Unpub Preview: Bar Hop In

Unpub Previews give designers a chance to talk in a little more depth about the development of their games in the Unpub Network.

Bar Hop In, designed by Val Lang, is a strategy game where players will see a Bar and Hop In for a chance to win a beer challenge against other players! They’ll also get to sing karaoke, play quarters, and even explore some classic landmarks as the build their path around the board in pursuit of a perfect beer flight.

Let's learn more about the creation and development of Bar Hop In with designer Val Lang.

What was your inspiration for Bar Hop In? The Bar Hop In game was inspired in our adventures around local bars in New York City and of course, our love for a good beer. Cheers! 

What is your favorite part of Bar Hop In?  My favorite part of the game is the high level of group interaction. Players feel like if they were playing with each other opposed to against each other, without losing the competition and strategy factors.

To your knowledge, What do other people find most interesting about Bar Hop In? Speaking of the game concept alone, most people enjoy the "Game On" activities which are in place to promote group interaction and the Bouncer Token which gives the player the ability to block paths or move other player's tokens forcing them to adjust their game strategy throughout the game. Now, from the game to real life, the most interesting about the Bar Hop In game is the fact that once published, it will serve as an insider's guide to a mix of 22 local bars, pubs, taverns and lounges in New York City. The Bar Hopping In Town Project has as one of its main goal to ensure a positive experience for the travelers and locals respecting the cultural values of the city and its residents.

What has been the most challenging part of designing Bar Hop In? Considering its first layout started as a "monopoly" version, our biggest challenge was to establish our own identity which we have conquered by: - modifying the board layout to allow different moving directions giving the players more flexibility to build their path around the board; - simplifying the rules to better cater to our target population which includes international travelers (non-English speakers); - adding playing pieces that can be played by all players such as the Bouncer Token and the Beer Paddles; - selecting group interacting games that are fun and easy to play.

What advice would you give to players attempting Bar Hop In for the first time? The rules are very straight forward, once you are familiar with the moving rules and spaces rules, you should be able to strategize a profitable and fun path around the board to achieve the game's goal.

What has surprised you most in play-tests of Bar Hop In?  The biggest surprises are normally hidden on the way the players progress through the "Game On" activities. Players are normally shy and tentative at first, but after a few rounds you will see the best and most creative side of everyone.

People who like______ will like Bar Hop In. Why?   Monopoly, Taboo, Karaoke, Quarters, Last Word, Charades.

For more information and to find out where you can play Bar Hop In, please visit the game's page here on Unpub.net !