Story
In December 2024, I was watching a game design documentary that mentioned the Game Boy portable video game console and had the following thought:
“Why isn’t there something like the Game Boy for tabletop games?”
Fast-forward a bit into the future … and boom! Now there is.
Introducing the Lark™ game system (patent pending), a portable, versatile, and modular tabletop platform for new & classic micro games.
The Game Box
The Lark™ game box supports a wide variety of tabletop games (full list below). The beautifully laser-cut and hand-assembled wooden box (4.5″ x 4.5″ x 2″) fits easily into purses, backpacks, and suitcases. The Lark™ is the perfect companion for a trip to a cafe or social gathering. It’s also a great way to play games during a break at school or work, and can be a lifesaver when you’re stuck at a train station or airport.
Chess, Checkers and a Whole Lot More
The Lark is more than just a chess board. Turn it over to reveal a grid board on the bottom that supports a whole new set of games, including Spycross (below).
The Game Shelf
Open the Lark to reveal the Game Shelf, where new game boards can be inserted.
All Game Components Included
Game components are included with every game. For example, the game Spycross, includes two sets of 32 spy chips, two player cards, two chip holders, two dry-erase sheets and pens, and the game rules.
Expandable Game Boards
The Lark comes with two game boards (chess board and grid board) that may be combined with the boards from other Larks to form expanded playing areas.
What Games Are Available?
The games below are not included when purchasing the Lark (unless otherwise mentioned). They are available to be puchased separately.
New: 2-Player Strategy Games
Spycross
Decode the enemy’s mission before they crack yours. In this grid-based guessing game of wits and deduction, your agents must intercept secret operations hidden in plain sight.
Flip and Skip
A game of momentum and misdirection. Flip pieces to reveal hidden moves, skip ahead with clever positioning, and outmaneuver your opponent on a board that flips the script every turn.
Crypticolor
Guess the shapes, read the colors, and unlock the word. A puzzle-like language game where perception is everything—and the winner sees what others don’t.
Protocol
Tensions rise on a divided grid. Use Ambassadors, Traders, and Generals to manipulate enemy positions and outscore your opponent in this tactical game of hidden identities and bold maneuvers.
New: 2-4 Player Strategy Games
Skyrose Castle
The dragon stirs, the gold flows, and the castle awaits. Form uneasy alliances, raise armies, and conquer mythical quests as you prepare to face the monstrous guardian of Skyrose Island.
Escape from Planet Vexus
Your ship is broken. The planet is hostile. Resources are scarce. Compete or cooperate as you navigate a dying alien world in a race to escape before time—and oxygen—runs out.
Dexterity Games
Castle Dragons
Stack, flick, and launch your dragons onto the castle walls! A fast-paced dexterity game of aerial combat, castle defense, and chaotic fun for all ages.
Dragonglider
Launch your gliders across the tabletop sky! Can your dragon soar further, faster, and land with style? Physics meets fantasy in this high-flying flick game.
Classic: 2-Player Strategy Games
Chess
From kings to queens and knights to pawns, Chess has ruled minds and empires for over a thousand years. This classic game of calculated war remains the ultimate test of strategy.
Bonus Game: Checkers
Simple rules, endless depth. Jump, double jump, and crown your way to victory in a game that has been played across centuries and continents.
Reversi
Black and white. Flip and trap. Reversi is a battle of space and foresight, where every move can flip the balance—literally.
Bonus Game: Lines of Action
Every piece is in motion. Originating in the 1960s, this elegant abstract game challenges players to connect their forces across the board. Move with precision, block with strategy, and unify your army before your opponent does.
Backgammon
One of the oldest board games known to humanity, Backgammon combines luck and skill in a race to move your pieces home before your opponent does.
Mancala
Harvest and sow, count and conquer. With roots in ancient Africa and the Middle East, Mancala is a timeless game of shifting stones and strategy.
Gomoku
Five in a row wins the game. Known as “five stones,” Gomoku is a quick-thinking classic that blends the simplicity of Tic-Tac-Toe with the tactics of Go.
Bonus Game: Go (Mini Edition)
Territory is everything. This compact version of the ancient Chinese classic distills the deep strategy of Go into fast, fierce battles of capture and control. Simple rules, endless possibilities—now pocket-sized.
Fox & Geese
One predator, many prey. This asymmetric medieval chase game pits a clever fox against a gaggle of geese trying to trap it before it escapes.
Bonus Game: Hounds & Hare
One hare, three hounds, and a game of pure pursuit. This classic English pub game challenges players to outthink their opponent in a tense chase-and-escape scenario.
9 Men’s Morris
Played in taverns since Roman times, this game of mill-making and piece capture rewards patience, pattern-making, and clever corner traps.
Bonus Game: Tafl (Viking Chess)
In the dark winter of the north, a Viking king is ambushed in his own longhouse. Surrounded by a rival clan, he must break through their shield wall and flee to safety. With only a handful of loyal warriors, he plays a deadly game of wits and strength—where every move could mean survival or slaughter.
Tafl, known as Viking Chess, is one of the oldest strategy games in the world. Played by Norse warriors across Scandinavia and beyond, it features asymmetrical forces: one side defends a king trying to escape, while the other launches a full-scale siege. Will you be the cunning defender—or the ruthless invader?
Pocket Pachisi
Born on the palace floors of ancient India and played with shells and beads, Pachisi is the original cross-and-circle race game—older than chess, deeper than luck. Now reimagined to fit in your pocket, this compact version lets you outwit rivals in a race of blockades, bold captures, and clever movement. Whether you’re chasing glory across a kitchen table or a campfire crate, Pocket Pachisi carries centuries of strategy in the palm of your hand.
FAQ
Is the Lark Eco-friendly?
Yes. The Lark is made from TruFlat 1/8″ Maple Plywood, which is composed of MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard), a recycled wood product.
Will the Lark survive being bounced around in my luggage?
The Lark is made of recycled wood which can bruise, bend, or break, if dropped or put under too much pressure. The Lark ships with a beautiful hardshell case, which, if used properly, should help protect it.
Potential Issues
Production
As with any product, there is the potential for problems when producing the game boxes (machine breakage, trouble ordering materials, etc.). I have been producing laser-cut products for five years and am confident in my ability to produce the game boxes, despite any production issues that arise. The boxes are being produced in my workshop in Arizona, so there will be problems connected to oversea manufacturing. All the materials we use to produce the boxes are available in America, as are the parts for the laser cutter we use for production (the OneLaser Hyrdra 9).
The wood for our boxes comes from “company” in glendale, which is also in Arizona. Note: it might be good to make a table that shows the potential problems and solutions. Chatgpt would be good at this.
Shipping
Our products are mad in the U.S. and will only be shipped to the U.S., so there will be no issues with VAT tax, oversea shipping, etc. We will use the pledge manager to insure we have the correct shipping address for every backer and will do everything we can to address any issues.
Delivery Deadlines
We have created a deadline for this project that is realistic and accounts for unforeseen delays. We are confident you will receive our products by the stated deadline, if not before.