About
UGEARS Games: Unique Mechanical Devices for Tabletop Games
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Ugears Games: Collection of Unique Mechanical Devices for Tabletop Games
We are real fans of tabletop games and tabletop role-playing games. We also are very busy people and we always want to avoid the hassle that comes with the preparation for a tournament and handling of game elements during the game – all this takes those precious minutes-turning-into-hours, stealing from our fun time. This is why we gave a good thought on how to facilitate the game process by reducing the number of operations and instead – focus on the game.
This was the beginning of our new range, a series of smart and useful devices for true board game lovers. This October, exclusively on Kickstarter, we are launching The Ugears Games collection, designed especially for those who like the challenge and excitement of a game and appreciate the beauty of clever mechanisms: the Card Holder, the modular Dice Tower, the Deck Box, the Game Master’s Screen, and traditionally the Secret model, which we have just revealed. In this Campaign the secret model is the Dice Keeper.
The new models will become your indispensable assistants in all sorts of board games. No matter what type of a board game you prefer these days – the variety of available smart wooden gadgets will have something to offer you.
- The devices of Ugears Games collection are useful and functional: they will serve to store, transport, and save space on your gaming table. Traditionally, our products are not merely a functionality: the iconic Ugears design and intricate beautiful woodwork makes them attractive game accessories, unique décor elements, and a wonderful present to a fellow-gamer.
- The Ugears Games collection will take your gaming experience to a new level: our new devices will make sure you can bravely explore your gaming universe without distractions and interruptions.
The Ugears Games Devices project is designed to help people to improve their gaming experience by eliminating all those additional operations, saving time and space to focus on your favorite game in the nice company of friends. We are glad to be back on Kickstarter. It provides live and direct communication with people from different countries from all round the world who share our ideas, interests, and this hobby. It’s really inspiring for us. We appreciate your feedback. Now it is time to make your move! So follow us, support us and be the part of our success story.
Email us: myugears@ugearsmodels.com
Media-Kit download
The Card Holder: Mechanical Device Designed to Put Your Cards and Gaming Table in Order
As it very often occurs in a large-scale board game that involves a lot of cards, the available space on the gaming table becomes a real problem. In addition, due to the lack of room, the cards mix up ruining the course of game and making the players return to sorting them over and over again. The Card Holder, a smart wooden box, is designed to eliminate these annoying inconveniences.
This device allows you to sufficiently improve the game by handling your cards while saving space on the gaming table. The space savings is so efficient that you can easily enjoy you game sitting at a table smaller than your regular one - with the same number of players. If you’re out of time and the game is only half-way through, take a picture of your battle field and continue the game later from that point.
The attractive wooden exterior of the Card Holder hides a smart extending mechanism that turns the box into ergonomic staircase shelves that allow you to conveniently pick a card from any stack in your Card Holder. Your new clever device has 12 compartments with spacers that accommodate up to 400 63.5х88 mm (2.48” x 3.46”) cards. The compartments are big enough to hold the cards in sleeves. In the extended mode the Card Holder enables four extra slots for up to 100 cards of 45х68 mm (1.77” x 2.68”) size.
In between games, your Card Holder will serve as a convenient and reliable storage unit: place your cards securely inside the device, lock with a self-contained latch. It is now ready to travel in your backpack.
The Card Holder from Ugears will clear your table to ensure the most efficient arrangement of game elements and maximum comfort to the players.
Modular Dice Tower
A clever adaptable model, the Modular Dice Tower can be used as a traditional dice tower as well as a set of four individual dice cups. The cups can either open completely or set ajar, which is especially convenient in case a player would like to avoid sharing the results of his roll but wants to take a peek himself.
This device is one of the most fun ones: each of the modules has detachable details. Reorganize them in accordance with the detailed instruction manual that comes with the model and you will have a single multistoried Dice Tower. Originally, The Modular Dice Tower is comprised of four dice cups, but you are not limited to four blocks. Two sets of this 3D puzzle will give you an eight-storied Dice Tower and twice as much fun!
Individually, the dice cups can serve the quartet of gamers in their quest. No more running after a runaway die or crawling under the table searching for the game piece that jumped off the edge. Just put your dice inside a small cubical box and give it a good shake. Put your dice cup back on the table and simultaneously push the buttons on the sides. This will release the bottom of the box with your dice sitting in it. Now it is time to make your move!
Every individual cup is perfectly compatible with each other and you and your friends can build the world tallest dice tower limited only by the number of cups you have – and your imagination.
The original idea of this device is its adaptability. Individually, the dice cups can serve the quartet of gamers in their quest or can be transformed into a single multistoried Dice Tower. The wall of each dice cup has the same design. Your question was: “Are you going to introduce alternative designs of the fantasy-style face on the individual dice cups?”
We say YES, we are. Our team has developed a number of new styles for individual cups. We would like to share the modified designs of these layouts. The Modular Dice Tower is comprised of 4 dice cups, each has its own fantasy-style face. So you can mix them as you wish among co-players and each storey of the Dice Tower will have its own face. We would appreciate your feedback for this idea.
Game Master's Screen
This folding screen with an easy cheat sheets replacement mechanism and a built-in dice-tower helps the TRPG Master to better comprehend the game world mechanics and smoothly lead the game: at any time the Game Master can check necessary information by easily changing one sheet with another.
The Game Master can conceal his personal treasures and secrets behind the Screen, such as notes about the game, figurines and even a cup of tea. The built-in dice tower adds extra-suspense to the game: the time between the moment when the Master’s dice fall and the revealed results charge the atmosphere with extreme excitement.
When folded together, this unconventional looking device resembles a large book. Completely unfolded it opens as a screen with four panels, each of which has a special rubber-band fixture to hold an A4 size sheet of paper. Of course, you don’t have to use all four panels at the same time. If you need to save space on your gaming table, you can easily fold one or two panels away.
The fantasy inspired detail of the wooden panels is designed to make you feel like a real Master of the Game holding an ancient folio about an adventure, the greatest of them all.
Completely unfolded it opens as a screen with four panels, each of which has a special rubber-band fixture to hold an A4 size sheet of paper. This was an original idea and we left out the US paper standard! Your comments helped us to work in the required changes and make the device perfectly suitable for US Letter 8.5" x 11" (215.9 x 279.4mm) size of sheets.
Mechanical Deck Box
The Mechanical Deck Box is a must-have for those who like Collectible Card Games and Living Card Games. Your cards will always be in perfect order waiting for you to push the button to release them from the comfortable compartments of the Deck Box.
The Deck Box is a handsome small chest that will fit nicely in the palm of your hand. The inner compartments can accommodate up to 120 game cards (traditional, sleeved or double sleeved) 2.48” x 3.46” (63.5х88 mm), 60 cards each.
Pushing special ledges on the sides of its lid triggers a mechanism that opens the box: the upper parts of the side panels slide down while the lid opens to the sides granting convenient access to two inner compartments. The device automatically latches in the open mode.
To close it, push the button on the body of the model. This will release a spring loaded mechanism that will return the side panels and the lid to their initial position. Your cards will stay secured inside, protected from spillage and damage.
In the preliminary stage of the campaign, we shared the link for your feedback and later received many questions such as whether the Deck Box accommodates the cards from different games in sleeves or double sleeves. We have already made changes in the Deck Box design and increased the size of two inner compartments.
Now, the Mechanical Deck Box is suitable for:
- the cards of up to 63,5 х 88 mm size without sleeves = 120 pcs (60 pcs in each compartment)
- the cards of up to 63,5 х 88 mm with sleeves with one plastic side = 80 pcs (40 pcs in each compartment)
- the cards of up to 63,5 х 88 mm with classic sleeves = 110 pcs (55 pcs in each compartment)
- the cards of up to 63,5 х 88 mm with double sleeves = 76 pcs (38 pcs in each compartment)
Secret Model = Dice Keeper
It became a good tradition for the Ugears team to prepare special and amazing add-ons along with main rewards. And the name of this secret intriguing device for tabletop games is Dice Keeper.
The Dice Keeper is a perfect game accessory that keeps your dice safe and secure, sitting comfortably in individual slots. Designed to store dices it can also accommodate tiny trinkets, jewelry, miniature souvenirs or secret micro-chips.
The Dice Keeper is a small chest with fine carved ornamentation in a fantasy style. A minimalistic opening mechanism lowers the side panels of the chest revealing its contents.
The model has the shape of a compact cube with 8 compartments to accommodate a standard dice set. A mechanism lifting the walls securely sets your dice inside to prevent from spilling and being lost in transit.
If you are a dice collector, a passionate gamer, or just fond of unique mechanical devices, The Dice Keeper will become your favorite accessory to your table top battles. The Ugears design makes it also a unique décor element, or a great present for your gamer friends.
Ugears Games Devices Collection: Early Birds, Rewards and Add-Ons
If you would like to add a few devices to your pledge, simply add the cost of the device to the cost of devices in your pledge and indicate all the devices you pledged for in the survey after the campaign. Notice that the shipping cost will vary depending on the add-ons you add.
You can add any device you wish to your reward via option "Manage your pledge" by adjusting the sum of pledge in your reward tier.
To do this, simply add the cost of the device to the cost of devices in your pledge with an additional cost for shipping fee for the additional device/devices you might choose. You can indicate all the devices you pledged for in the survey after the campaign in the Kickstarter questionnaire.
Please notice that the shipping cost will vary depending on the add-ons you add. To find out the shipping fee, please use the online Ugears Calculator or sum up the weight of the devices in your pledge, including add-ons, and find the corresponding value in the “Shipping fee” table in the Campaign section of the project.
To make the math easier you can use the Ugears Online Calculator that we created for this campaign. The Ugears calculator link is placed above and under “The Shipping Fee” table in the Campaign section the project.
How to assemble the Mechanical Devices for Tabletop Games from Ugears Games Collection
All our devices for tabletop games are the result of the Ugears engineering team’s collective imaginations. They are easy-to-build and fun to use and play with in your favorite games. The kits are made of high grade wooden materials and engineered for self-assembly.
Each device kit has everything you will need for assembly. The quality of the parts is top-notch: all component parts are already cut out and can be easily removed from the plywood board. All steps of assembly are described in detailed step-by-step illustrated color instructions in 11 languages. You can assemble it at home on a table. All component parts connect like a puzzle without glue or special tools based on Ugears’ unique patented technology.
The Ugears device kits have certificates of compliance with health and safety regulations.
Applying stain or painting the devices
Many of you mentioned you would like to customize your devices for tabletop games: paint or even to put a finish on them.
Our team players have tried their hands in painting – and here are the results.
You can apply stain, watercolor paints, acryl paints, you can use markers, except wood veneer. You can put a finish/paint on Ugears devices after they are fully assembled. In the process of assembly you will notice, you have extra parts - so you can test the color/type of wood stain on it and choose the best finishing option.
We believe your own art projects will make your creations absolutely unique.
Our Team
It is not a secret that in Ugears we are passionate about mechanics, engineering, learning how things work and sharing our knowledge. What you might not have known – but surely started to guess by now – is that we are also dedicated board games lovers. We like the challenge and excitement of a game as much as we are fond of smart mechanisms. Due to these two strong interests, today on Kickstarter we are happy to present the new Ugears Games collection.
Ugears is a young Ukrainian company established in 2014 with its own production facilities located in the outskirts of Kyiv. We invent, develop and produce unique modular mechanical models in which everything is real. Some of the designs are based on real-life prototypes while others represent an original re-imagining of historical mechanisms. Most of the models are propelled by a rubber band motor, system of gears, wheels, weights and gravity.
Ugears is a team of over 190 inspired professionals: engineers, designers, and craftsmen who create unique models and devices made entirely out of wood. Ugears’ mission is to give an unforgettable time of working together on things that are popular for all ages. We want family members and friends to have fun bonding while creating. And as a result — to get revived mechanical marvels.
In autumn 2017 and 2018 Ugears successfully passed an International Social Standard Compliance Audit (with the highest score ever seen according to our partner’s feedback).
Ugears models became a favorite hobby for people in 85 countries across 5 continents, and we care deeply about the great support, priceless feedback, and kind advice we have received from all of them.
We believe that crowdfunding is the best way to expand the audience interested in these innovative products. Help us to spread the word and share it with your friends and join us in bringing these unforgettable moments of creation and positive thinking to people of all ages!
Combining our passion for mechanics, engineering, and love for games along with your experience and invaluable input, we will create the Perfect Companions for Tabletop Games together, because each Ugears Mechanical Device is a Game in itself!
Production and delivery
All Ugears mechanical devices and models are manufactured at our own production facilities. We guarantee the high quality of our products, effective and helpful customer service and fast replacement of spare parts to ensure you can completely assemble and enjoy your devices worldwide. Ugears models are made of sustainable wooden materials. Each device kit comes with high quality plywood boards with precise laser cut parts, and easy-to-follow step-by-step assembly instructions in 11 languages: Ukrainian, English, German, French, Polish, Spanish, Russian, Turkish, Italian, Chinese and Korean.
Timeline of the Campaign
Risks and challenges
What we have and what we guarantee:
1) Our own production with increased output facilities and many years of experience in business project management. We are confident in our ability to create original devices for tabletop games and bring joy to all those who supported us.
2) Experience in cross-border delivery and contracts with key parcel courier services to ship Ugears devices anywhere in the world at declared shipping costs.
3) We have a detailed plan how to proceed after the end of the project.
4) Our main marketing strategy is based on our true passion for mechanics and love for our work.
The Ugears team is constantly engaged in developing natural innovative models with sound construction and engineering.
Learn about accountability on KickstarterSupport
Funding period
- (37 days)