Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
If you love cheesy Western movies and want a fast, fun game, Deadwood Studios USA hits the mark.
Highlights
- Contagious humor
- Easy-to-learn mechanics
- Short playtime
Keep in mind
- Dice as only components
- Shallow strategic depth
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Deadwood Studios USA casts you as a hungry actor on a cheesy Western backlot. Your "character" is a six‑sided die; the exposed pip shows your rank in Hollywood's pecking order. Each round you wander the various sound stages, snapping up bit parts like "Crying Woman" or "Man Falling Off Roof." When you land a role you may choose to act – roll the die to meet the scene's target – or rehearse, banking a bonus that improves future rolls. Every success nets cash and fame, which can be spent at the Casting Office to swap your die for a higher‑status one, unlocking juicier parts such as "Stagecoach Driver" or the coveted "Rear End of Horse." The game ends after the final scenes are shot; then you add up money, fame and status points. The highest total crowns the star of Deadwood Studios. The mechanics blend area movement (the sets), dice rolling and hand management (the rehearsal bonuses). It's quick, light‑hearted and full of humor, perfect for groups that enjoy a relaxed game with a movie‑and‑Western theme. While simple, the decision to gamble on a roll now or save the bonus for later creates a strategic tension that keeps the play engaging until the very last cut.
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
OK
3
REC
4
REC
5
BEST
6
BEST
7
REC
8
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Cheapass Games, Truant Spiele
Designer
James Ernest, Rick Fish
Artist
Cheyenne Wright, Phil Foglio
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
1,936owners
83wishlist
10want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can play?
2 to 8 players.
What is the typical playing time?
About 60 minutes.
How complex is the game?
Low; the rules are simple and quick to grasp.
What components are included?
A board with sound stages, six‑sided dice, role cards, and money/fame tokens.
Who is the game best suited for?
Groups looking for a light, movie‑themed Western experience without heavy strategic demands.
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