Introducing Cranky Kraken Games - Monsters on Board Second Edition Leads the New Publisher’s Lineup
Founded by lead designer Ivo Neskovic, the independent publisher brings a redesigned edition of the monster-themed strategy game to Kickstarter early 2027.
28 October 2026 — Cranky Kraken Games, a new independent tabletop publisher founded by game designer and digital studio co-founder Ivo Neskovic, today announces its debut with Monsters on Board: Second Edition. Coming to Kickstarter early 2027, the game combines dice drafting, interconnected actions and rival monster parties in a redesigned edition shaped by years of play and feedback.
Following the return of the game’s publishing rights to its designers, Monsters on Board enters a new chapter under the publisher founded by its lead designer. It is the first announced release in a broader lineup of games currently in development at Cranky Kraken Games.
Welcome Back to Startleton
It’s Halloween night, and the Grim Lords are hosting rival monster balls. The essential ingredient is Spook Juice, distilled from human fear, and Startleton is full of unsuspecting citizens.
Designed for 1–4 players, with a playing time of 45–90 minutes, Monsters on Board challenges players to draft guests, terrify the town and recruit powerful Arch Monsters as they compete to host the most prestigious party.
Each Guest Die offers several competing opportunities: its color moves a matching Monster, its value contributes to scoring or Candy, and its icons provide actions. Players weigh those benefits while building combinations that can turn a single choice into a chain of movement, rewards and scoring.
The original edition featured in Joey Evans’ personal Top 10 Halloween Games and Top 100 Games of All Time at The Dice Tower.
A Thoughtful Rebuild
“Over the years, players have asked when Monsters on Board would be available again, and shared what they loved about it and what could work better,” said Ivo Neskovic, founder of Cranky Kraken Games and the game’s lead designer. “That feedback helped shape this edition. We’re excited to be working with The Mico again as we revisit Startleton, keeping its character while improving the experience around the table.”
Party Themes introduce different experiences around the core game, from casino play to exploring the manor and casting Hexes on rivals. Further details about the revised gameplay, production improvements and modular content will be revealed ahead of the Kickstarter campaign.
Cranky Kraken Games is also developing Kraken Cove, a digital companion platform intended to support guided learning, solo play and optional app-powered experiences. The physical game remains at the center of the experience, with digital support being developed where it can simplify learning or introduce new possibilities. Confirmed features will be announced as development progresses.
A New Publisher with Experience Behind It
Founder Ivo Neskovic is the lead designer of Monsters on Board, a Computer Science Lecturer at the University of York and co-founder of Furious Avocado, whose mobile games have reached more than 200 million downloads.
Cranky Kraken Games brings together tabletop design and digital development experience, with an approach centered on meaningful gameplay, clear teaching, thoughtful production and games that reward repeated play. Additional titles in its development lineup will be announced separately.
Players can discover Monsters on Board: Second Edition and sign up for previews and campaign announcements at:
https://crankykrakengames.com/
About Cranky Kraken Games
Cranky Kraken Games is an independent tabletop publisher founded and led by Ivo Neskovic. Working with an international network of artists, designers, developers and production specialists, the company creates tabletop experiences built around meaningful decisions, accessible learning and lasting replay value. Its first announced release, Monsters on Board: Second Edition, is coming to Kickstarter early 2027.
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