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Greater Than Games did not announce that it had closed outright. On April 17, 2025, the board-game publisher said it had reduced staff and suspended all new projects amid economic pressure from the international tariff crisis. Its website, existing catalog production, and partner fulfillment were expected to continue at that time. The company later reported a change in ownership in 2026, so the 2025 pause should not be treated as its current status.
What Greater Than Games announced in April 2025
In an official notice dated April 17, 2025, Greater Than Games said it had reduced staff “in response to ongoing economic pressures resulting from the international tariff crisis.” It added: “Currently, all new projects are suspended as the global tariff situation remains volatile.” Greater Than Games’ April 17, 2025 announcement
The announcement described a pause on new projects, not an unqualified shutdown of every part of the business. The company said its website would remain operational, in-stock products could still be ordered, and goods in its existing catalog would be produced as needed. It also said parent company Flat River Group would continue communicating with retail and distribution partners and handling fulfillment. These were plans stated in 2025, not confirmation of present inventory or arrangements.
Why did it suspend new projects?
Greater Than Games connected the staff reduction and project suspension to economic pressure and uncertainty associated with international tariffs. The company did not publish a tariff rate, a quantified production-cost increase, a revenue loss, or the number of staff affected. The announcement therefore establishes the company’s stated reason, but it does not quantify the tariffs’ impact or show that tariffs alone explain the company’s broader business circumstances.
#1 Best Overall
- COOPERATIVE STRATEGY BOARD GAME FOR 1-4 PLAYERS – Work together as Spirits of the island to repel colonizing invaders before they blight your home. One of the most acclaimed cooperative board games for adults, Spirit Island offers deep strategic gameplay that rewards planning and teamwork.
- SOLO OR MULTIPLAYER – Play fully solo with dedicated single-player rules, or team up with up to 3 friends in co-op mode. A top-rated solo board game for adults and a standout choice for game night with 2 to 4 players.
- 8 UNIQUE SPIRITS, 4 DIFFICULTY LEVELS – Choose from 8 highly thematic Spirits, each with distinct powers and playstyles. From beginner-friendly to fiendishly complex, Spirit Island scales to any experience level. Add optional Adversaries to dial up the challenge even further.
- THRILLING REPLAYABILITY – No two games play the same. With different Spirit combinations, Adversary settings, and island layouts, Spirit Island delivers a new strategic challenge every session — making it one of the best strategy board games for adults.
- AWARD-WINNING & EXPANDABLE – Rated one of the best cooperative board games ever made. Expand your experience with Spirit Island: Branch & Claw, Jagged Earth, Horizons, and more. Ages 14+, 90–120 minute play time.
What happened after the tariff announcement?
The 2025 announcement is not the latest company-reported development. Greater Than Games’ May 12, 2026 announcement says ownership had returned to original owners Paul Bender and Christopher Badell. It also says Handelabra Games purchased rights to the Greater Than Games brand and its Sentinel Comics intellectual property in April 2026. Greater Than Games’ May 12, 2026 announcement
The company’s official announcements page lists further activity in May and July 2026, including the podcast’s return, the launch of The Order of the Standard Table, and a Gen Con 2026 update. Those later company updates mean the 2025 project pause should not be described as proof that Greater Than Games remained closed in October 2026. The cited announcements do not establish the current status of every project, product, or fulfillment channel.
Rank #2
- GREAT FOR HOMESCHOOLING: Practice numbers by identifying the digits on the cards! Work on ordering and pattern recognition!
- TOY FACTOR: Includes 6 posable plastic figures that are great for any kind of play, even outside the game rules!
- ADORABLE SHARK: The ever-hungry shark chasing your swimmers doubles as a fun, cute toy! Includes 6 posable plastic figures that are great for any kind of play, even outside the game rules!
- FAMILY FUN: With easy-to-learn rules and hilarious gameplay, adults and kids alike will be laughing as you avoid the shark's sharp teeth! Enjoy this party game with up to seven players, racing for your lives by playing your cards right!
- PERFECT FOR LARGE GROUPS: Enjoy this party game with up to seven players, racing for your lives by playing your cards right!
Greater Than Games timeline
| Date | Company-reported development |
|---|---|
| 2011 | Greater Than Games says it was founded by Christopher Badell, Adam Rebottaro, and Paul Bender with Sentinels of the Multiverse. Company announcement |
| 2021 | The company says Flat River Group acquired Greater Than Games. Company announcement |
| April 17, 2025 | Greater Than Games announced staff reductions and a suspension of all new projects, citing tariff-related economic pressure and uncertainty. Company notice |
| April 2026 | The company says Handelabra Games purchased rights to the Greater Than Games brand and Sentinel Comics IP. Company announcement |
| May 12, 2026 | Greater Than Games announced that ownership had returned to Paul Bender and Christopher Badell. Company announcement |
| May–July 2026 | The official announcements page lists additional company activity. Announcements page |
What this means for customers
The April 2025 notice said in-stock products remained orderable and existing catalog goods would be produced as needed. That is historical availability information; it cannot confirm what is in stock or shipping now. Greater Than Games named Sentinels of the Multiverse as its flagship game, but anyone looking to buy it should verify the edition, seller, and current availability with the retailer. The cited company announcements do not establish current marketplace listings or inventory.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- DEFEND THE LAND: Colonizers are trying to take and blight the island wherever they explore. As Spirits of the island, you can defend your home from the invading forces!
- MORE SPIRITS: Ten all-new and exciting Spirits have been added to bring even more variety and vitality to your game!
- EXCITING ADVERSARIES: Two new adversaries have been added to bring even more challenge! Jagged Earth adds the Hapsburg Monarchy and Russia.
- NEW TOKEN TYPE: These Spirits bring more than just new mechanics! These Spirits utilize the new token types of Wilds, Beast, Disease, and Strife.
- TWO MORE SCENARIOS: Even more gameplay with an even higher demand of its players with two more scenarios! Will you be able to overcome them in one game?
Rank #4
- DEFEND THE LAND: Colonizers are trying to take and blight the island wherever they explore. As Spirits of the island, you can defend your home from the invading forces!
- COOPERATIVE GAMEPLAY: You and your friends are working together to fight against the terrible invaders!
- HIGHLY THEMATIC: Not only do the invaders have an engine all their own, each Spirit is highly themed to reflect what they're special at.
- BEGINNER FRIENDLY: Horizons of Spirit Island comes with easy-to-learn Spirts and a guide to help you better understand how to play the game!
- SOLO MODE INCLUDED: Use special rules to go head-to-head against the game, playing with a single Island board.
Rank #3
- Dice trading and light engine building
- 2-5 players
- 8 rounds
- Craft your own unique beer recipes!
- Winner has the highest reputation and becomes the new Homebrewers champion!
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