New game ideas for Pocket Sports

Well we've got Basketball lined up for this first half of 2014.

There's always a struggle to have a dice game that appeals to the broad market (as in not having any particular history of boardgame preferences) and the forums like this where I come to get feedback from fellow designers.

There's always the issue of strategy vs all you do is roll the dice. That really is the market I'm aiming at. Roll, do, complete. The more 'depth' I try to add, push the broader market away, in my opinion.

It's about balance, and where we can fit into the market. I would suggest we fall under 'gifts' or 'novelty games'

I had our games in Gamer gaming store and they don't do well. Take them to an event with beer and sport and they hit the mark.

Anyway....I like the simplicity of rolling dice in hopes of the best result...so I'm going to briefly make some notes on the other games I have drafted up already.

1) Pocket Ice Hockey - there's a thread about that here and on BGG

2) Pocket Grid Iron - just started on this as the Superbowl was warming up. I think there can be some strategy (rock,scissors,paper type) for this one. Offense can secretly choose to RUN the ball, or PASS the ball. Defense then has to 'guess' which play to set their field to. Meters gained would be a dice roll......and that's the extent of my NFL knowledge!

3) Pocket Surfing - this is almost a mini game. On the rules would be a list of famous surf locations around the globe. You can either surf the tour solitaire play or go heads up with an opponent. This has a push-you-luck element. A dice roll determines the type of wave, that allows you to roll either or both of the surfing style dice, a low risk, low scoring dice or high risk, high scoring dice but chance to WIPEOUT. The goal is to try and score the most points on 3 waves.

4) Pocket Snowboarding - almost a clone of the above. Choice of locations with varying obstacles. Low/High risk riding styles......this would have been good to have ready for Sochi!

5) Pocket Rugby - I've got this half way done. Dice for particular positions, forward, centre, wing, playmaker. .The issues I'm having is trying to avoid a drawn field on the rules with a counter to move to indicate meters gained...I think if I can figure that out, it'll be a popular choice here in Far North Queensland

6) Pocket Baseball - this is almost ready to go. Pitcher, 2 batting dice (again low risk / high risk) and a fielding dice. I'm not that confident about the rules of baseball..so I'll need to get someone who knows the game to help me fine tune it.

Most of these have some kind of push your luck, risk vs reward mechanic, but simple enough to keep sports fans entertained too.

I'm always open to feedback so if you want to try one of these, let me know!