Designer Diary: Beastro
Beastro is a captivating team-based, trick-taking game featuring hidden roles, where players must identify their teammates, outsmart opponents, and secure as many tricks as possible. Set in a whimsical culinary world, players embody mythical Beast Chefs striving to either launch or sabotage a new pop-up restaurant.
Self-published in 2025, Beastro made its debut at the Indie Games Night Market during Pax Unplugged in November 2025, thanks to the efforts of Daniel Newman from Newmill Industries. This designer diary explores the game’s origins, the design journey, and insights from the self-publishing experience.
Key Features
- Unique Gameplay: A blend of trick-taking mechanics with hidden roles, allowing for strategic partnerships and deception.
- Inspired by Tradition: Beastro draws from the Italian trick-taking game Briscola Chiamata, incorporating elements of social deduction and shifting alliances.
- Player Count: Designed for 3 to 6 players, expanding on the original game’s limitation of 5 players.
- Must-Follow Mechanics: Players must follow suit unless they cannot, maintaining the traditional trick-taking essence.
- Special Cards: Introduces unique cards like Secret Sauce and Sabotage, adding layers of strategy and surprise.
- Beast Chef Powers: Each character has a special ability that can be used once per game, allowing for game-changing moments.
- Diverse Scenarios: Each round is set in a different pop-up restaurant, featuring unique scoring conditions that enhance replayability.
Conclusion
Beastro represents a unique fusion of traditional gameplay and innovative design, making it a standout choice for board game enthusiasts. The journey from concept to publication was marked by collaborative playtesting and valuable feedback, allowing the creators to refine their vision. The game’s engaging mechanics and vibrant theme promise an entertaining experience for players seeking both strategy and social interaction.
As Beastro finds its place in the world of board games, the creators express gratitude to everyone who contributed to its development. Their experience serves as an encouraging reminder that self-publishing can be an accessible path for aspiring designers, especially when focusing on streamlined components like cards. With a commitment to producing quirky and approachable games, the duo looks forward to future designs that will delight players around the globe.
Via BoardGameGeek Blog
