Over the years, I’ve been keeping a keen eye on many of the board game tables that I’ve glanced at. Alas, when going to events such as PAX East and seeing tables I’d love to own the price tag is what kills the need for one. I often look around Kickstarter or even get random ads that are promoting upcoming Kickstarters the team at Nilo caught my interest. What is Nilo creating? It’s an affordable board game table. At this time at typing this, the Kickstarter page went live at Noon on June 23rd and is $31,550 out of its $35,000 goal.
I have been in touch with the team to learn more about it with a recent interview, which you can read below. I’d like to thank Connor Ernst the Director of Marketing for being able to chat more about the product. Those of you that may have baked it or looking for a board game table Nilo is something to keep an eye on.
Marooners’ Rock: For those who aren’t familiar, tell us about your company and products.
As many companies are . . . it all started out of my garage in 1992. My wife and I didn’t find a suitable multi-use table for our two children, 2 and 4 years of age. So the wife says, “why don’t you make us a table, honey?” I did. Bingo, the first Nilo® table was born. Shortly after its arrival, our friends started flocking over to our house to see this “table” in action. They couldn’t believe it. . . our kids and theirs were playing quietly around this multi-functional table. They watched as the children played in total peace and how our house stayed in order. WOW!
More friends, local day care centers and teachers suddenly started calling upon me to get one or more of our tables. I quit my real estate and finance career of 13 years and started playing with wood and toys for a living. Having obtained many orders for the 4th quarter of 1994, I ran out and bought machinery, leased industrial space and quickly ran into debt for the next few years, as is typical. We put everything on the line because we believed in what we had to offer.
We made the right decision. Our tables were being offered in many of the best catalogues and specialty toy stores in the world and continue to be. We continue to develop new products that meet our high standards and requirements of “Quality, Versatility and Value™”, products that hopefully exceed your expectations.
We know that our products are the best that money can buy. With nearly 30 years of experience designing, building and manufacturing play tables and accessories I am proud to announce our NEWEST table on the market, the Nilo Gamer Table. This adult gaming table will be just as high quality as our other childrens play tables that have been proven to last generations; just take a look at our reviews! – www.nilotoys.com
We’ve taken the time to come up with the most affordable game table on the market so that everyone can afford one.
Nile Ernst – Founder of Nilo Toys
Leigh Ernst – Play Table Inventor, Personal Vice President, mother of our three wonderful children, my best friend for life!
Marooners’ Rock: You already have an established business and product line available at your site. What made you decide to introduce this gaming table via Kickstarter?
Connor: The crowdfunding market has become very saturated in recent years with board games and products alike. That being said, we took the project to Kickstarter! We really like how crowdfunding allows people to contribute their ideas to make products that people will love even better.
Marooners’ Rock: There are many different gaming tables available on the market already. What makes your gaming table stand out from the others, aside from the cost difference?
Connor: Considering we’ve been making play tables and accessories for nearly 30 years, we’re definitely experienced with what it takes to make a solid table that will last generations.. literally. We’re also adding some awesome accessories like custom cup holders, card/dice holders, a dining topper, shelf/tray and more! We’re aiming at keeping all of our products at an extremely attractive price point so that anyone and everyone can have a great board gaming table.
Marooners’ Rock: Tell us more about the specifics of your new product. What are the materials being used? What are the dimensions of the table? Will you have different sizes available to accommodate bigger rooms or more people?
Connor: The dimensions of the tabletop surface is 32″ x 48″ and the height of the tabletop surface is about 29 1/2″. The frame is made of hardwood and the table will seat up to 6 people. We are considering having a stretch goal to make a larger table (possibly 4′ x 6′) depending on demand during the Kickstarter campaign.
Marooners’ Rock: Are there any options for customization, upgrades, or accessories through the Kickstarter? Do you plan to offer customization, upgrades, or accessories if the Kickstarter campaign is successful?
Connor: YES! We’re making all sorts of accessories as previously mentioned such as a custom cup holder, shelf/tray, card/dice holder, felt topper, spatial mat, dining topper and more! All accessories will be able to mount anywhere on the frame of the table for convenience. They will also be at an extremely attractive price point unlike others on the market. We’re making a roll out felt topper that will be included with the Nilo Gamer Table for $299 during the Kickstarter campaign. and it will go up to $349 when the campaign is over.
Marooners’ Rock: While I’ve been looking for a board game table, which can double as our dinner table. How many seats will fit around one of the units? Is there a possibility for it to be more than just a tabletop game table? For example: could it be disguised as a dining table?
Connor: The Nilo Gamer Table will seat 6 people as previously mentioned, but we may make a larger 4′ x 6′ table as well as a stretch goal during the campaign. We will have the dining topper and all accessories as stretch goals during the campaign. You can use the dining topper to cover board games that are on the table so that you can keep it all setup while you cover it and dine!
Marooners’ Rock: Where can our readers and those wanting to check out the Kickstarter find you?
