To see what day / time each event has been (or will be) run, visit: Silver Jubilee Virtual Celebrations
This page contains the descriptions of all our of Silver Jubilee events, which means that this listing includes many events which have now already happened. However, just because an event listed below is done, that doesn’t mean it might not happen again! We will be continuing to add events to the schedule all year, and can easily “rerun” anything if we get enough requests from people who missed out the first time. So let us know what events you’d like to see repeated!
Parsely Games
Parsely is a game system inspired by old-style text adventure games where you explore a world by typing commands into a computer... except in this case Andy is the computer, and you "type" your commands by taking turns verbally telling him what you want to do next. This format works really well over Zoom!
The Parsely system was created by Jared Sorensen, who has published a complete book of such games. However, the Parsely games run by Andy are originals which he is not planning to publish. The only way to play these games is with Andy himself!
Muffins
This rather long Parsely game is Andy’s original, and is based on text adventure games he actually wrote in BASIC in the mid 1980s. Prepare to enter the mysterious underground headquarters of the McFeezle’s Muffins Company!
Back in 5 Minutes
This medium length Parsely game begins in a scientist’s mysterious lab, where a note on the door says “Back in 5 minutes.”
Alice's Adventures Under the Table
This medium length Parsely game is a tribute to Alice in Wonderland. You've just been shrunk down to a tiny size and are running around underneath a table!
(Note that the November event will start with a quick starter Parsely--Red Alert. Those who may have played one of these two Parselys are welcome to stay for only the one they haven't yet experienced.)
Fun World
This rather long Parsely game takes place after hours in an amusement park called Fun World.
Ducks on a Plane
The name of this rather short Parsely game tells you everything you need to know. [Note that Andy also ran an even shorter game along with this one, called Red Alert. They make a good double-feature.]
In Search of Pip
This very long Parsely game is set in the city of pyramid gaming clubs Andy first described in The Empty City. Can you find the Person in Purple who left their bag behind in a coffeeshop?
Crowther's Cave
This rather long Parsely game is modeled after the original 1970’s text adventure, Colossal Cave Adventure. You do not need to know anything about that game or Parsely games in order to play.
Vorpal Playtest Sessions
We will be using a platform called Vorpal Board for these events. Vorpal is great for playing card game prototypes online, and thus provides us with a way to showcase unpublished versions of Fluxx and other games. However, Vorpal is also a memory hog, so to join this event, you must have a strong internet connection and a fairly new and better-than-basic computer. Our apologies to those that this leaves out.
Hitchhiker's Guide Fluxx
We held a "Fluxx Improv" session at LooneyCon for our 20th Anniversary, and together the crowd and Andy built and illustrated a Fluxx deck based on the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy... all in just a few hours! It is extremely unlikely we could ever publish Hitchhiker's Guide Fluxx, but many of you have asked to see the deck, so this is your chance. Note that we are not looking for playtest feedback on this one... it is a very rudimentary deck created on the fly and we know it's not ready for prime time.
Mystery Fluxx
Mystery Fluxx (or maybe Murder Mystery Fluxx or Detective Fluxx or Whodunnit Fluxx) is a parody mashup of classic whodunnits, We are starting to make plans for our 2022 product releases, and Mystery Fluxx is one of Andy’s prototypes that is under consideration. This is your chance to give it a try and give us some honest feedback.
Game Store Fluxx
Game Store Fluxx celebrates all the things we love about our friendly local game stores. We are starting to make plans for our 2022 product releases, and Game Store Fluxx is one of Andy’s prototypes that is under consideration. This is your chance to give it a try and give us some honest feedback.
Muppets Fluxx
Several years ago, we held a "Fluxx Improv" event at PAX East in which 300 audience members and Andy created a Fluxx together, while one of our main illustrators, Derek Ring, illustrated the deck... all in just two hours! It is extremely unlikely we could ever publish Muppet Fluxx, but many of you have asked to see the deck, so this is your chance. Note that we are not looking for playtest feedback on this one... it is a very rudimentary deck created on the fly and we know it's not ready for prime time.
Olympus Fluxx
Olympus Fluxx is an educational version about Greek / Roman mythology. We are starting to make plans for our 2022 product releases, and Olympus Fluxx is one of Andy's prototypes that is under consideration. This is your chance to give it a try and give us some honest feedback.
Harry Potter Fluxx
Harry Potter Fluxx is the deck that Andy created when we thought we had acquired the Harry Potter license. Unfortunately, that fell through and we will not be making this deck. But many of you have asked to see it, so this is your chance. Note that we are not looking for playtest feedback on this one.
Nativity Fluxx
Nativity Fluxx is one of the prototypes in Andy's bag. We may or may not make this version of Fluxx in the future, but would like to hear what folks think of it. Plus, it seemed perfect to play at this time of year! This is your chance to give it a try and give us some honest feedback.
Time Machine Fluxx
Time Machine Fluxx is a parody mashup of all the best time travel stories. We are starting to make plans for our 2022 product releases, and Time Machine Fluxx is one of Andy's prototypes that is under consideration. This is your chance to give it a try and give us some honest feedback.
Wonderland Fluxx
We are making a surprise fall release of (Alice in) Wonderland Fluxx and it goes to print in just a few days! Now is your chance to give it a try and give any feedback about what you like or don't like about the deck while there's still time to make some changes.
Seminars
Sometimes we are lucky enough to be joined by special guests for seminars & panel discussions!
Chrononauts & EAC Discussion
Join Andy for an Independence Day romp through American history, Chrononauts style. Learn the mysteries of the Chrononauts timelines and the historic events behind them… all in plenty of time to still go out and spend the evening watching the skies with friends.
Retailer Update
Meet Rebecca Anderson, formerly of Set, whom we are lucky to have helping us with sales. Get a refresher on what Looney Labs can offer retailers in the way of sales and marketing support. Hear about an upcoming Q3 bundle deal you’ll want to jump on, as well as our Q4 release: Wonderland Fluxx. Then look ahead to our plans for 2022, and finish the hour with a Q&A where we’d love to answer your questions and also hear what we can do to better serve you!
Panels
Sometimes we are lucky enough to be joined by special guests for seminars & panel discussions!
Treksperts Geek-out
Join Andy and his "Trekspert" friends Keith Baker, Bonnie Brett, and Leila Zucker as they geek out about Star Trek and the Star Trek themed games from Looney Labs. This event will be part seminar, part Q&A, part group discussion. Extra points for coming in cosplay!
The Download Q&A with Keith Baker & Andy Looney
Join Andy and Keith for a discussion of their podcast, The Download, as well as anything else you want to ask them about!
Meet & Greets
Sometimes we just hangout with a particuar subset of friends!
Rabbits & Their Families
Were you one of the Mad Lab Rabbits who helped Looney Labs run The Big Experiment at Origins between 2000 and 2011? It has now been 10 years since we stopped running this event - and OMGoodness do we miss you folks - and many of you have since married and/or had kids. Come play a game of Cooperative Choose One with us while we catch up on our lives and maybe even introduce us to your families if they are nearby!
Super Duper Games Friends
Whether you are new to SDG or have been playing there for years, you have most likely met some new friends there. Here is your chance to chat with these folks in person! The main event will be getting to meet our friends, but we will also probably play some Speed Zendo (playing is optional).
Game Design Workshops
Sometimes our events are about game designs-in-progress.
Andy's Prototype Show & Tell
This event will start with Andy showing you all a selection of his unpublished prototypes. There will not be any game playing at this event, but there will be chances to playtest the prototypes in future events. You will have a chance to ask questions and see a variety of possibilities for future games during this session. The December session will also provide a sneak peak at some of the games coming out in 2022!
Olympus Fluxx Design Workshop
One of the six contenders for our 2022 game line-up is Olympus Fluxx, based on Greek (and Roman) mythology. Andy's got the Keepers chosen, but would like some help from mythology buffs in deciding what the Goals should be. If you know Fluxx and Greek mythology, please come give Andy a hand!
Pyramid Game Design Roundtable
Have you invented a game for the Looney Pyramids? Do you want to, but don't know how to get started? Are you just fascinated by the creative process and interested in hearing about the ins and outs of designing a game? Then come join us for a round table discussion about all the fun things you can do with pyramids and get your creative juices flowing!
Help Kristin Choose
Kristin is about to decide which of three possible games we are going to publish in 2022—Mystery Fluxx, Olympus Fluxx, or Time Travel Fluxx. We will show off each prototype and take feedback regarding which title you want us to publish and why. Now’s your chance to make your voice heard!
Activity Hangouts
For some events we just get together on Zoom and do things together.
Fluxx Remixx Exhibition Game
Watch Kristin and Andy play a game or two of Fluxx Remixx! You won't be able to play yourselves, but you'll be able to see how the gameplay goes, kibitz on what moves the Looneys should make, and ask questions.
Fluxx Birthday Party
This event is being held on the actual day that Fluxx was invented 25 years ago. Come help us celebrate! Bring your own cake and hang out with us on zoom while we chat about all things Fluxx.
Looney Labs Birthday Party
This event is being held in the actual month that Looney Labs was incorporated 25 years ago. Come help us celebrate! Bring your own cake and hang out with us. We are still working out the final details, but his event will most likely be on a fun interactive platform, and will include a variety of games and hangout spaces. Check back soon for more details!
Pumpkin Carving or Crafting
Join us on Zoom as we all create pumpkins together! We will be carving two pumpkins and perhaps crafting some Halloween items as well. Please come with a Halloween project ready to work on, be it coloring, carving (consider scooping the guts out beforehand), pipe cleaner spiders... your imagination is the limit!
Gift Wrapping Hangout
Kristin loves wrapping presents! Andy has lately been experimenting with reusable gift wrapping options. Whether you love it or dread it, let's have fun getting those presents wrapped together... and early, so you can enjoy the holidays! Come prepared with presents to wrap and gift wrapping accoutrements. Or if you'd rather, just hang out with us and chat! Ho ho ho!
Cookie Decorating Hangout
We will have recently baked a bunch of cutout sugar cookies, and will be decorating them with colored frosting and various sprinkles. Come join us! Bring your own cookies and decorations, be they store-bought, Pillsbury ready-bake, or homemade.
Crafting Hangout
When Kristin isn't running Looney Labs, you will often find her dancing or crafting. This is a drop-in event... come for the entire four hours or any portion of it, and spend a little hangout time with Kristin as she works on a craft project. If you have something you're working on, bring it along! Or if you have a craft project you'd like to show the rest of us, we'd love to ooo and ahh! Andy has even said he might come join in the fun!
Play HABA's Color It with Looney Labs Artwork
Color It is a simple coloring game for young children. We enjoyed collaborating with publishing friends from HABA last year to create some Color It sheets using Looney Labs artwork. And that was so much fun that since then we have made several other coloring pages from our artwork. Come join us for a game of Color It, followed by an open coloring session. This event is appropriate for kids of all ages and all of us adults who are kids at heart!
Lego Hangout
Did you know that Kristin's wedding shower had a Lego theme? And that the Lego gifts she and Andy were given at that event are still in a big red canister in their game room? Come build with Kristin... bring your Lego, blocks, K'Nex, Tinker Toys, or what-have-you and let's build!
Jigsaw Puzzle Hangout
So many folks have enjoyed putting together puzzles during this pandemic, and Kristin is no exception. But puzzle building got even better when she realized there was an online site that would let her puzzle together online with her mother and other long-distance friends! Come hang out with Kristin and help her put together a puzzle or two. The difficulty level will be tailored to the group, or you're also just welcome to come watch and chat!
Homeworlds Academy
There’s been a lot of interest in instructional sessions about our deep strategy pyramid game, Homeworlds. Both the rules and the strategies for this game are complex, so we’ve been offering classes to teach the rules and exhibition games to show off the strategies.
Homeworlds Basics
Join Laurie for an introduction to Homeworlds. This is a hybrid combination of the formerly named Homeworlds 101 and Homeworlds 201 classes, and is intended for those who have been wanting to play Homeworlds, but found it a little too daunting. We will start out by covering the six basic things you need to know, then get into some basic strategy as time permits.
Homeworlds 101
Have you always wanted to try Homeworlds, but the rules are a bit overwhelming? Come learn the basics in the course for beginners.
Homeworlds 201
Do you know the basics of Homeworlds? Maybe you've read the rules, or taken Homeworlds 101, or played a game or two, and now you're ready to learn a little beginning strategy? This is the course for you!
Andy vs. The Hive Mind
Come join us in a game of Homeworlds with Andy! In this friendly no-stakes game, Andy will play alone, while all of us participants will play as one, discussing options together before each move. An excellent learning experience for beginning and advanced players alike!
Homeworlds Theater Live
Homeworlds is the only game in the Looney Labs collection that was not designed by Andy Looney. It was designed by his best friend, John Cooper, and it is Andy's all-time favorite game. Come join us in an exhibition match between John and Andy. Hear their thought process as they play, and even ask them a strategy question here and there along the way.
Homeworlds Medal Challenge
Be a fly on the wall while a contender plays Andy in a game of Homeworlds. This is for the medal, so we will be requesting that everyone be on mute and not use the chat until after the game is over, but once the chips have fallen as they may, we’ll have a chance to discuss the game, and Andy may even take on a second or third opponent if time permits. Drop in for some or all of this fairly long event.
Getting to Know the Looneys
These events provide a glimpse into the fascinating lives of Kristin & Andy Looney.
Kristin's Cubes
Kristin has had a long and truly fascinating relationship with the Rubik's Cube. Whether you're an expert solver or have never solved one in your life, come join us as Kristin tells us about how and why the Rubik's Cube has been such a big part of her life from an early age. You will be amazed!
Andy's Eye Candy
Have you ever seen Andy's wall of televisions? Come chill with Andy as he tells you how he creates visual loops for every screen to run simultaneously and what his local burn event art contribution was. Then just enjoy as he lets you choose from the menu of eye candy to feast on.
Burning Man Slide Show
You may or may not know that the Looneys have been to Burning Man many times, as well as various local burns. What is a "burn?" It is a group campout intended to showcase the art and creative expressions of the participants. Burning Man attracts 70,000 people each year and is the largest outdoor art exhibit in the world. Burns are also places for "radical self-expression," so be forewarned that this slideshow may not be appropriate for children, as some slides will include scantily clad people. Andy and Kristin will talk about their Burning Man experiences, answer questions, and let you know how you can get involved if you're interested.
Amsterdam Coffeeshops Slide Show & Talk
You may or may not know that the Looneys, particularly Andy, love the "coffeeshops" of Amsterdam and have visited the city many times. Andy even wrote a book about it! In this event, Andy will tell you about the Amerstam "coffeeshops" (noted for also selling marijuana), as well as other highlights of the city of Amsterdam in The Netherlands. This event is geared toward adults, but children are welcome with parent understanding that there will be some talk of marijuana, but also a lot of talk of simply beautiful spaces.
History of Looney Labs Talk & Q&A
Hear about the early days of Looney Labs and ask any burning questions you may have about the 25 year history of the company. This event will have a slightly different format than most of the events. Because of the large number of attendees, we ask that participants remain on mute throughout the event and submit questions via the chat function in Zoom. A moderator will keep track of the questions and "interview" the Looneys. It is participants' choice whether they have their video on or off. The Looneys and the moderator will not be able to see everyone's visual reactions easily because there will be more than one screen full of participants and the Looneys will be "pinned" so that they fill most of the screen.
Looney Q&A
This event will have a slightly different format than most of the events. Because of the large number of attendees, we ask that participants remain on mute throughout the event and submit questions via the chat function in Zoom. A moderator will keep track of the questions and "interview" the Looneys. It is participants' choice whether they have their video on or off. The Looneys and the moderator will not be able to see everyone's visual reactions easily because there will be more than one screen full of participants and the Looneys will be "pinned" so that they fill most of the screen.
Educators' Track
These events are aimed at those who use our games for educational purposes.
Aquarius for Preschool Teachers and Parents
Do you have or work with a preschooler ages 3-5ish? Then please join us for an adults-only chance to learn how to play the preschool variants of Aquarius, and to hear about their educational value. What better way to cover basic math than through play?
Digital Gaming
Now that several of our games have been implmented digitally, we can use them to play together online. This is great since card games like Fluxx don't work well on Zoom. However, we will still connect on Zoom while we play Fluxx together on BoardGameArena or our smartphones, so we can watch each others' reactions to what happens.
- For events that use the smartphone version of Fluxx, you will need to download it beforehand.
- For events that use the free site Board Game Arena, you will need to make an account and complete the tutorial beforehand.
Andy vs. Everybody at Smartphone Fluxx
Andy will take on all participants at once! Each participant will play a game of Fluxx with Andy on the smartphone app. Andy will take all his turns in rapid succession, feverishly trying to win more games than he loses in the time allotted. Can he do it, or will "everybody" beat Andy?
Just Desserts on BGA
Join Kristin and Andy for a friendly game or two of Just Desserts using the excellent implmenation at BoardGameArena! You might even hear a little about the making of the game and the people behind the artwork!
Looney Games on BGA
Come join Kristin and Andy for a friendly game or two of any of the Looney games now on BGA (Just Desserts, Fluxx, or Get the MacGuffin) -- whichever the group decides to play next!
Playtest Fluxx on BGA
Developers are hard at work getting ready to let Fluxx loose on the world of Board Game Arena. But right now, the game is in alpha testing and not visible to the public. Come help us playtest the game and get a sneak peek at what is to come!
Playtest Get the MacGuffin on BGA
Developers are hard at work getting ready to let Get the MacGuffin loose on the world of Board Game Arena. But right now, the game is in alpha testing and not visible to the public. Come help us playtest the game and get a sneak peek at what is to come!
Playtest Star Fluxx on BGA
Developers are hard at work getting ready to let Star Fluxx loose on the world of Board Game Arena. But right now, the game is in alpha testing and not visible to the public. Come help us playtest the game and get a sneak peek at what is to come!
Zoom Gaming
The events in this section are simply a chance to play some of our games together. Some players who join us will be big fans of the game eager for any chance to play, while other players may be new to the game and interested in learning how it works. All of these sessions will be conducted via Zoom, using overhead cameras.
Are You a Robot?
A social deduction game in which some of us are humans and some of us are robots pretending to be humans. Your job is to figure out who is who before it's too late!
Chrono-Trek
We thought about trying to actually play this on Vorpal but we were't sure how well it would work so we decided instead just to make this a casual chat session in which we discuss the details of various cards in the game and how they fit into the Star Trek timeline.
Color Wheel & Nomids
Color Wheel is a cooperative puzzle and Nomids is a simple strategy game, both using the Looney Pyramids. We will teach the games and then play them together.
Cooperative Choose One
Choose One is a party game about getting to know your friends. We have adapted it into a cooperative version for play on Zoom and we'd love to find out whether you prefer the window or the aisle, or waffles or pancakes!
IceToids
Learn to play IceToids, a pyramid game Andy invented as a holiday gift a couple years ago. In this game, tiles are turned over as the play progresses that tell you which directions you can move while trying to get your pieces onto your color tiles.
Lunar Games for Moon Day
We’re pulling out two pyramid games to play on Moon Day—Lunar Invaders and Launchpad 23. Come learn to play these two games. Lunar Invaders is a mid-level strategy game, and Launchpad 23 is a lighter strategy game with sound effects!
Powerhouse
Learn to play Powerhouse, one of the games in Pyramid Arcade. This game is interesting in that it is a HALF-information game. Pyramids are put into a bag and size is known, but not color when they are drawn.
The Closest Ghost
Learn to play The Closest Ghost, the holiday gift in 2019. It's Halloween themed and involves eating actual candy... what more could you ask for? Please bring some small candies such as M&M's or Skittles, or another treat (maybe peanuts?). We will provide the game board and instructions. Happy Halloween!
NaNoWriMo Kickoff with Nanofictionary
NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. Whether you're a seasoned veteran of the event or have never heard of it, come get your creative juices flowing with us as we play a modified version of Nanofictionary, the card game of telling tiny stories. (This is a low stress event... emphasis on fun, not storytelling skills!)
Pyramid-Sham-Bo
Pyramid-Sham-Bo is a party game using the Looney Pyramids. We will teach the game and then play it together.
Treehouse
Learn to play Treehouse, one of the games in Pyramid Arcade. This is a light visual-spatial game of trying to make your arrangement of pyramids match "the house." Will the dice roll in your favor?
Two-Player Pyramid Games
Join Andy, Kristin, and Laurie as they take turns teaching pairs of you four two-player pyramid games--Ice Dice, Pink Hijinks, Petal Battle, and Lunar Invaders. Ice Dice is a press-your-luck game, whereas the other three are mid-level strategy games. You will play all four games over an hour and a half.
To Be Determined
There were a few events we weren't able to finalize before this posting, so we left placeholders so you'll know when to mark your calendars. Check back soon for more details about these exciting, but more schedule challenging, events!
World War 5
Learn to play World War 5, one of the games in Pyramid Arcade. This is a world domination game similar to Risk, but quicker and with more balanced and strategic play.
Sandships
Learn to play Sandships, a pyramid game Andy invented as a holiday gift a few years ago. In this strategy game, the death of a Martian city has led to a power imbalance on the red planet, and the remaining cities vie for control. You sail your sandships across the desert, converting them to skyscrapers in your attempt to control the biggest and best cities.
Petri Dish
Learn to play Petri Dish, one of the games in Pyramid Arcade. This game uses the Wheel Board and three lightning dice. You are playing microbes in a petri dish with limited space to grow. The winner is the one who successfully grows large first! (Note that you can be eliminated, in which case you are welcome to stay and watch, or to go on about your day.)
Zendo for Those Who Have Never Played
Have you always wanted to try this inductive logic game, but never had the chance or been just a little bit intimidated by it? Now is your chance to see what it's like in a safe and non-threatening environment.
Zendo for the Average Player
Zendo is an inductive logic game using plastic blocks, wedges, and pyramids. We will not be teaching the game, but rather jumping right into playing it.
Zendo for the Advanced Player
Zendo is an inductive logic game using plastic blocks, wedges, and pyramids. We will not be teaching you how to play, but rather jumping right into a game for this session.
Zany Competitions
Here are some other ways we are having fun!
Looney Labs Bingo
Thank you to fan Adam Boudreaux for creating some fun Fluxx Bingo cards that can be called with the Keepers from a deck of Fluxx! They are on a great site that makes it easy to play over Zoom, and we want to give them a try. Come join us!
Minute to Win It Game Show
All participants will have a chance to be contestants in this game show (unless they'd prefer to be audience only)! Contestants will be given one-minute challenges... some physical challenges, some mental challenges. Some challenges will be for individuals, some for pairs or groups. We hope you will find them all fun and exciting!
Scavenger Hunt
About this time last year, we were restless and wanted to get outside, so we made ourselves a scavenger hunt that would get us some fresh air, exercise, and a chance to enjoy all the spring beauty. We had so much fun that we'd like to try it with all of you this year! We will meet on Zoom to distribute lists and discuss the rules, then you will have one hour to go on a photo hunt in your neighborhood. You will need a smart phone in order to take pictures and text them to us as you hunt so that we can create a slide show for everyone to enjoy when we reconvene to finalize scores and declare a winner.
Looney Family Feud
Come on down and become a contestant on a special Looney Labs edition of Family Feud! Kristin will captain one team and Andy will captain the other. Survey Says... you don't want to miss this!