Gnome Hollow, LEGO’s Monkey Palace designers launch publishing studio, seal Asmodee USA distribution deal
The designers behind LEGO’s first tilt at board games in over a decade have teamed with the creator of Gnome Hollow to launch new tabletop publisher Uncommons Publishing.
The company, also known as UP Games, has inked an exclusive distribution deal with Asmodee USA for its debut title Floristry, a two-player tile laying game which makes use of an app to run several rounds of timed Dutch auctions.
UP was founded by Monkey Palace co-creators David Gordon and Tam Myaing, Gnome Hollow designer Ammon Anderson, and Greg May, the creator of Manhattan’s first board game cafe, Uncommons.
The group says the studio is focused on creating easy-to-learn and accessible games for all ages.
Asmodee North America country manager Julien Sharp said, “At Asmodee, we’re always on the hunt for the next big thing to ignite gamers’ excitement.
“Teaming up with the creative minds at UP Games allows us to offer players light strategy games crafted by renowned designers, ensuring a fresh, fun experience for every type of gamer.
“This partnership strengthens our mission to deliver top-tier games that fuel passion and keep the tabletop community thriving.”
Gordon added, “Asmodee’s global reach, extensive expertise, and dynamic team will help us navigate worldwide distribution of our first release Floristry.
“It has truly been an honor and privilege to collaborate with them, and we couldn’t be more excited about our studio’s future having the industry leader Asmodee as our distribution partner.”
Greg May, the owner of board game cafe The Uncommons and co-owner of tabletop gaming cafe chain Hex&Co, said, “As the largest specialty board game retailer in New York City, I’ve spent more than a decade learning what gamers are missing – and I know there is no company more capable and more visionary than Asmodee.
“They have a unique scale, and we’re thrilled to partner with the group behind so many of the most important games we truly love.”
May and his Hex&Co co-owner Jon Freeman – who also owns board game cafe The Brooklyn Strategist – have been embroiled in a year-long battle with more than 100 staff at their cafes, which all unionised late last year and are demanding “fair union contracts”.
May and Freeman refused to voluntarily acknowledge workers unions at their cafes, and staff claim the pair engaged in “an aggressive union busting campaign, spreading misinformation about unions in captive audience meetings, through individual conversations, as well as written material”.
Workers at The Uncommons walked out for a day in September over what they say are unfair labor practices from the owners, including “unilateral policy changes that lead to increased write-ups and discipline, as well as bullying workers during negotiations”.
Staff at the cafe have filed nine Unfair Labor Practice charges, encompassing 17 allegations, with the National Labor Relations Board since December 2023.
Last Monday workers at Hex&Co, Brooklyn Strategist and the Uncommons launched a strike pledge amongst the membership, which will take place if tentative agreements are not reached on five priority areas including scheduling, jurisdiction, internal promotions, gender identity and disability accommodations, as well as “the establishment of a pathway towards full contract settlement including economic demands”.
