Interview with Robert Watson, CEO, BoardGamingTees.

(Featured) - Watson explains why it's important to teach a board game's theme and goal first, allow takebacks, and maintain a consistent public schedule, so first-time players know where they fit and when to return.

Interview with Robert Watson

Edited by Haley Spracale, Editor at Featured News · Oct 14, 2026

When someone attends a board game night for the first time, what do you do to help them feel comfortable from the moment they arrive?

For first-timers, the key is helping them to connect. Everyone else who comes regularly is likely welcoming but has an established routine or a preferred group to sit with, and may even have pre-arranged a game for themselves to play already.

Welcome the new people. Do a quick assessment to figure out how game-savvy they are, and then find a matching group. The ideal groups are outgoing, friendly and diverse, and are playing a game on the easier end of the spectrum. Tables with good teachers are always a positive.

If you have an established gamer, feel free to pair them with a group playing an advanced game, but make sure to introduce them and ask if there's room for someone new to join. If not, have a few welcoming games at the ready to play with them yourself. This gives you a great chance to get to know them and to figure out who to pair them with next time, as well as a chance to give them an introduction to what to expect from your game night.

How do you choose games that make it easy for newcomers with different experience levels to participate?

I think that in most cases, you need a newcomer to feel like they've found a place where they really fit in. If they tell you their favorite game and you have something that shares an element with it, then you've done it. For example, if their favorite game is Catan, ask what they like about it. Is it the tile-laying aspect? Give them a tile-laying game. Is it the trading? Find a game that encourages player interaction and trading. Do they just love Catan? If you've got it, play Catan with them. Finding a game with a similar depth of rules and strategies, so you're not overwhelming them with new content, is the best method. It's difficult enough to play games with strangers in a strange environment. There's no need to give them a very complex new set of game rules to learn as well.

How do you explain rules in a way that keeps first-time players engaged rather than overwhelmed?

Explaining rules is an art rather than a science. In most cases, you should start with the theme — who the players are and why they care — and explain how to win.

Then move into the turn structure and what actions can be taken to move them toward that goal.

How do you handle moments when a new player makes a mistake or feels discouraged during a game?

Mistakes happen. I make it a point to always allow takebacks in my games if at all possible. If a player makes an error, I handle it like this: If they forgot a bonus they should have had, let them take it. If they’re not sure whether they grabbed the right colored cubes, let them decide what they had. If you feel like they’re uncomfortable with it, make a mistake yourself and demonstrate the kind of grace you can expect from your group.

What is one simple change a community organizer can make this week to turn a board game night into a place newcomers want to return to?

Communication is really underrated among board game organizers. It's easy to set up a Discord server, a public Facebook group, or a Meetup that lets others join and learn about upcoming events. For public groups that rely on private communication — such as a group text as their only method — it can be difficult for newcomers to know who to ask about future events, and it can make them feel left out or uninvited.

Consistency is key too. "We meet here every second Wednesday" lets those who are less comfortable with technology know when and where to show up to play next time. Don't assume people know; make it very clear when and where the same group will reassemble.

About the expert

Robert WatsonCEO at BoardGamingTees

This story was produced by Featured and republished with permission. Experts featured here are members of Connectively, Featured's expert network.

(NewsUSA) - With 25 original projects in development and three films and two series set for 2027, Utopai Studios is pairing human-led filmmaking with AI-native production infrastructure to build a new global entertainment studio.

When Utopai Studios launched in August 2025, generative AI's role in entertainment was still largely defined by individual clips, technical demonstrations and short-form experiments. The company entered the market with a far more ambitious proposition: to build an entire film and television studio for the AI era.

Just over a year later, Utopai Studios has become what Variety described as the world's largest independent AI-native film and television studio, and Forbes estimates its valuation at $1 billion. Utopai Studios now has 25 original projects in various stages of development and production, a growing network of international partners and three feature films and two series scheduled for 2027.

That rapid growth did not come from treating AI as the finished product. Utopai Studios has built its model around the infrastructure required to develop, finance, produce and distribute long-form entertainment, combining filmmakers, artists and established production practices with technology designed to help bring ambitious stories to the screen.

AI-native, in the Utopai Studios model, does not mean turning creative decisions over to technology. It means AI is integrated into the studio's production infrastructure from the beginning, allowing filmmakers and artists to determine where it can be useful while retaining control over story, style, performance and final creative decisions.

A Studio Built for Long-Form Storytelling

Utopai Studios develops, finances, produces and distributes movies and television series, including original productions and international co-productions. Led by CEO and co-founder Cecilia Shen and co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Jie Yang, the company combines creative talent, production expertise and global distribution with technology developed for the demands of sustained storytelling.

At the center of that production strategy is PAI, Utopai Studios' cinematic storytelling system. Depending on the needs of a project, PAI can support visual development, scene planning, continuity, video generation, editing and localization. It is designed to work alongside established filmmaking tools and traditional creative methods, not as a substitute for them.

The distinction matters. Much of generative AI's first wave in entertainment was defined by individual clips, technical demonstrations and short-form experiments. Utopai Studios is focused on the more difficult challenge of carrying characters, worlds and creative intent across complete films and television series, then bringing those projects to audiences across theatrical, broadcast, streaming and digital platforms.

A Global Production Network

Utopai Studios is applying its model through relationships with established entertainment companies in Asia and other major markets. Its customers and collaborators include Huace Film & TV Co., Ltd. in China and DeNA Co., Ltd. in Japan, giving the company real-world environments in which to develop and refine AI-enabled production workflows.

Utopai Studios is developing more than 18 original projects in Asia. In April, the company announced a partnership with Huace, which owns one of the world's largest television IP libraries. The work is intended to support long-form storytelling, content development, creative iteration, and global localization, and includes the companies' animated series "Journey to the West: The Lost Five Hundred Years."

Three Films and Two Series in 2027

Utopai Studios' 2027 lineup includes three feature films, "Half Moon," "Cortés" and "The Most Serious Fart," along with the series "Space Nation" and "Journey to the West: The Lost Five Hundred Years." Together, the five projects demonstrate that AI-native production is not a single visual style or production formula.

Half Moon

"Half Moon" shows how Utopai Studios can use AI selectively within a live-action production. Written and directed by Hyo-joo Yang, the feature is presented by Utopai Studios, Germany's In Good Company and Korea's Paper Barn Studios. Principal photography began in Germany in August 2026, with PAI supporting select visual elements while the film remains grounded in live-action performances, director-led storytelling and traditional cinematic craft.

The film follows Yeri, a young girl neglected at home, and her aunt Ah-Jin, who lives in self-imposed exile and works as a caregiver while carrying the physical and psychological wounds of her past. During a fractured summer on a remote island in the North Sea, the estranged family members begin to understand and respect one another. The story explores loneliness, family trauma, belonging and emotional repair.

Cortés

Utopai Studios is especially enthusiastic about one of its first announced projects: “Cortés.” Set in 1519, the historical epic follows Hernán Cortés during the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire.

“Cortés” is a Marco Weber Production for Utopai Studios and is written by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Nicholas Kazan and directed by Paul Mignot. It is a Paris-based production with shooting planned for September in Spain. “Cortés” is scheduled for a wide theatrical release in 2027.

The project represents a decades-long effort to bring an unusually large and expensive historical story to life. Utopai Studios will use AI-enabled production tools to help overcome the scale and cost limitations that previously kept the project from the screen, while keeping the filmmakers in control of the creative process.

The Most Serious Fart

Scheduled for wide theatrical release in 2027, "The Most Serious Fart" is based on the 2023 children's book by Mike Bender, the screenwriter behind "Not Another Teen Movie," and illustrator Chuck Dillon. Bender will write and direct the animated feature, with Russell Hollander producing.

The story follows Siegfried, an unusually serious fart who wants to change society's perception of flatulence while searching for a sense of belonging. Beneath the irreverent premise is a story about identity, acceptance and finding one's place in the world. Traditional filmmaking craft and artists remain central, from production design and storyboarding through animation, with AI used as part of the human-led creative process.

 

Space Nation

“Space Nation,” an eight-episode sci-fi series being produced by Ex Machina Studios, is one of the first AI productions to be picked up by a traditional buyer, including Brazil’s Globoplay. Set in the near future, the story follows a new generation of elite pilots as they defend Earth against an alien threat.

Marco Weber, CEO of Ex Machina Studios, co-created the series with Martin Weisz, who is directing all eight episodes. Vanessa Coifman and Weisz wrote the series, with Weber and Coifman executive producing. The series is being co-produced by Utopai Studios and Globoplay.

Principal production is already underway and is expected to take place in alignment with Hollywood guilds. “Space Nation” is part of Ex Machina Studios’ broader partnership with K5 International, which is handling worldwide distribution.

Journey to the West: The Lost Five Hundred Years

Developed with Huace, "Journey to the West: The Lost Five Hundred Years" takes a more fully AI-generated approach to animation. Inspired by the classic Chinese novel, the series reimagines the untold history of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, and explores why the rebellious warrior and immortal force of nature would ultimately become the protector of a monk he had never met.

The project is being produced for broadcast, streaming and digital distribution, with the potential for a theatrical version. Utopai Studios controls the rights outside China, creating a path for the story to reach global audiences.

One Studio, Multiple Production Models

Across the slate, Utopai Studios is making a broader point: AI-native storytelling does not require every project to be made the same way. On "Half Moon," AI supports selected visual elements inside a live-action workflow. On "Cortés," it is intended to help filmmakers realize the scale of a historical epic. "The Most Serious Fart" pairs AI with traditional animation disciplines, while "Journey to the West" uses a more fully AI-generated animation pipeline.

Utopai Studios has also extended its entertainment ecosystem through sports and creator partnerships. Basketball star Carmelo Anthony invested through Creative 7 Productions and became a strategic partner, while James Harden collaborated with Utopai Studios on an animated short inspired by his famous beard. Those relationships connect the studio's technology with intellectual property, talent and new production opportunities.

The 2027 slate will be the company's most important proof point. At a moment when the conversation around generative AI has been dominated by what the technology might eventually do, Utopai Studios is betting that the next phase will be defined by finished films and television series: human-led, built for audiences and ambitious enough to stand on their own as entertainment.

(BookTrib) - “Death for Sale” by Erik S. Meyers

Nestled in the Ozarks, the tight-knit town of Berry Springs is gearing up for Thanksgiving when several beloved seniors fall mysteriously ill at the community dinner. As deaths follow, suspicion spreads faster than holiday cheer.

Enter Sally Witherspoon — a sharp-witted, 50-something accountant turned biker-bar owner with a knack for puzzles and a habit of helping local law enforcement. Think Miss Marple meets a Cheers bartender. Between running her bar, worrying about her aging parents and facing her own milestone birthday, Sally has plenty on her plate. But when poisoning threatens her friends — and possibly her family — she digs in her heels to uncover the truth.

With lively characters, small-town charm and steady suspense, “Death for Sale” is a spirited holiday whodunit perfect for readers who enjoy lighter mysteries with heart, humor and a determined amateur sleuth at the helm.

Learn more about the Sally Witherspoon Mystery series and purchase "Death for Sale" at https://amzn.to/4s3XFVm.

“She Who Rides Horses: A Saga of the Ancient Steppe, Book One” by Sarah V. Barnes

Set more than 6,000 years ago on the ancient Pontic-Caspian steppe, “She Who Rides Horses: A Saga of the Ancient Steppe” introduces Naya, a clan chief’s daughter whose fiery red hair and independent spirit set her apart. While her people hunt wild horses for meat, Naya dreams of something different — partnership, not conquest. When she discovers a chestnut filly as uncommon as herself, she begins the slow, daring work of earning the young horse’s trust.

But fate intervenes when Naya is struck by a stranger’s arrow, leaving her wounded and separated from her clan during a brutal winter migration. As she heals alongside the young archer amid strangers struggling to survive, bonds deepen — between girl and horse, and between former enemies.

Rich in historical detail and emotional depth, Sarah V. Barnes’ novel reimagines the dawn of horseback riding as a story of courage, connection and the spiritual bond that forever changed humanity. A perfect read for the Year of the Horse!

Available in paperback, ebook and now in audiobook, “She Who Rides Horses: A Saga of the Ancient Steppe” can be purchased at https://amzn.to/4cnkQ8z.

“Both Sides of the Same Coin” by Michael Weiner

Spanning a century of ambition, sacrifice and reinvention, this historical saga traces the intertwined destinies of the Doyle, Carbone and Roth families as they journey from Ireland and Italy to the promise of America. Against the sweeping backdrop of New York City’s rise — from post-Depression grit to wartime resilience — unlikely visionary Oscar Klein emerges from the streets of Philadelphia to unite them all.

With Patrick Doyle and Anthony Carbone, Oscar builds an empire of taxi medallions, clubs and restaurants, culminating in a glittering Plaza Hotel wedding that draws the city’s elite — and the shadow of the Cosa Nostra. Success brings wealth and influence, but also heartbreak, addiction and loss.

Praised as a compelling, page-turning saga rich with family values and New York landmarks, “Both Sides of the Same Coin” explores ambition and responsibility — and the delicate balance between prosperity and purpose.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/40g56N8.

“Champions in Life: The Playbook for Teens and Their Parents with 10 Essential Skills to Optimize Mental Health” by Elaine J. Brzycki, Ed.M. and Henry G. Brzycki, Ph.D.

In a world where teen mental health is often addressed only in crisis, “Champions in Life” takes a refreshingly proactive approach. Written by positive psychology pioneers Elaine J. Brzycki, Ed.M., and Henry G. Brzycki, Ph.D., this interactive guide empowers teens to build the skills they need to flourish — not just cope.

Grounded in the authors’ Integrated Self Model™ and their widely used Champions program, the book introduces 10 essential mental health skills designed to strengthen resilience, self-esteem, internal motivation and hope. Through 30 hands-on experiences, teens are encouraged to explore their emotions, clarify their dreams and discover their unique life purpose.

More than a book to read, this is a playbook to live — and a powerful tool for sparking meaningful conversations between teens and parents. At its heart, “Champions in Life” reminds young people that they aren’t passive observers of their future — they can actively shape it.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4banZY4.

(NewsUSA) - TEST TEST

(NewsUSA) - For more details, including important safety information, on VenaSeal, visit: https://www.medtronic.com/breakfree.

Sources

¹ Gloviczki P, Comerota AJ, Dalsing MC, et al. The care of patients with varicose veins and associated chronic venous diseases: Clinical practice guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum. J Vasc Surg. 2011;53(5 Suppl):2S–48S. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2011.01.079.

² Mayo Clinic: Varicose Veinshttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/symptoms-causes/syc-20350643

³ National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Varicose Veins https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/varicose-veins

⁴ Morrison N, Gibson K, McEnroe S, et al. Randomized trial comparing cyanoacrylate embolization and radiofrequency ablation for incompetent great saphenous veins (VeClose). J Vasc Surg. 2015;61(4):985–994. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2014.11.071.

⁵ Proebstle T, Alm J, Dimitri S, et al. Three-year follow-up results of the prospective European multicenter cohort study on cyanoacrylate embolization for treatment of refluxing great saphenous veins. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2021;9(2):329–334. doi: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2020.05.019.

⁶ Almeida JI, Javier JJ, Mackay EG, Bautista C, Cher DJ, Proebstle TM. Thirty-sixth-month follow-up of first-in-human use of cyanoacrylate adhesive for treatment of saphenous vein incompetence. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2017;5(5):658–666. doi: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2017.03.016.

(NewsUSA) - For more details, including important safety information, on VenaSeal, visit: https://www.medtronic.com/breakfree.

Sources

1. Gloviczki P, Comerota AJ, Dalsing MC, et al. The care of patients with varicose veins and associated chronic venous diseases: Clinical practice guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum. J Vasc Surg. 2011;53(5 Suppl):2S–48S. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2011.01.079.
2. Mayo Clinic: Varicose Veinshttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/symptoms-causes/syc-20350643
3. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Varicose Veins https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/varicose-veins
4. Morrison N, Gibson K, McEnroe S, et al. Randomized trial comparing cyanoacrylate embolization and radiofrequency ablation for incompetent great saphenous veins (VeClose). J Vasc Surg. 2015;61(4):985–994. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2014.11.071.
5. Proebstle T, Alm J, Dimitri S, et al. Three-year follow-up results of the prospective European multicenter cohort study on cyanoacrylate embolization for treatment of refluxing great saphenous veins. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2021;9(2):329–334. doi: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2020.05.019.
6. Almeida JI, Javier JJ, Mackay EG, Bautista C, Cher DJ, Proebstle TM. Thirty-sixth-month follow-up of first-in-human use of cyanoacrylate adhesive for treatment of saphenous vein incompetence. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2017;5(5):658–666. doi: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2017.03.016.

Mar 28, 2025 09:26 am

(NewsUSA) - For more details, including important safety information, on VenaSeal, visit: https://www.medtronic.com/breakfree.

Sources

1. Gloviczki P, Comerota AJ, Dalsing MC, et al. The care of patients with varicose veins and associated chronic venous diseases: Clinical practice guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum. J Vasc Surg. 2011;53(5 Suppl):2S–48S. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2011.01.079.
2. Mayo Clinic: Varicose Veinshttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/symptoms-causes/syc-20350643
3. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Varicose Veins https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/varicose-veins
4. Morrison N, Gibson K, McEnroe S, et al. Randomized trial comparing cyanoacrylate embolization and radiofrequency ablation for incompetent great saphenous veins (VeClose). J Vasc Surg. 2015;61(4):985–994. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2014.11.071.
5. Proebstle T, Alm J, Dimitri S, et al. Three-year follow-up results of the prospective European multicenter cohort study on cyanoacrylate embolization for treatment of refluxing great saphenous veins. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2021;9(2):329–334. doi: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2020.05.019.
6. Almeida JI, Javier JJ, Mackay EG, Bautista C, Cher DJ, Proebstle TM. Thirty-sixth-month follow-up of first-in-human use of cyanoacrylate adhesive for treatment of saphenous vein incompetence. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2017;5(5):658–666. doi: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2017.03.016.

(NewsUSA) -