Greenville, September 30, 2025
News Summary
The board game industry, led by The Good Game Company in Greenville, is thriving as people seek physical game experiences over digital ones. Founder Dave Yearick emphasizes the appeal of tactile games, evidenced by the success of products like Tribond, which sold over 3 million copies. Despite facing challenges like tariffs and competition, Yearick is optimistic about the board game market’s expansion, highlighting its dynamic nature and the enjoyment it brings to families and friends.
Greenville – The board game industry is experiencing significant growth, according to board game inventor and entrepreneur Dave Yearick, founder of The Good Game Company. Based in Greenville, the company offers a full line of traditional board games alongside the unique outdoor game, Djubi. Yearick emphasizes the rejuvenating experience that board games provide amidst the growing trend of digitization in daily life, noting that many individuals prefer engaging in physical interactions rather than virtual gaming experiences. The tactile feel of analog items such as sand timers, dice, and cards contributes to this appeal.
Yearick’s journey into the board game industry began during his college years at Colgate University in the 1990s. While studying there, he and his friends created the popular game Tribond, which challenges players to find the common thread linking three seemingly unrelated items. Over its successful run, Tribond has sold more than 3 million copies, indicating a strong market demand for interactive and thought-provoking games.
After selling the rights to Tribond, Yearick faced a potential opportunity as the company that acquired it recently declared bankruptcy. This development raises the possibility for Yearick to reclaim the rights to his well-known creation.
The Good Game Company was launched in 2019, co-operated by Yearick and his son, Rudiger. Nestled in an old textile mill in West Greenville, the company boasts a robust e-commerce platform featuring nearly 20 diverse product lines. Their offerings are distributed to specialty shops, mid-tier retail chains such as Barnes & Noble and Kohl’s, and mass-market retailers like Walmart and Target. Among the popular games in their lineup are the dice tower game Not It and the party game Fuzzy Logic, both of which have attracted considerable customer interest.
Despite the success, Yearick faces challenges, notably a significant 30% tariff on imported goods and competition from European high-level strategy board games in a saturated global market. He emphasizes the critical nature of competitive pricing in navigating this landscape and asserts that while creating a game may be straightforward, marketing it successfully presents its own unique challenges. Nevertheless, Yearick reaffirmed the viability of the board game industry, highlighting its dynamic nature even in the face of escalating digital competition.
Industry Insights
Yearick’s observation about the thriving board game industry sheds light on a growing preference for physical, face-to-face entertainment options. As more people seek alternatives to screens and virtual engagements, the board game market continues to expand and evolve, welcoming both new and seasoned players alike.
Key Features of The Good Game Company
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Greenville, within an old textile mill |
| Year Established | 2019 |
| Number of Product Lines | Nearly 20 |
| Popular Games | Not It, Fuzzy Logic |
| Distribution Channels | Specialty shops, mid-tier retailers, mass-market stores |
| Industry Challenges | 30% tariffs, competition from European games |
FAQ
What is The Good Game Company known for?
The Good Game Company is known for marketing a full line of traditional board games and the outdoor game Djubi.
How many copies of Tribond have been sold?
Tribond has sold over 3 million copies throughout its run.
What are some popular games offered by The Good Game Company?
Popular games from The Good Game Company include the dice tower game Not It and the party game Fuzzy Logic.
When was The Good Game Company launched?
The Good Game Company was launched in 2019.
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Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
