Blue Octopus Games
Blue Octopus Games is a small, independent board game company run by Andrew and Kirsten Butler, a husband-and-wife team who believe games are one of the best ways to bring people together—whether it’s through laughter, strategy, or even a little friendly chaos.
What makes up a Blue Octopus game?
Blue Octopus Games are fun, easy to get into, and full of personality. Their goal is simple: to create experiences that make people feel connected. Whether you're yelling across the table, plotting a sneaky move, or laughing at a ridiculous turn of events, They want their games to spark moments that matter.
"My love for board games began long before I met Kirsten, but our shared passion truly ignited once we started creating games together. I spend most of my time diving into rule design and game mechanics, always striving to craft experiences that are as engaging and fun as possible. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our ideas come to life and to share them with others. I’m excited to continue this journey and bring more creative games to the world!"
"My journey in the board game world began when I worked at a small game store called 'Great White' during high school. It was there that my love for games deepened, and I introduced this passion to Andrew. As a co-founder, I focus on the artwork and marketing aspects of our games, pouring my creativity into every design. Seeing our concepts come to life and sharing them with fellow gamers is incredibly fulfilling, and I can’t wait to continue this adventure!"
Before Blue Octopus Games existed, “Blue Octopus” was Kirsten's personal artist tag—a nod to her aunt, a lifelong inspiration whose own artist name is “Green Chicken.” She wanted something equally quirky and full of joy. It stuck, and when they started making games, it felt like the perfect fit: creative, curious, and a little unexpected.
Where it all began
It all started on a coffee table in the basement of Andrew's parent's home. While playing a card game together, they kept running into moments that just didn’t feel right—rules that didn’t quite work, components that felt clunky, or mechanics that needed a tweak. Andrew couldn’t help but start redesigning things on the spot. What began as house rules turned into full-on game ideas.
Before long, they were making their own pieces instead of borrowing bits from other games. They got a 3D printer and an iPad and started drawing custom art. Andrew dove into game mechanics and balancing. What started as casual creativity quickly became something bigger—and Blue Octopus Games was born.
Where it's all going
Blue Octopus Games led the charge - Andrew and Kirsten launched a Kickstarter for their debut game, Octopush. Upon its success, they forged Blue Octopus Games and became and indie publishing company. They leapt forward into their next game, Jounce, and after another successful Kickstarter they forged a partnership with Sodalite Games. Their visions aligned perfectly - Sodalite Games can publish their games just as they are, and Blue Octopus Games can focus their efforts on what they do best: making games that spark joy (but around here, we say 'delight').