ONCE UPON A GAME PUBLISHING
Crafting unforgettable memories since 2023
Hello! We're Once Upon a Game, and since 2023, we've been crafting enchanting board games and books from our creative haven in the North Carolina mountains. Blending cultures and collaborating with local artists, we pour love into every detail—from game pieces to the stories and illustrations. Whether it's huddled around a gaming table, lost in the enchantment of our books, or both, we're all about crafting those moments that you'll treasure forever.
AVAILABLE NOW
(click on the image to learn more about it)
Apple Dearie?!
Game - TABLETOP | Semi-Finalist (VHS Challenge)
Only one can become the fairest of them all. Will it be you? FInd out in this social deduction game Inspired by the classic Grimm Tale Snow White
The Reaper’s Guide
Book - MIDDLE GRADE | 13+ Book Awards
A Fantasy Adventure Novel by Charles Byrd. On her first day as a reaper, Lyra makes a fatal mistake that changes both character’s lives forever.
Oh My… !
Game - TABLETOP
Step into Grandma's shoes as you race to see who can eat the most without dying. Inspired by the classic nursery rhyme.
Ye Xian
Game - TABLETOP
Ye Xian is a micro game designed for 3 - 6 players inspired by the Chinese tale of Cinderella. Will you be able to find and bring this girl to the emperor?
PROJECTS IN DEVELOPMENT
(click on the image to learn more about it)
Harlen & the Howlin Storm
Book - PICTURE | COMING TO KICKSTARTER SEPT. 2025
Come on down to Whistle Creek, where Harlen and his friends brave the storm and learn how lending a hand can make all the difference when trouble comes knockin'.
Match-a-lotl
Game - TABLETOP
Match-a-lotl is a fast micro game for two players. Race to collect three matching axolotls before your opponent. First to win 3 rounds wins it all!
Lottie’s Pebble Hunt
Game - TABLETOP
A game for 2 to 4 players. Outsmart your opponents by guiding Lottie to collect your pebbles instead of theirs. The player whose pebbles are collected the most wins!
Ankylo Apocalypse
Game - TABLETOP | 3rd Place (Cool Stuff Challenge)
A Dexterity game for 2 - 5 players. Can you harness your stacking skills in order to become the leader of the Ankylo Tribe.