To some, board games can be a simple reprieve from the stress and constant connectedness of life. To Travis and Holly Hancock they’re more than that — board games are the magic behind their start-up, Facade Games, which has grossed over $1 million since they started it as a side hustle.

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Trophies takes only 5 to 15 minutes to complete and you can play with up to 30 people. Rodney Smith, the host of the YouTube channel "Watch It Played," told TODAY it's one of his favorites. "It’s ridiculously simple, which is also its charm," Smith told us.

Today.com

A strong brand name can create "buy-in" on the strength of its name alone. Arnold Schwarzennegger is an example of this. Friend: "Schwarzennegger has a new movie out." Me: "Cool, let's go see it!" Friend: "Don't you want to know what it's about?" Me: "Doesn't matter. It's Schwarzenneger! Let's go!" Facade Games is the only game publisher with a brand name strong enough for me to buy-in without even checking out the game first. Email: "Facade Games has a new Dark Cities game coming out." Me: "I'm getting one! Hmmm... Now that I've backed it, let's see what I'm getting..."

Chad McCoy

I have to say I love Facade Games. The style of the Game box is very imaginative and cool. It looks like a book. The game play for the two games I own Salem and Tortuga is very fun. Check them out. The game and the storage box are in the picture. Great story behind the company too.

Jim B.

Who doesn't dream of being the Captain of the Flying Dutchman or Jolly Roger? More, who doesn't dream of leading a mutiny and marooning a captain on a deserted island? We always have fun with this game, and it's a great one to add a little more depth and complexity if you're a fan of social deduction games. You can play with all ages, something we appreciate with all the kids in our lives, but it isn't so tame or childish that it doesn't appeal to the big kids.

Hexagamers

I love the antique book that your games come in, too, and the historical flavor you've put in the rulebook is awesome. Great quality components, top-notch artwork, and incredible overall presentation. Just a fabulous effort all around!

Chad M.

I cannot begin to describe how much I love your games. So compact and Inspired in every way. Thank you for creating them.

Ramesh T.

Your games are innovative, intelligent, and each unique in quality. We were lucky that friends introduced us to Salem and Tortuga and happy to get in on backing Deadwood. Can’t wait to see what is next in store and can’t wait to keep playing your games. And backing new ones!

Steph T.

I'll be a lifetime backer of your games! We are currently constructing a game closet with a secret bookshelf door, and since your games resemble books, they are ideal to place on the bookshelf to add to the secret door fun! Anyways, I just wanted to thank you guys for making such high quality, fun games that look great and play great!

Jonathan C.

We’ve been backing all of your games on Kickstarter and own a copy of every game you guys have put out. I’d say we’re your biggest fans but I’m a little biased :) We’re on our second copy of Salem since we’ve worn the original copy out from playing it so much and soon are going to need a third lol! Thank you guys for making such great games, it brings our family and friends together and gets us looking forward to something in these rough times. We can’t wait to see what games you put out in the future!

Julianna M.

Local couple has real success creating board games based on deception. “I still get surprised when people ask what we do and I get to say, ‘We make board games,’” said Holly Hancock.

Columbus Dispatch