at the same time. Pug pups. Little brown bats. Pink fairy armadillos. Axolotls. These critters also amaze us with their instinctive behaviors and natural abilities. Hey, what if Bugchums had nifty / wacky / random abilities? Sounds like some funny-fun.