A group of friends from the Mid-South is making waves in the world of board games. Through their company, Buddy Pal Games, these five men aim to bring people together for face-to-face fun in a digital age dominated by screens. Their journey began with childhood memories of playing games together and has since evolved into creating unique, engaging games that foster camaraderie and friendly competition. From spooky ghost stories to jungle adventures, their creations cater to a wide range of interests, including strategy and quick math-based challenges. With their latest game "Catch 33" gaining popularity, they continue to innovate while exploring ways to manufacture locally.

In today's fast-paced world, where technology often keeps people glued to their devices, Kenny Smith and his brothers Keith and Kirk, along with lifelong friends Jay Malinoski and John Childress, are on a mission to revive the joy of in-person interaction. These individuals, who grew up playing various games together, decided to channel their shared passion into something tangible. They founded Buddy Pal Games, a creative collective named after their father’s affectionate nickname for them—"buddy." This nod to their past serves as both inspiration and motivation for their work.

The origins of Buddy Pal Games date back to the mid-90s when the founders began developing toys and intellectual properties. Over time, this hobby transformed into a full-fledged business venture. Jay Malinoski, who had served in the Navy before returning to the region, joined forces with his childhood friends to launch new projects. One of their earliest successes was "7 Ghosts," a game brought to life through collaboration with artist John Childress. Since then, the team has produced several other titles, each designed to engage players in different ways.

Among their recent innovations is "Catch 33," a dice game featuring an innovative ramp mechanism. Its playtests were so well-received that the company started hosting tournaments at Board to Beers, a popular venue in Midtown. While "Catch 33" is currently being manufactured in China, the team hopes to explore alternative sourcing options, potentially even bringing production closer to home. To support this effort, they have launched a Kickstarter campaign aimed at offsetting rising tariff costs.

Beyond creating entertaining products, Buddy Pal Games strives to inspire meaningful connections among families and friends. By offering a diverse array of games available online through platforms like Amazon, they hope to encourage people to unplug from their digital devices and enjoy quality time together. As they look toward the future, the team remains committed to crafting experiences that resonate across generations, proving that sometimes the simplest ideas can lead to the most profound impacts.