A Pickleball board game was inevitable with how popular the craze is. HotShot Pickleball, a board game that celebrates the increasingly popular sport hit its Kickstarter funding goal in less than an hour.
The debut release designed by Robert Gelb and published by indie studio Midnight Trading Co. is quick to learn and offers light strategic gameplay as players race to hit the ball back over the net. The game draws from the real-life sport of pickleball, the world’s fastest-growing sport with over 32 million players last year.
HotShot Pickleball features a quirky, pickle-themed cast of characters, such as Kim Chee, Corni Shaun, and Baby Dill. Players start by choosing their character and drawing ‘Rally’ cards to move around the court and make their shots. For those who want to push their luck, the ‘Long Shot’ deck adds an element of risk and unpredictability.
Gelb, came up with the idea while recovering from a pickleball-related injury. “I wanted to celebrate the phenomenon that is pickleball in a fun board game that anyone could play, regardless if they’ve heard of the sport before,” says Gelb.
The game is designed for 1-4 players, supports all ages, and takes about 20 minutes to play.
The game is currently available for pre-order on Kickstarter, with plans for broader retail distribution in the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia in the near future.
